Plant husbandry – Receptacle for growing medium
Patent
1995-07-05
1998-02-10
Melius, Terry Lee
Plant husbandry
Receptacle for growing medium
47 658, 47 82, A01G 902
Patent
active
057156298
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present application relates to an apparatus for the cultivation of plants, and particularly to an apparatus suitable for domestic use, e.g. for ornamental plants.
BACKGROUND ART
It is known to grow plants in pots and in hanging baskets. Both arrangements have disadvantages. Pots take up valuable surface space with the plants themselves contributing to the space occupancy. Only a limited number of different types of plants can be grown together because of their different needs.
Trailing plants cannot be grown to their full potential because the lengths they can trail down is limited to the height from the top of the pot to the top of the surface the pot is standing upon.
Plants that enjoy wet roots (having their roots in very wet soil) and those favouring dry soil cannot be planted in the same pot. As a result there is a limit to the mix of plants.
Even a large pot provides only a small area for plants.
Hanging baskets share most of these drawbacks. It may be possible for plants to be planted in the sides but again space is very limited and the mix of plants is restricted to those having growing conditions in common. Much water is lost by evaporation.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
According to the present invention there is provided a plant cultivation apparatus comprising means for supporting and suspending a vertically-extending column of plant growth medium, said means comprising a tubular bag structure having a cylindrical wall of flexible web material, a water-retaining dish at the bottom of the bag structure, and means for suspending the bag structure; whereby the tubular bag structure can be filled with plant growth medium and suspended; and openings can be provided in the cylindrical wall so that plants can grow in the medium and extend outwardly through the wall.
Preferably the cylindrical wall has a plurality of layers. Preferably its inner surface is rough to discourage a downward flow of water from clinging to it. An inner layer may be of mesh or net material. Preferably there is at least one layer of impermeable material, thus substantially preventing evaporation of water through the wall.
When using an embodiment of the invention to grow plants, no surface space is needed. Access may be made for the use of all the soil throughout the column.
Upright, bushy and trailing plants can be planted in the same container irrespective of whether one enjoys wet roots or dry roots, allowing for a far greater variety of plants to be grown. Moisture-loving plants can be planted in the lower part, and ones preferring drier conditions towards the top.
Further, a greater surface area is provided than the average pot planter.
Plants with a long root structure can be accommodated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Some embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a view of a first embodiment of the invention, suspended for use;
FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are views of three bags included in the first embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a view of a second embodiment, suspended for use; and
FIG. 6 is schematic axial section on a larger scale showing the construction of the second embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The first embodiment 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 includes three cylindrical bags which, in use, are fitted one inside another. The inner bag 12 is of mesh material, suitably a polypropylene woven mesh, e.g. as used for sacks of vegetables. (This is an open mesh, or net, with apertures clearly visible between the warp and weft threads.) The intermediate bag 14 is of plastics film and is thus impermeable but easily cut. It has a porous lower region 16, e.g. produced by perforation.
The outer bag 18 is of cloth. It has large openings 19 distributed over its cylindrical wall surface, and two pairs of symmetrically distributed small holes 21 near the top. A tray or dish 22 receives the lower end region of the assembly of bags.
To produce the assembly as shown in FIG. 1, the mesh bag 12 is placed in the film bag 14. A
REFERENCES:
patent: 5381625 (1995-01-01), Wente
Downs Joanne C.
Melius Terry Lee
The Foxmoor Flower Tower Company Limited
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