초록 ▼

The present invention provides a plant growing unit which is generally flexible and comprises upper and lower compartments formed of flexible polyethylene or other plastics materials. The flexible upper compartment constitutes a plant root-ball container open for upward growth of a plant when placed

The present invention provides a plant growing unit which is generally flexible and comprises upper and lower compartments formed of flexible polyethylene or other plastics materials. The flexible upper compartment constitutes a plant root-ball container open for upward growth of a plant when placed in the container, while the flexible lower compartment constitutes a reservoir for water optionally containing added fertilizer nutrients or other dissolved materials. Level restricting means, such as at least one aperture in the walls of the lower compartment, is provided for establishing a maximum level of water in the reservoir which in use of the unit results in an air space between the water level and the root-ball of a plant when in the container. The unit also has one or more openings between the upper and lower compartments allowing root growth from the container to the reservoir.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for growing plants utilizing a plant growing system constructed from a sheet of flexible plastic material folded to provide opposite walls and said opposite walls being secured along a longitudinal division to form elongated upper and lower compartments, said upper compartment having an elo

A method for growing plants utilizing a plant growing system constructed from a sheet of flexible plastic material folded to provide opposite walls and said opposite walls being secured along a longitudinal division to form elongated upper and lower compartments, said upper compartment having an elongated top portion and constituting a multiple plant root-ball container open along said top portion for upward growth of multiple plants in said container, and said lower compartment constituting a reservoir for water, said lower compartment having level restricting means for establishing a maximum level of water in the reservoir, and means including a water carrier of flexible capillary material secured along said longitudinal division and leaving openings from said container to said reservoir in said lower compartment, said water carrier extending between said upper and lower compartments, said method comprising the steps of: placing multiple plants in a row in said upper compartment providing said container of said system; supporting said sheet of flexible plastic material by an elongated member extending along the elongated top portion of said upper compartment so that said upper and lower compartments hang below said supported portion; introducing water into said container onto plants therein and draining the water through said openings into said lower compartment providing a reservoir; establishing a maximum level of water in said reservoir by said level restricting means and producing an air space between said water level and the root-balls of said plants in said container bridged by said water carrier; venting said air space; supplying air and water to the root-balls of said plants in said container from said vented air space and said reservoir in said lower compartment through said openings and said water carrier for growing the plants; and replenishing the water in said lower compartment by introducing water into said container onto plants therein and draining water from said container through said openings to maintain a reservoir of water and a vented air space above the water level for supply of air and water to the root-balls of said plants in said container.