U.S. patent application number 13/079229 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-16 for starter tray and planting and method using a tray.
The applicant listed for this patent is Alan VanWingerden. Invention is credited to Alan VanWingerden.
Application Number | 20130118071 13/079229 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44022114 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130118071 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
VanWingerden; Alan |
May 16, 2013 |
STARTER TRAY AND PLANTING AND METHOD USING A TRAY
Abstract
A plurality of plants of at least one species are planted in
starter soil contained in a starter tray. The tray can have a
perforated floor with a plurality of reinforcing ribs and one or
more walls rising from the floor peripherally. The plants are
nurtured in the starter tray long enough to develop entangled roots
with an interplant root entanglement that at least partially
consolidates the starter soil.
Inventors: |
VanWingerden; Alan; (Pompton
Plains, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
VanWingerden; Alan |
Pompton Plains |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44022114 |
Appl. No.: |
13/079229 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11688069 |
Mar 19, 2007 |
7946078 |
|
|
13079229 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
47/66.7 ;
47/65.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01G 9/021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
47/66.7 ;
47/65.5 |
International
Class: |
A01G 9/02 20060101
A01G009/02 |
Claims
1. A method employing a starter tray with a floor and one or more
side walls extending from said floor in an outward direction, the
method comprising the steps of: placing starter soil in said
starter tray upon said floor and encompassed by said one or more
side walls; planting a plurality of plants of different species in
the starter soil, said planting being performed by centering a
first one of said plurality of plants in said starter tray and
planting around said first one a group from said plurality of
plants whose species differ from said first one; nurturing said
plants in said starter tray long enough for said plants to develop
entangled roots with an interplant root entanglement that at least
partially consolidates the starter soil; dislodging as a unit in
the outward direction relative to said floor and said side walls of
said starter tray said starter soil with said entangled roots, said
dislodging being performed before said plurality of plants have
fully matured but after said entangled roots have reached the floor
of the starter tray and have consolidated the starter soil to allow
dislodging by a single person without crumbling of said starter
soil and said entangled roots; and transplanting said starter soil
with said entangled roots by lowering as a unit down into a
transplant site without the starter tray.
2-17. (canceled)
18. A planting comprising: a starter tray having a floor with at
least one drainage hole; starter soil placed in said starter tray;
and a plurality of less than fully matured plants of at least one
species grown in the starter soil long enough for said plants to
develop entangled roots reaching to the floor of said tray with
interplant root entanglement in said starter soil that at least
partially consolidates the starter soil, said tray being open on
top to allow immediate dislodging of said soil and entangled roots
outwardly from the floor of said tray through said open top without
breaking apart, consolidation caused by said root entanglement
holding said starter soil together to enable the starter soil to be
dislodged from said starter tray and depart through said open top
without breaking apart.
19. A planting according to claim 18 wherein the starter soil has a
depth that creates biological pressure among said plurality of
plants that causes interplant root entanglement before all of the
plurality of plants can fully mature.
20. A planting according to claim 19 wherein the starter soil has a
depth that creates biological pressure among said plurality of
plants to cause interplant root entanglement before all of the
plurality of plants can fully blossom.
21. A planting according to claim 18 wherein the plurality of
plants have an interplant spacing that causes interplant root
entanglement before all of the plurality of plants can fully
mature.
22. A planting according to claim 18 wherein the plurality of
plants comprise different species.
23. A planting according to claim 22 wherein a first one of said
plurality of plants is centered in said starter tray and planted
around said first one is a group from said plurality of plants
whose species differ from said first one.
24. A planting according to claim 18 wherein the starter tray has a
split annular cavity for holding said soil as a split annulus.
25. A plant starter tray for growing a plurality of plants,
comprising: a perforated floor with a plurality of reinforcing
ribs; and one or more walls rising from said floor peripherally to
a predetermined height and enclosing a multi-plant floor space
large enough to support multiple plants without barriers to impede
interplant root entanglement.
26. A plant starter tray according to claim 25 wherein the
predetermined height is sized to create biological pressure among
the plurality of plants that causes interplant root entanglement
before all of the plurality of plants can fully blossom and
mature.
27. A plant starter tray according to claim 25 wherein the starter
tray has a central boss and a divider extending from said boss to
said one or more walls to form a split annular cavity for holding
said plurality of plants.
28. A plant starter tray according to claim 25 wherein said ribs
have an inverted U-shaped cross-section.
29. (canceled)
30. A plant starter tray according to claim 25 wherein the starter
tray has a central boss to form an annular cavity for holding said
plurality of plants.
31. A planting according to claim 18 wherein the starter tray has a
plurality of recesses in a planar surface, said plurality of plants
being iterated to occupy separately each of the plurality of
recesses and to develop in each of the recesses entangled roots
with interplant root entanglement that at least partially
consolidates there the starter soil.
32. A planting according to claim 31 wherein the plurality of
plants in each of the recesses comprise different species.
33. A planting according to claim 18 wherein said plurality of
plants has an interplant spacing of 1.3 cm to 7.6 cm.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to horticultural products,
methods and accessories.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] A variety of flowering and non-flowering plants may be
purchased at a nursery for transplanting at various locations.
These plants are typically grown in individual containers and sold
as the plants are about to bloom.
[0005] Some communities have a beautification program where plants
are transplanted into containers permanently located throughout the
community. It is necessary to have a professional with considerable
skill and experience to transplant individual plants in order to
create aesthetically pleasing arrangements. Of course, sending a
skilled professional to the transplant site adds greatly to the
field cost. This cost can become prohibitive for ordinary
homeowners that want to create attractive plantings forming
arrangements in gardens or plant containers around their
property.
[0006] In addition, since the plants are each grown in their own
individual containers, the transplanting operation takes a
significant amount of time. Typical displays are formed of numerous
plants with individual holes being dug for each plant. An
individual plant is then removed from a flat and placed in the
associated hole. Soil is then placed in the hole to fill in the
area between the plug of roots and the surrounding soil. This
process is repeated for each plant, which in some cases, may
require the transplanting operation to be repeated tens or hundreds
of times depending on the desired size of the display.
[0007] When the plants need to be replaced, either because they are
no longer in bloom or a change in season dictates replacement, each
plant must be individually removed and replaced. This also requires
a significant amount of time and labor by a skilled
professional.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with the illustrative embodiments
demonstrating features and advantages of the present invention,
there is provided a method employing a starter tray. The method
includes the step of placing starter soil in the starter tray.
Another step is planting a plurality of plants of at least one
species in the starter soil. The method also includes the step of
nurturing the plants in the starter tray long enough for the plants
to develop entangled roots with an interplant root entanglement
that at least partially consolidates the starter soil.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the invention a
planting is provided. The planting has a starter tray with at least
one drainage hole. Also included is starter soil that is placed in
the starter tray. A planting also includes a plurality of plants of
at least one species grown in the starter soil long enough for the
plants to develop entangled roots with interplant root entanglement
that at least partially consolidates the starter soil.
[0010] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a
plant starter tray is provided for growing a plurality of plants.
The plant started tray has a perforated floor with a plurality of
reinforcing ribs. Also included is one or more walls rising from
the floor peripherally to a predetermined height and enclosing a
multi-plant floor space large enough to support multiple plants
without barriers to impede interplant root entanglement.
[0011] Accordingly, a plant starter tray may be used to grow an
aesthetically pleasing arrangement of flowering and non-flowering
plants that may be easily transplanted by a person with little or
no skill or experience in plant layout and design. Various shapes
and sizes of plant starter trays may be used depending on the
desired type of display.
[0012] In one method utilizing a circular plant starter tray, a
person skilled and experienced in plant layout places starter soil
and a variety seeds and cuttings in the plant starter tray to
produce an aesthetically pleasing display when grown. Over time,
the roots of the plants entangle in the shallow tray as they grow
thereby forming a plug of entangled roots and soil. When the plants
are about to bloom or are just beginning to bloom and the plug has
sufficiently consolidated, the plant starter tray and its contents
are put on display for sale or taken to a location for
transplanting.
[0013] In one application, the plants grown in circular plant
starter trays are transplanted into barrels, urns or other plant
containers placed in various locations around a community as part
of a beautification program. A number of plant starter trays having
an aesthetically pleasing mix of flowering and non-flowering plants
are loaded into racks for vehicular transport.
[0014] An ordinary laborer at the transplanting site can transplant
the contents of one plant starter tray to a barrel filled with
starter soil that is soaked with water. The plant and plug of
entangled roots and soil is then removed from the plant starter
tray and placed in the barrel. The plug may be laid directly on top
of the soil in the barrel, although in some cases, the soil in the
barrel may be formed into a depression to accept the plug.
[0015] An additional benefit of this scheme is that the foregoing
planting can be easily replaced. When replacement is desired,
either because the original planning is no longer in bloom or
because a change of season dictates replacement, the plantings are
easily removed by grasping them by the stems and pulling upward.
The plug of entangled roots and soil typically comes out as a unit.
The method of transplanting a new planting may proceed as just
described.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above brief description as well as other objects,
features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully
appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of
presently preferred but nonetheless illustrative embodiments in
accordance with the present invention when taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the starter tray in
accordance with principles of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the tray of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the tray of FIG. 2 taken
along line 3-3;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the tray of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the tray that is an
alternate to that of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the tray of FIG. 5;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the tray of FIG. 6 taken
along line 7-7;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the tray of FIG. 1 just
after a plug comprising soil and entangled roots has been removed
is about to be transplanted into a plant container;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a tray that is an alternate
to that of FIG. 1; and
[0026] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a portion of the handle of
FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a circular plant starter tray 10 has
a floor 12 with a plurality of optional reinforcing ribs 20A
through 20G. Each of the ribs 20A through 20G is interrupted by one
or more breaches; namely, breaches 21A through 21G. Breaches 21A
through 21G form valleys with banks that slope down from the top of
each rib to the bottom level of the floor 12. Ribs 20A, 20C, 20E,
and 20G are each formed having a single breach 21A, 21C, 21E, and
21G, respectively. Ribs 20B, 20D, and 20F are each formed having a
pair of breaches 21B, 21D, and 21F, respectively.
[0028] Each of the ribs 20A through 20G have an inverted U-shaped
cross section presenting a relatively flat plateau above two
opposing sheer faces. Ribs 20A through 20G are shell-like and have
a uniform thickness approximately equal to that of the floor 12.
Ribs 20A through 20G are designed to provide a desired stiffness
and strength to the plant starter tray 10. Each of the ribs 20A
through 20G have a uniform height for the non-interrupted lengths
of each rib segment.
[0029] While ribs 20A through 20G may have an inverted U-shaped
cross section giving the ribs a substantially rectangular shape, in
other embodiments the ribs may have any one of numerous cross
sections (for example, triangular or semicircular).
[0030] Floor 12 has numerous drainage holes 22 formed in breaches
21A through 21G. Each of the drainage holes 22 are elongated slots
formed in the sections of floor 12 at the bottom of breaches 21A
through 21G and extend slightly up the opposite slopes of the
breaches, although holes with different shapes at different
locations may be employed instead. Holes 22 in floor 12 provide a
path for excess water to drain from soil that may be placed in the
tray 10 while retaining that soil in the tray.
[0031] Annular wall 14 extends upward to a predetermined height
from the perimeter of floor 12 substantially perpendicularly, but
with a rounded corner and a small draft. The top of the wall panel
14 is rolled to form a flat ledge 16 with a dependent apron 18
extending downwardly at a small diverging angle. Ledge 16 and apron
18 stiffens and strengthens the rim of wall 14.
[0032] Plant starter tray 10 has an approximate diameter of 11
inches (28 cm) and an approximate height of 3 inches (7.6 cm) but
trays are anticipated with diameters (or overall widths) in the
range of 4 to 24 inches (10 to 61 cm) and heights in the range of 2
to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2 cm). The dimensions should be chosen to
produce a shallow growth tray for reasons to be described
presently.
[0033] Plant starter tray 10 is made of biodegradable material such
as compressed compost, pressed peat, or cardboard. Alternatively,
tray 10 may be injection molded plastic forming a thin, low cost,
disposable tray. In addition, tray 10 may be formed using other
material, such as sheet metal, clay, etc. Tray 10 has a shell-like
structure and is designed so that empty trays can be nested and
stacked.
[0034] Plant starter tray 10 was previously described as circular
but may have other outlines, such as outlines that are square,
rectangular, polygonal, lunate, oval, elliptical, etc.
[0035] FIG. 3 shows an optional carrying handle in the form of a
plastic strap 80A. A clip 82 in the form of plastic strip is
attached at each end of strap 80A. The outer end of clip 82 is
formed into a J-shaped hook that connects through rectangular
bridge 86 to a tapered blade 88. Blade 88 is built of flat plastic
with a slight longitudinal crease 90 along its distal half. Crease
90 creates a valley with an oblique angle that provides additional
rigidity for blade 88 when it is pressed into soil 52.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, blade 88 of clip 82 can be inserted
flush against the inside surface of wall 14. The tapering all blade
88 facilitates soil insertion while the oblique crease 90 gives the
blade additional rigidity. Hook 84 rides over apron 18, eventually
hooking under the apron as shown on the left in FIG. 3. When
clipped on opposite sides, handle 80 becomes a useful mechanism for
carrying tray 10 when filled with a planting as described
hereinafter.
[0037] Referring to the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-7,
a split ring plant starter tray 30 is shown as a shell-like
structure having a circular outline. Rising from circular floor 32
are a plurality of optional stiffening ribs 40A through 40G, wall
46, and a central boss 44 in the form of a concentric hollow
cylinder. Wall 46 is a hollow double walled divider with an
inverted U-shaped cross-section.
[0038] Each of the ribs 40A through 40G is composed of numerous
segments interrupted by breaches 41A through 41G. Ribs 40A, 400,
and 40G are each formed having two segments. Ribs 40B and 40F are
each formed having three segments. Ribs 40C and 40E are each formed
having four segments with segmenting caused by breaches 41C,
breaches 41E, and the interruption caused by cylinder 44. Each of
the ribs 40A through 40G have an inverted U-shaped cross section
with a uniform height for the non-interrupted lengths of each rib
segment. Ribs 40A through 40G have a thickness approximately equal
to the thickness of floor 32.
[0039] Breaches 41A through 41G have beveled banks that slope down
from the top of each rib segment to the bottom level of floor
32.
[0040] Floor 32 has numerous drainage holes 42 formed at breaches
41A through 41G. Each of the drainage holes 42 are elongated slots
formed in the sections of floor 32 at the bottom of breaches 41A
through 41G and extend slightly up the sloped banks of the
breach.
[0041] Floor 32, wall panel 34, ledge 36, apron 38, concentric
hollow cylinder 44, and dividing wall 46 are formed as one integral
shell in the following manner: Annular wall 34 extends upward from
the perimeter of floor 32 from a rounded corner with a slight
draft. The top of the wall 34 is rolled to form a ledge 36. The
outer perimeter of ledge 36 merges into a apron 38, that extends
downward with a slight draft.
[0042] Concentric hollow cylinder 44 extends vertically from floor
32 to a height approximately equal to that of ledge 36 and dividing
wall 46. Dividing wall 46 has an inverted U-shaped cross section
and extends radially from concentric hollow cylinder 44 to wall 34,
which thereby encloses a split annular cavity. Concentric hollow
cylinder 44 and dividing wall 46 have a thickness approximately
equal to the that of floor 32.
[0043] The diameter and height of split ring plant starter tray 30
as shown in FIGS. 5-7 are similar to those described for plant
starter tray 10. In addition, the method and materials for
constructing split ring plant starter tray 30 are similar as well.
The concentric hollow cylinder 44 as shown in FIGS. 5-7 has an
approximate diameter of 3 inches (7.6 cm) but may be dimensioned
differently in other embodiments depending upon the intended use,
such use being described hereinafter.
[0044] To facilitate an understanding of the principles associated
with the foregoing apparatus, its operation will be briefly
described in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 and 8. A
worker at a nursery experienced in plant layout fills plant starter
tray with a starter soil such as peat or vermiculite. A fertilizer
may be added into the starter soil in some cases.
[0045] A mix of seeds (not shown) and/or cuttings (not shown) are
selected and then placed in the soil 52 so that they will
eventually grow and produce an aesthetically pleasing arrangement.
It will be appreciated that for FIG. 8, soil 52 was originally in
tray 10 but was just removed in preparation for transplanting.
[0046] For this example, a mix of cuttings and seeds are placed in
soil 52 (while still in tray 10) in order to eventually mature into
blossoming plants and non-blossoming plants. The seeds and cuttings
are planted with an interplant spacing that will cause interplant
root entanglement before all of the plants can fully mature and
before the plants fully blossom. The proper interplant spacing
depends on numerous factors such as plant species and soil
depth.
[0047] For embodiments where handle 80 of FIG. 3 is employed, that
handle may be now be clipped into place (although handle attachment
can be deferred until the time to transport arrives).
[0048] The contents of plant starter tray 10 is then watered until
soil 52 is saturated. Breaches 21A through 21G allow the water to
travel across ribs 20A-20G to different areas of plant starter tray
10. Excess water will drain from plant starter tray 10 through
drainage holes 22.
[0049] Plant starter tray 10 is then nurtured by regular and
appropriate watering, exposure to sunlight, etc. The length of time
required for the seeds and/or cuttings to grow depends on several
factors including the species of the plant, the ambient
temperature, presence of fertilizer, and other environmental
factors at the chosen location (which may be, for example, a
greenhouse).
[0050] The cuttings and seeds placed in soil 52 may be arranged so
that they will grow into a tall non-flowering plant 56 (for
example, a grass) surrounded by a low ring of blossoming and
non-blossoming plants 58 thereby producing an aesthetically
pleasing display. Another example is to plant a variety of seeds
that will produce numerous flowers with colors that complement each
other. Yet another example is to plant several varieties of plants
with the same watering and sunlight requirements to help ensure
that the plants thrive, when treated consistently. Yet another
example is to first plant one species of plant in the center of the
tray surrounded by a group of plants of a different species than
the first plant. The seeds or cuttings placed in the plant starter
tray 10 typically consist of two to four different plant species
but alternatively a single plant species or more than four plant
species may be placed in plant starter tray 10. Any variety of
plant may be grown in the plant starter tray 10.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 8, after a given amount of time, the seeds
and or cuttings begin to grow (in tray 10), producing
non-blossoming plants 56 and blossoming plants 58. The roots 54
grow into soil 52 and eventually reach floor 12 and wall 14 of
plant starter tray 10.
[0052] The portion of the non-blossoming plants 56 and blossoming
plants 58 growing above the surface of the soil 52 grow into the
intended, aesthetically pleasing arrangement.
[0053] A shallow plant starter tray 10 having a predetermined
height encloses a multi-plant floor space large enough to support
multiple plants without barriers to impede interplant root
entanglement. This tray 10 provides multiple benefits. First, a
shallow growth tray limited to a predetermined height and
correlatively limited soil depth confines the roots 54 of multiple
plants and causes the roots to rapidly entangle with each other.
When the roots 54 entangle they produce interplant root
entanglement that eventually consolidates soil 52 at least
partially.
[0054] In addition to the formation of consolidated plug 54/52, the
shallow plant starter tray 10 and correlatively shallow soil depth
creates biological pressure so that when plug 54/52 is transplanted
the roots 54 will quickly grow beyond the original planting medium,
soil 54, and into soil of the transplant site. In addition,
excessive moisture can damage the roots of plants. A shallow tray
allows saturated soil to drain thereby minimizing the chance of
moisture damage or rot. In addition, a cycling of wet and dry soil
is healthy for the plants. Moreover, shallow starting trays are
easy to stack on racks for transportation of plants.
[0055] After the non-blossoming plants 56 and blossoming plants 58
have grown a substantial amount they are periodically checked to
determine if a consolidated plug 54/52 has formed in plant starter
tray 10. This may be done by inserting a small shovel (not shown)
between soil 52 and wall 14 and then prying soil 52 slightly from
plant starter tray 10. If soil 52 and roots 54 hold the form set by
the plant starter tray 10 when lifted, then plug 54/52 has
sufficient interplant root entanglement. It is unnecessary to
consolidate plug 54/52 so thoroughly that none of the soil 52 falls
away when lifted or pried. The consolidation must simply, be enough
to allow easy transplanting without the plug 52/54 crumbling or
breaking apart.
[0056] The amount of time required for plug 54/52 to form may also
be known from experience in which case plants 56 and 58 would be
left in the starter trays until the proper amount of time for
growth has transpired. In this case the plug 52/54 will simply be
brought to a transplant site untested. In some cases a
horticulturalist will determine that the plug 54/52 has
consolidated sufficiently based on the maturity of the plant or the
imminence of blossoming. For many applications the plant
arrangement will be considered ready (and plug consolidation
adequate) when the plants have an appearance indicating that the
plants have reached a predetermined stage of development but have
either (a) not fully matured, or (b) for blossoming plants, not
fully blossomed. For many situations, the plant arrangement is most
salable when it is still immature so that after transplanting it
develops further and generates many new blossoms.
[0057] Several factors affect how quickly interplant root
entanglement proceeds to a point where the soil 52 and roots.54 are
sufficiently consolidated that transplanting is easily accomplished
without the plug 52/54 crumbling or falling apart. Decreasing the
interplant spacing or decreasing the depth of soil 52 will hasten
interplant root entanglement. Also, selecting fast growing (slow
growing) species will hasten (retard) interplant root entanglement.
The grower will typically want to achieve this consolidation
through interplant root entanglement sometime before of the plants
56 and 58 have fully matured and fully blossomed. The plants 56 and
58 in tray 10 will be most salable when they are relatively young
and are just beginning to blossom, so that after transplanting
continued growth and blossoming will occur. For many species of
plants, a soil depth of 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) with an average
plant to plant spacing of 0.5 to 3 inches (1.3 to 7.6 cm) will
achieve satisfactory (transplantable) consolidation of plug 52/54
at a time when plants 56 and 58 are salable as noted above (plants
relatively young and just starting to blossom).
[0058] After plug 54/52 has formed and non-blossoming plants 56 are
established and blossoming plants 58 are just beginning to bloom
the plants are ready to be transplanted. Plant starter tray 10 and
its contents may then be put on display for sale or shipped to a
site for transplanting. For the present example, it will be assumed
that a landscaper purchases a number of the plant starter trays 10
containing a mixture of plants 56 and 58 that are ready for
transplanting.
[0059] A benefit of this method is that a specialist experienced in
plant layout and the starting of plants from seeds or cuttings can
operate at a nursery while the transplanting task can be assigned
to someone with different skills. Since the personnel at the
nursery can focus on their specialty, they will tend to grow into
an aesthetically pleasing arrangement that can be transplanted by
someone with little aesthetic sense. This can be especially
important where the person doing the transplanting is an unskilled,
ordinary homeowner.
[0060] Many communities have beautification programs in which
plants are seasonally transplanted into numerous plant containers
70 (FIG. 8), such as urns or barrels. For the present example it
will be assumed that a landscaper's assistant intends to plant the
contents of several plant starter trays 10 in several plant
containers 70 containing starter soil 72 distributed at various
locations around a particular community.
[0061] After arriving at the transplant site where container 70 has
been placed, plant starting tray 10 may be pushed into the starter
soil 72 in container 70 and turned from to create a slight
depression 72A in starter soil 72. Alternatively, a digging
implement (not shown) may be used to create a shallow hole sized to
receive the contents of plant starter tray 10. Another alternative
is to not create a depression or hole at all but leave the surface
of the starter soil as is, that is, level. If handle 80 of FIG. 3
was previously installed, both ends of that handle may now be
removed by pulling hook 84 off apron 18 and discarding the
handle.
[0062] Plug 54/52 is then removed from plant starter tray 10 by
holding plant starter tray 10 in one hand and placing the other
hand on the top of soil 52 so that stems 66,68 of plants 56 and 58
extend through the spaces between the fingers. Plant starter tray
10 and its contents are then inverted and plant starter tray 10 is
lifted off plug 54/52. Plug 54/52 is then righted and laid on the
surface of the starter soil 72, depression 72A or other hole that
may exist in starter soil 72. Additional starter soil (not shown)
may then be used to fill in edges around plug 54/52 if desired,
although such fill is not strictly necessary.
[0063] The plug 52/54 and the starter soil 72 in container 70 is
then watered. It is especially important to wet starter soil 72 to
prevent it from wicking the moisture out of the starter soil 52 of
plug 54/52.
[0064] Once transplanted, roots 54 are no longer restricted by
bottom panel 12 or wall 14 of plant starter tray 10 and pent-up
biological pressure cases them to grow rapidly into the starter
soil 72 in container 70.
[0065] Container 70 now contains an aesthetically pleasing
arrangement of flowers and plants designed by a person experienced
in plant layout and transplanted by a person who may not have such
skill. Accordingly, the methods previously described allow
inexperienced people such as unskilled laborers or ordinary
homeowners to easily transplant aesthetically pleasing arrangements
of plants and flowers that are either starting to bloom or in full
bloom, thereby producing coordinated displays giving great
satisfaction with a minimal amount of knowledge and work.
[0066] It may be desirable to replace the plug 54/52 located in
container 70 either because flowering plants 58 are no longer in
bloom or a change in season dictates replacement. Then, the plug
54/52 is easily removed and replaced in the following manner: The
stems 66,68 of plants 56 and 58 are grasped and pulled upward. Plug
54/52 will typically come out in one piece similar in size to when
it was transplanted. After plug 54/52 is removed, a new plug with
new young plants may be transplanted in its place using the
previously described method.
[0067] The contents of plant starter tray 10 previously described
as being transplanted into container 70, may alternatively be
transplanted to a variety of other locations such as open
flowerbeds or gardens using the steps just described.
[0068] To facilitate an understanding of the principles associated
with the split-annulus plant starter tray 30, its operation will be
briefly described in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 5-9.
The method of starting one or more species of plants in the
split-ring plant starter tray 30 shown in FIGS. 5-7 and
transportation to the desired location are the same as previously
described for plant starter tray 10. The transplanting of the
contents of split annulus plant starter tray 30 is as follows:
[0069] A variety of plants (not shown) are chosen to produce an
aesthetically pleasing appearance in split annulus trays 30. The
plants may be placed in an arrangement to form a ring that may be
attractive when placed around the base of a small tree (not shown)
or other object (not shown). For this example, it will be assumed
that the plants will be placed around the base of a tree. The
ground around the base of this tree may be prepared in one of the
following ways: A shallow trench may be dug in the ground around
the base of the tree and partially filled with starter soil if
desired or necessary. Alternatively, the ground may be left as it
is and a layer of starter soil may be laid out around the base of
the tree. The plant plug formed of entangled roots and soil (see
roots 54 and soil 52 of FIG. 8) is then removed from the split
annulus tray 30 in a manner similar to that previously described
for plant starter tray 10. The resulting split annulus plug can be
spread somewhat at its split and looped around the base of a small
tree using the transplanting method previously described.
Alternatively, several split annuluses can be greatly spread at
their splits and arranged end to end to encircle a larger tree
trunk.
[0070] In still other embodiments, the split annulus can be
straightened to form a straight strip. Later removal and
replacement of the plants is accomplished as previously
described.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 9, the previously mentioned tray can be
replaced with tray 60 having six recesses 61 arranged in a
3.times.2 matrix. The recesses 61 are sized to receive six of the
previously mentioned plugs 52/54. In one embodiment each of the
recesses 61 had an overall diameter of 6 inches (15.2 cm). Tray 60
is shown having six recesses 61 but may alternatively be made
having more or fewer recesses. Tray 60 may be sized appropriately
depending on the number and size of plant plugs 52/54 to be
received.
[0072] Tray 60 may be injection molded plastic forming a thin, low
cost, disposable carrying tray. Alternatively, tray 60 may be
formed using any material that can be formed into the desired
shape, such as sheet metal, biodegradable material, clay, etc.
[0073] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present
invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is
therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended
claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described.
* * * * *