GB2233540A

GB2233540A - Capillary seed propagating system

Info

Publication number: GB2233540A
Application number: GB8915925A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael J Cooke
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1989-07-12
Filing date: 1989-07-12
Publication date: 1991-01-16
Also published as: GB8915925D0

Abstract

A capillary seed propagating system comprising narrow open ended tubes 1, each filled with a water absorbent material 2 in which is embedded a single seed 3 close to the top end. The tubes 1 are placed compactly together for germination of the seeds 3, supported in an upright position within a suitable propagation container in which the bottom ends of the tubes 1 are immersed in shallow water. The tubes 1 embody means to prevent root restriction to enable direct and intact planting out, and may incorporate identification means to enable mixed propagation of different varieties. The water absorbent material 2 may incorporate fertiliser and/or fungicide. The narrow nature of the tubes 1 enables propagation in a small space. The system allows for the removal of any tube with its growing seedling for planting without disturbing the others. No seed trays or compost are required, and seed waste eliminated. <IMAGE>

Description

Capillary Seed Propagating System This invention relates to a capillary seed propagating system.

There are several disadvantages associated with the propagation of plants from seed when using the traditionai indoor methods.

Most gardeners would probably regard the pricking out of seedlings as both a tedious and delicate operation, where difficulties can arise both in removing the seedlings without damage to roots, and also without disturbing any ungerminated seed which remains, particularly if the seed variety being grown is an erratic germination type.

Another. disadvantage which arises especially where space is limited, is the amount of space occupied by numerous compost filled pots or seed trays, this situation is exacerbated when only a few plants of many different varieties are required, and when slow germinating varieties are being grown, and under these cicumstances, methodical labelling is essential.

A solution is provided by capillary action seed straws which are comprised of:- narrow open ended tubes, preferably of a bio-degradable material, which may be coated or impregnated with a retardent agent to prevent too rapid decomposition, for example: waxed paper. Each tube is filled with a water absorbent wadding in which is embedded a seed, appropriately distanced from one end (being the top end),according to the specified planting depth. The tube ends remote. from the seeds (being the bottom ends)are placed in shallow water which is absorbed by capillary action into the wadding, providing a moist environment in which the seeds can germinate.Many straws can be packed together in a small space, such as a specially provided propegation unit equipped with a grid of holes, into wiiich the straws are inserted to provide support in an upright position, or even a small dish or jar of water. As the seed in each straw germinates, each straw can be removed and dropped into a hole made in the soil or potting compost, and thus planted with no root disturbance. This method of propagation would be particularly suitable for domestic growers, as many plants could be raised in the space of a small windowsill. The cost of seed trays and seed compost would be eliminated, and less seed would be wasted, which should help to make the cost of this method compare very favourably with traditional methods.

The invention will now be described by way of non-limitative example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows a capillary seed straw, with a section cut away to reveal the interior.

Figure 2 shows a capillary seed straw with a growing seedling, Figure 3 shows one type of propagating case suitable for use with capillary seed straws.

Referring to the drawing the capillary seed propagating system comprises an open ended narrow tube 1, shown cut away in Fig 1 to reveal water absorbent wadding, compost or fibre 2 which should preferably be sterile, and may incorporate a fertiliser and/or fungicide, a seed 3 is shown planted in the wadding 2. The tube 1 may be manufactured from many different materials including paper, fibre (woven or compressed) and peat based products, where bio-degradable materials are used it may be necessary to incorporate an agent which will inhibit rapid degrading of the material, such as wax or resin, this may be used to impregnate either the whole tube, or just the bottom part which is to be immersed in water.It is also advantageous, especially in the case of non degradable materials, that the tube t is either of an open weave or mesh type construction, or incorporates perforations or slits, which will serve to prevent root restriction after potting.

In order that different varieties of seed may be propagated together it is desirable that the tube 1 is labelled 5 to denote variety. This may be either a variety name 5 printed directly onto the tube 1 as in Fig 2 or a letter, number or colour code on an attached tag, or an incorporated band or strip.

Although not essential,the seed straws are ideally propagated in a specially designed propagating case as Fig 3, which comprises a water reservoir 6 with a water level indicator 7 a clear plastic or glass cover 8 which may incorporate an air vent, and a grid 9 of either square mesh or round holes enabling each tube 1 to be supported in a vertical position.

Claims

CLADS

1 A capillary seed propagating system comprising narrow open ended tubes, each filled with a water absorbent material in which is embedded a single seed close to one end, this being the top end when the tubes are compactly placed together for germination in an upright position within a suitable propagation container with their bottom ends immersed in water, means are incorporated in tube construction to prevent root restriction,

2 A capillary seed propagating system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the tubes are constructed of bio-degradable material.

3 A capillary seed propagating system as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the biodegradable material incorporates a retardent agent to delay decomposition.

4 A capillary seed propagating system as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein the tubes are of an open weave or mesh construction.

5 A capillary seed propagating system as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein the tubes are perforated with holes or slits.

6 A capillary seed propagating system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the tubes incorporate a seed variety identification means.

7 A capillary seed propagating system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the water absorbent material is impregnated with fertiliser and/or fungicide.

8 A capillary seed propagating system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the propagation container incorporates means for supporting tubes in an upright position.

9 A capillary seed propagating system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the propagation container is provided with a transparent cover.

10 A capillary seed propagating system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the propagation container incorporates a water level indicator.

11 A capillary seed propagating system as claimed in Claim 9 or Claim 10 wherein the propagation container cover incorporates an air vent.