Patent ID: 8397429
Filing Date: 2013-03-19
Classification: A01G

Abstract:
1. A method for facilitating germination of a seed and growth of a seedling, the method comprising: providing a germination cup shaped to define a germination cup concavity, the germination cup concavity having an apertured base; placing a seed on a one-piece germination pad, the germination pad abutting against the apertured base while occupying substantially an entirety of the surface area thereof; moistening the germination pad by introducing water to the germination cup concavity, the water absorbed and retained by the germination pad, the germination pad being sufficiently rigid, when wetted with water, to avoid falling through the apertured base, the wetted germination pad providing the seed with moisture to promote germination; permitting roots of the germinated seed to extend downwardly, through the germination pad and through the apertured base; providing a seedling cup shaped to define a seedling cup concavity; accommodating the entire germination cup and the entire germination pad in the seedling cup concavity prior to use thereof for facilitating the germination of the seed and growth of the seedling; while in use to facilitate the germination of the seed and growth of the seedling, accommodating moistened growth medium in a lower portion of the seedling cup concavity and accommodating the germination cup containing the germination pad and seed in the seedling cup concavity directly atop the growth medium; permitting the roots of the germinated seed to extend downwardly, through the germination pad, through the apertured base and into the moistened growth medium, the moistened growth medium capable of sustaining the growth of the germinated seed into a viable seedling; providing a lid that is also operable as a base, the lid comprising a base surface which defines a primary concavity and a smaller, secondary concavity within the primary concavity; coupling a lid to a rim of the seedling cup to form, together with the seedling cup concavity, an enclosure for holding the entire germination cup and the entire germination pad prior to use thereof for facilitating the germination of the seed and growth of the seedling; and using the lid as a base by receiving the base of the germination cup in the secondary concavity, the base of the germination cup forming a snug fit with a perimeter of the secondary concavity.