| 摘要 |
A container gardening system having resilient foamed polymer members (200) for the insertion of plants, wicks (140) and or growing plugs therethrough and having substantially rigid and generally hollow root growth chambers (400). The foamed polymer members (200) are used to support plants (P) and or to cover and substantially seal the root growth chamber (400). The foamed polymer portions (200) detachably interlock with the root growth chamber (400) to hold the foam (200) in place adjacent the root growth chamber (400). The foamed portion (200) being strong enough to be capable of suspending plants (P) and or portions of plants as needed. Preferably the foamed polymer portion (200) is comprised of a closed cell foam thus providing a barrier substantially impervious to foreign matter. The foamed plant support member (200) can be pre-cut to accommodate the insertion of plants (P) and or grow plugs (100) and to mate with a specific sized root growth chamber (400). Also the foamed plant support (200) is easily cut by the end usser with a knife, scissors or razor blade for example in order to accommodate the passage of growing plugs (100) and or plant portions in any desired location therethrough or to fit the foamed plant support (200) into other sized root growth chambers. Foamed plant support members (200) may further comprise perforated tear lines (213) to facilitate altering the shape of the member without the use of tools, and or to facilitate insertion of objects therethrough. These systems may also utilize specially shaped grow plugs (100, 120, 130) and or wicks (140) to further enhance the environment for a plant (P). Foamed polymer plant support members (200) can be pre-seeded or pre-planted or they can be provided blank to be planted or otherwise modified by the end user. A wide variety of hydroponic growing techniques can be employed with these systems including nutrient film technique, aeroponics, static deep flow, aerated deep flow techniques and deep and flow techniques to name a few. The systems may be used without any growing medium, a minor amount of growing medium as with the use of grow plugs (100, 120, 130), or a growing medium may be used if desired. The systems may be self-contained or multiple units may be joined together and to external plumbing systems. These systems and or components of these systems can also be used as carriers to transport plants through marketing and distribution channels. The systems are suited for use either indoors or outdoors, for home, hobby, academic, research and development and or commercial uses. |
