Abstract:
In a preferred embodiment, a multi-level elevated stack of planting containers is mounted to vertical support pole. Each container has a plurality of planting compartments for containing a growing medium. The compartments are at least partially divided from one another by a vertically extending partition for at least partially limiting fluid transfer among the planting compartments within the same container. Each said planting compartments has a fluid drain through which any unabsorbed fluid drains into only a single respective one of the compartments of a container located at a lower of the stack. The drains in the compartments are radially offset from a through hole in each container which receives the support pole and fluid is discharged into radially offset locations of compartments at lower levels to deter fluid bypass between the pole and the through hole.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/201,793 filed Dec. 15, 2008 for all commonly disclosed subject matter. U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/201,793 is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety to form a part of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to the field of horticulture. More particularly, the present invention relates to a horticultural apparatus for commercial and/or home use for growing of plants in a plurality of vertically stacked containers, each having a plurality of upwardly facing plant growing compartments, with plant nourishment and irrigation distributed to each plant growing compartment in the uppermost container of the stack from a reservoir located atop the stack, with unabsorbed fluid each planting growing compartment at each level of the stack draining downwardly to a respective individual plant growing compartment located at a lower level in the stack. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Because they make extended amounts of space above ground level, or floor level, available for plant production, vertically stacked plant growing systems are an effective way of increasing the plant yield per square area of ground or floor space available for growing plants. Such systems are also capable of providing lush vertical arrays of flowering or non-flowing plants which can be very attractive in appearance. When used for the production of vegetables or other crops, elevation of the plants also provides improved ergonomics for safe, fast and efficient harvesting. Various types of vertically stacked plant growing systems are known in the prior art, of which the following are but a few examples. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,419,843 to Johnson, Sr. discloses a self-irrigating, multi-tier vertical planter having a pan-shaped base within which is mounted an upstanding tubular post member. A plurality of trays, each having a radial V-shaped cross section for containing soil or other organic growing medium, are vertically stacked on one another and secured to the post member overlying the pan-shaped base. Each of the trays has a series of apertures at its lowest point to allow irrigating liquid to seep into the tray below. A second series of apertures is provided in the outer inclined wall to allow excess liquid to drip into a lower tray or into the base. A pipe mounted in the support tube carries irrigating liquid to a sprinkler manifold which is sprinkled down onto the trays below. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,073 to Powell et al. discloses an intensive plant growing stacking container system which includes a plurality of molded, stackable containers having multiple, mutually angularly spaced, lobes which can nest inside one another for efficient shipping and storage. Each container has a plurality of drain openings in its bottom and incorporates a number of support protrusions that fit into support openings on the top of the second container to provide vertical alignment and lateral stability when the containers are assembled in a stack for use each container includes a central opening through which may pass the pipe for providing both mechanical support and your geisha and liquid to the top of the stack. The lobes of the containers and support protrusions are arranged so that when the containers are assembled into a stack, the lobes of containers are alternatingly arranged. According to this arrangement, instead of all lobes in the stack being aligned vertically with one immediately atop another, the lobes of containers which lie immediately vertically adjacent to one another in the stack are angularly offset from one another. This provides room for plant growth with minimal interference or light blockage from lobes on the level of the stack lying immediately above. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,309,761 to Byun discloses stack type plant pots which are divided into radially extending pot portions by means of vertical partitions. The pot portions are generally shaped like a cone or funnel and have drain openings at their bottom. The pots can be stacked one upon another so that the pot portions form a vertically alternating arrangement similar to that described above in connection with Powell et al. &#39;073. To provide for taller plants, or to alter the appearance of the stack, distance adjusting members which can be interposed between pots to adjust the vertical distance between the pots in the stack. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,840,008 to Bullock et al, discloses a vertical planting system having a plurality of growing containers formed of expanded polystyrene foam. Each container has an unpartitioned interior having a generally flat bottom which is provided with a plurality of drainage holes and a central support pole receiving aperture. Located at the corners each container are four planting areas each of which is in the general shape of a cone or funnel. The walls of the containers have alignment cavities and pins which enable the containers to be stacked on top of one another with the support pole running vertically upwardly up through the central apertures of the containers. The support pole terminates in a T-fitting which connects to a water supply. A water diffuser box is supported below the T-fitting on top of the top container of the stack and receives irrigation water from the water supply. The bottom of the diffuser box includes a plurality of drainage apertures which discharge water into the top of the top container in the stack. Whatever portion, if any, of that water is not absorbed by the growing media in the top container passes through the post receiving aperture and/or the drainage holes in the bottom of the top container and is discharged into the top of the container lying immediately below the top container. Unabsorbed water passes downwardly through the stack from one container to the next immediately lower container in the stack in the same manner until, after being discharged from the lowest container, any remaining fluid is received in a fluid collector. 
         [0008]    The foregoing and other prior art vertical plant growing devices of which Applicant&#39;s are aware are subject to one or more of a number of problems. All are prone to uneven distribution of fluid (water and plant nutrients) to the individual containers in the stack. They are also prone to uneven distribution of fluids to each plant within a container. Prior art systems also do not provide visual verification of fluid delivery to plant growing compartments within the stack and/or do not provide visual verification of that fluids are distributed evenly among those plant growing compartments. Fluid distribution in prior art systems also is often unduly dependant on the wicking properties of the plant growing media used. In some prior art systems that use a vertical support rod where the rod is in intimate contact with the growing media, there is also a tendency for the rod to clear a fluid path of least fluid flow resistance through the container, thereby allowing fluid to bypass the growing media. Some prior art vertical plant growing devices, require fluid from higher containers to drip onto plants in the lower containers. Some fluids may be harmful when applied to leaves and blossoms. Also, plant foliage may deflect fluids out of the container intended to receive them, allowing them instead to be wasted, falling uselessly to the ground. Another problem common to many prior art vertical plant growing devices, particularly those made of synthetic plastic materials, such as expanded polystyrene foam for example, is that the upper edges of the containers are subject to degradation by ultraviolet (UV) rays and damage during normal use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In view of the foregoing, it is an object and advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus for growing plants in a plurality of vertically spaced containers which provides even distribution of fluid, such as water either with or without dissolved or undissolved plant nutrients, to each growing compartment of the uppermost plant growing container. The present invention provides a structure which operates such that fluid not absorbed within an upper planting compartment is positively delivered only to a single lower compartment, assuring that if fluid is evenly applied at the uppermost compartments, it is evenly distributed to each lower plant growing compartment in the stack. A further aspect of the invention assures delivery of fluids to the outer regions of each plant growing compartment in a manner such that the even delivery of fluid is not reliant upon the wicking properties of the plant growing media. According to a further aspect of the invention, visual verification of even delivery of fluids to each plant growing compartment is provided. The invention allows for readily quantitatively measuring actual fluid delivery to any single plant growing container in the stack if desired. According to a further aspect of the invention, distribution of fluids is carried out by way of base plate which, in addition to aiding uniform and visually verifiable distribution of fluid, also provides protection of the upper edges of each plant growing container against UV degradation and mechanical damage. In the present invention, the fluid path down through the stack is preferably located away from the central support pole so that fluid will not tend to bypass the growth medium in the container by flowing along any bypass fluid path which might exist between the support pole and the growth medium in the container. The present invention prevents plants from being deprived of adequate fluid as can occur in prior art devices as a result of the opening of such a bypass fluid path. The invention also can be readily adapted into various shapes and sizes of components which may be retrofitted to improve existing installations of prior art vertical planting systems. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide positive separation of the roots of different plants within a container. 
         [0010]    A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a plant growing container with or partially-partitioned plant growing compartments, each compartment fitted with a directionally adjustable or non-adjustable fluid drain tube located at the bottom of each compartment which directs fluid (water and/or plant nutrients) into a single compartment of the next lower container. Each tube provides means for directing fluid flow outward and away from the central area of the next lower container to the desired area of the receiving compartment. Tubes are preferably transparent, but are not required to be, to enhance visual verification of fluid delivery to the intended receiving compartment. Fluid flow from each compartment of the lowest container in the stack provides redundant visual verification that fluid has been positively delivered to every plant growing compartment in the stack. Directionally adjustable or non-adjustable drain tubes may be retrofitted to prior art containers. 
         [0011]    Three dimensional surface features are preferably molded onto the bottoms of the plant growing containers to mate with the container walls, partitions, or other features of the next lower container in the stack to assure desired axial and rotational alignment of the containers. 
         [0012]    Preferred embodiments of the present invention include a fluid distribution system for low pressure delivery and distribution of fluid to each of the plant growing compartments of the uppermost plant growing container in the stack. This fluid distribution system may comprise a base plate which fits atop the uppermost plant growing container. The base plate is shaped to overlay the central area of the container and to overlay a portion of or all of the upper peripheral edges of the plant growing compartment walls. Features on the underside of the base plate are designed to engage the compartment walls, partitions, or other features of the plant growing container on which it rests. The base plate has a through-hole on its central axis. Passing concentrically through this through-hole is a cylindrical tube sealed at its intersection with the base plate. The inside diameter of this tube provides clearance for a stack support pole to pass through. Mounted atop the base plate, concentric with the cylindrical tube is a larger diameter tube, sealed at its base. The volume between the two concentric cylinders comprises a fluid reservoir atop the base plate. Located near the bottom of the outer cylindrical tube and passing through its wall are drain tubes, one tube discharging into each of the plant growing compartments of the plant growing container on which the base plate rests. The top area of the reservoir may be open or it may be topped by a cover rotationally fixed to the support pole but not to the reservoir. A fluid supply tube connected to an overhead fluid supply mainline discharges fluid into the reservoir, through the cap, if one is present. The fluid supply tube may include a fluid flow regulator. The fluid drain tubes, fluid supply line, and fluid flow regulator are sized such that fluid is delivered to the reservoir at a faster rate that it is being discharged through the reservoir drain tubes. 
         [0013]    Embodiments of the present invention preferably include a support pole which passes axially through the stacked growing containers and the fluid distribution system. In addition to serving as an axial support for the stacked plant growing containers and support for the fluid distribution system, it also acts as a support for an overhead fluid supply mainline. The support pole is driven into the earth to a depth which establishes the desired elevation of the fluid delivery mainline. A support tube, larger in inside diameter than the support pole is placed onto the support pole and is driven into the earth to a depth which establishes the desired elevation of the stacked plant growing containers. A thrust washer is placed onto the support pole and rests upon the upper end of the support tube. The growing containers, when stacked onto the support pole, are vertically supported by this thrust washer. The stack of plant growing containers and the fluid distribution system atop the uppermost container all may be freely rotated as a unit about the support pole. 
         [0014]    A second preferred embodiment of the plant growing container of the present invention includes fully-partitioned or partially-partitioned plant growing compartments with each compartment provided with fluid drain holes at the bottom of each compartment. The partitions are rotationally oriented to assure that fluid drains into a single compartment of the next lower container. The partitions may be molded as an integral part of the container or may comprise a fitted insert that provides equivalent compartment partitioning and sealing. Fluid flow from each compartment of the lowest container in the stack of containers provides visual verification of fluid flow to every plant growing compartment in the stack. 
         [0015]    Features are molded onto the bottoms of the plant growing containers to mate with the walls, partitions, or other features of the next lower container to assure desired axial and rotational alignment of the containers. 
         [0016]    A third preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention includes fully- or partially-partitioned growing compartments, each compartment being provided with fluid drain holes at the bottom of the compartment feeding onto a partitioned fluid distribution tray fitted atop the next lower container. Each of the partitioned areas of the tray has a drain opening which allows fluid to discharge only into a single compartment of the underlying container. The partitioned fluid distribution tray directs fluid flow outward and away from the central area of the container to the desired area of the next lower container. The fluid distribution tray also can be adapted to overlie the upper portion of the peripheral wall of the container to provide protection against UV radiation and ordinary use damage to the upper edges of the container on which it rests. Raised features on the upper face of the fluid distribution tray provide support for the plant growing container placed upon it. These raised features also provide separation between the bottom of the plant growing container and the upper face of the tray. Features on the lower face of each fluid distribution tray mate with the upper peripheral edges, partitions, or other features of the underlying container and thus assure desired rotational and axial alignment of the containers with respect to each other. Fluid distribution trays may shaped and sized in a manner allowing them to be retrofitted into prior art plant growing containers to improve their fluid distribution characteristics and resistance to UV degradation and mechanical damage. 
         [0017]    Features are molded onto the bottoms of the plant growing containers to mate with the walls, partitions, or other features of the next lower container to assure desired axial and rotational alignment of the containers. 
         [0018]    A fourth preferred embodiment of the plant growing container of the present invention includes fully- or partially-partitioned growing compartments, each compartment provided with fluid drain holes at the bottom of the compartment. Surface features molded onto the bottoms of the plant growing containers mate with the walls, partitions, or other features of the next lower container to assure desired axial and rotational alignment of the containers. Each plant growing compartment within a container is also provided with a fluid directing trough, molded into or attached to the container&#39;s peripheral walls, which is configured to direct fluid flow from the drain holes in the bottom of the upper container into a single compartment of the next lower container. The fluid directing troughs direct the flow of fluid along a flow path which lying radially outwardly spaced away from the central area of the upper container to the desired area of the next lower receiving compartment. 
         [0019]    These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, will be explained in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals are used to designate like items. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view illustrating a first preferred embodiment of a horticultural apparatus constructed according to the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a close-up view of the upper portion of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is an upper perspective view of a plant growing container of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a lower perspective view of a plant growing container of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is an upper perspective view illustrating a support system for use with containers according to the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 ,  6 ,  9  and  13 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is an upper perspective view of a plant growing container according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a lower perspective view of the container of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a top view illustrating two containers of the embodiment of  FIG. 6  stacked on top of one another. 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is an upper perspective view of a plant growing container according to third preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is a lower perspective view of the container of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is an upper perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of a plant growing container with a fluid distribution tray, with the container shown stacked upon another fluid distribution tray. 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  is a top view of the container and fluid distribution trays of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  is an upper perspective view illustrating a plant growing container having fluid distribution troughs according to fourth preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 14  is a lower perspective view of the container of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 15  is a top view illustrating two containers, both having distribution troughs according to  FIG. 13 , stacked upon one another. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]      FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view illustrating a first preferred embodiment of a horticultural apparatus constructed according to the invention. Apparatus  100  includes multiple plant growing containers  1   a - 1   f  mounted atop one another to form a vertically extending stack  101 . As  FIG. 1  shows, stack  101  includes an uppermost container  1   a , a lowest container  1   f , and intermediate containers  1   b ,  1 ,  1   d . Fitted atop the uppermost container  1   a  is a fluid distribution system  20 . A vertical support pole  31  extends axially upward through the stacked growing containers  1   a - 1   f  and through the fluid distribution system  20 . Mounted atop support pole  30  is a tee support  35 . A fluid supply mainline  36  passes through tee support  35 . A smaller fluid supply tube  37  is tapped into fluid supply mainline  36 . Assembled in-line in the fluid supply tube  37  is a fluid flow regulator  38 .  FIG. 2  is a closer view of the upper portion of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  is an upper perspective view of the preferred embodiment plant growing container  1  and  FIG. 4  is a lower perspective view of the container  1 . Plant growing container  1  comprises multiple plant growing compartments  10  into which a plant growing media  40  is placed. Plants  41  are planted into the plant growing media  40 . Plant growing compartments  10  are formed within the plant growing container  1  by full or partial vertical partitions  11 . Partial vertical partitions  11  which extend upwardly from the bottoms of compartments  10  to only a portion of the useful interior height of compartments  10  are shown in the container  1  of  FIG. 3 . The vertical partitions  11  are bounded by a central hub  12  and the walls  13  of plant growing container  1 . Axially located within hub  12  is a through-hole  14 . A compartment drain tube  15  passes through the walls  13  of each of the compartments  10 . On the bottom surface  16  of the plant growing container  1  are alignment features  17  and a support surface  18 . 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , fitted atop the uppermost container  1   a  is a fluid distribution system  20 , comprising a base plate  21 , an inner cylindrical tube  22 , an outer cylindrical tube  23 , and drain tubes  24 . Features  25  are provided on the bottom of base plate  21  to engage the upper peripheral walls  13  of the next lower plant growing container  1   b . A fluid reservoir  26  is formed by inner cylindrical tube  22 , outer cylindrical tube  23 , and the base plate  21 . 
         [0038]    A vertical support pole  31  extends axially upward through the stacked growing containers  1   a - 1   f  and through the fluid distribution system  20 . Mounted atop pole  31  is a tee support  35 . A fluid supply mainline  36 , typically carrying water or water with dissolved or undissolved nutrients, passes through tee support  35 . A smaller fluid supply tube  37  is tapped into fluid supply mainline  36 . Assembled in-line in the fluid supply tube  37  is a fluid flow regulator  38 . The distal end  39  of fluid supply tube  37  is positioned to discharge into fluid reservoir  26 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 5  is an upper perspective view further illustrating the support pole  31  of  FIG. 1 , showing support pole  31  driven into earth  30 . Also shown driven into the earth  30  is a support tube  32 . Mounted atop support tube  32  is a thrust washer  33 , and atop the support pole  31  is support tee  35 . 
         [0040]    To assemble the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 through 5 , support pole  31  is driven into the earth to a depth which establishes the desired height for the support tee  35 . Next, support tube  32  is driven into the earth coaxially with support pole  31  to establish the desired elevation of the lowest plant growing container  1   f . Thrust washer  33  is placed atop support tube  32 . Plant growing containers  1   a - 1   f  are stacked onto the support pole  31 , atop thrust washer  33 . The alignment features  17  of each of the containers  1   a - 1   e  are fitted into the curvatures of the walls  13  of the previously stacked containers  1   b - 1   f  to assure proper axial and rotational alignment. Fluid distribution system  20  is assembled onto the uppermost container  1   a . Fluid supply mainline  36  is assembled through support tee  35 . A fluid supply tube  37  and an in-line fluid flow restrictor  38  are tapped into fluid supply mainline  36 . The distal end  39  of fluid supply tube  37  is positioned to discharge into the fluid reservoir  26 . 
         [0041]    In operation of a horticultural apparatus  100  constructed according to  FIGS. 1-5 , fluid, preferably a combination of water and liquid plant nutrients, is introduced under pressure into fluid supply mainline  36 . Fluid flows into fluid supply tube  37 , through fluid flow restrictor  38  and discharges into fluid reservoir  26 . Fluid flow regulator  38  is sized such that fluid is introduced into fluid reservoir  26  at a higher flow rate than the combined flow rates of the multiple fluid drain tubes  24 . The fluid level rises in fluid reservoir  26  until flow from the fluid supply mainline  36  ceases. The fluid remaining in reservoir  26  continues to drain equally from the multiple fluid drain tubes  24  until fluid reservoir  26  is emptied. Each of the fluid drain tubes  24  discharge fluid into the plant growing media  40  contained in a single plant compartment  10  of the uppermost plant growing container  1   a . As the fluid passes down through the plant growing media  40 , a portion of the fluid is absorbed by the media  40  and is thus made available to the plant  41  growing in the plant growing compartment  10 . The portion of the fluid not absorbed by the media  40  flows to the bottom of the compartment  10  and begins to flow out of the compartment  10  via the compartment drain tube  15 . The fluid flowing out of each compartment drain tube  15  discharges into the plant growing media  40  of a single plant compartment  10  of the next lower container  1   b , and so on, until fluid not absorbed by media  41  in any of the plant containers  1   a - 1   f  above flows from the compartment drain tube  15  of the lowest plant growing container  1   f.    
         [0042]    As can be seen from  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the containers  1   a - 1   f  are positioned in a rotationally angularly alternating fashion in stack  101  such that the compartments of containers  1  of immediately adjoining levels of stack  101  are rotationally angularly offset from one another to provide better clearance for plants  41 . As can also be seen from  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the compartment drain tube  15  of each compartment  10  is positioned to direct fluid into a single, rotationally angularly offset compartment  10  in the container  1  lying in an immediately lower, adjoining level of stack  101  to help avoid fluid drippage onto the foliage of plants  41 . It can also be seen from  FIGS. 1 and 2  that compartment drains  15  are positioned to discharge into a location in the upper portion of a lower compartment that lies radially offset from the central through hole  14  so as to reduce the tendency of fluid to establish a bypass route between the support pole  31  and the through hole  14 . The discharge end of compartment drain tubes  15  are readily exteriorly visible in use to facilitate simple visual verification of fluid flow. Preferably, drain tubes  15  are also transparent. 
         [0043]      FIG. 6  is an upper perspective view of a container  2  constructed according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention and  FIG. 7  is a lower perspective view thereof. Plant growing container  2  comprises multiple plant growing compartments  10  into which a suitable amount of growing medium  40  is placed. Planted in growing media  40  are plants  41 . The plant growing compartments  10  are formed within plant growing container  2  by full or partial vertical partitions  11 . Full vertical partitions are shown in the container  2  of  FIG. 6 . The vertical partitions  11  are bounded by a central hub  12  and the walls  13  of plant growing container  2 . Axially located within hub  12  is a through-hole  14 . Passing through the bottom surface  16  are compartment drain holes  19 . On the bottom surface  16  of the plant growing container  2  are alignment features  17  and a support surface  18 . The central hub  12  helps prevent formation of a bypass fluid flow path between the growing medium  40  and the support pole  31 .  FIG. 8  is a top view of a first plant growing container  2 , designated as  2   a , stacked atop a second identical plant growing container  2 , designated as container  2   b  in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0044]    In operation of a horticultural apparatus  100  constructed using containers of the type illustrated in  FIGS. 6-8 , fluid is delivered to each of the plant growing compartments  10  of the uppermost plant growing container  2   a  by the fluid distribution system  20 , previously described. As the fluid passes down through the plant growing media  40  present in the compartment  10 , a portion of the fluid is absorbed by the media  40  and is thus made available to the plant  41  growing in compartment  10 . The portion of the fluid not absorbed by the media  40  flows to the bottom of the compartment  2  and begins to flow out of compartment  2  via the compartment drain holes  19 . Because of the rotational orientation of the partitions  11  within container  2   a , the fluid flowing out of each the compartment drain holes  12  discharges only into the plant growing media  40  of a single plant compartment  10  of the next lower container  2   b  in stack  101 , and so on, until fluid not absorbed by media  40  in any plant container  2  in the stack flows from the compartment drain holes  19  of the lowest plant growing container  2 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 9  is an upper perspective view of a container  3  constructed according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention and  FIG. 10  is a lower perspective view thereof. Plant growing container  3  comprises multiple plant growing compartments  10  into which a suitable quantity growing medium  40  is placed. Planted in growing media  40  are plants  41 . The plant growing compartments  10  are formed within the plant growing container  3  by full or partial vertical partitions  11 . The full or partial vertical partitions  11  are bounded by a central hub  12  and the walls  13  of plant growing container  3 . Axially located within hub  12  is a through-hole  14 . Passing through the bottom surface  16  are compartment drain holes  19 . On the bottom surface  16  of the plant growing container  3  is a support surface  18 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 11  is an upper perspective view of illustrating a plant growing container  3  shown stacked upon a fluid distribution tray  5   b . Another fluid distribution tray  5   a  rests upon the top of plant growing container  3   a .  FIG. 12  is a top of a plant growing container  3   a  fitted with a first fluid distribution tray  5   a , shown stacked on top of a second plant growing container  3   b  which is fitted with a second fluid distribution tray  5   b.    
         [0047]    Each fluid distribution tray  5   a ,  5   b  comprises a base plate  50 , upper peripheral walls  51 , partitioning dividers  52  and an axial hub  53 . Partitioned areas  54  are formed by the upper peripheral walls  51 , partitioning dividers  52 , and an open axial hub  53 . Lower peripheral walls  55  are attached to the bottom of base plate  50 . Base plate  50  is shaped to fit the upper peripheral walls  13  of plant growing container  3 . The lower peripheral walls  55  engage the peripheral walls  13  at the top of plant growing container  3 . The upper peripheral walls  51  are shaped to fit the shape of the bottom surface  16  of plant growing container  3 . Each of the upper peripheral walls  51  has an fluid outlet  56  which allows fluid to discharge into a single plant growing compartment  10  of the plant growing container  3  on which it sits. 
         [0048]    In operation of a horticultural apparatus  100  constructed using containers  5  of the type illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , fluid is delivered to each of the partitioned areas  54  of fluid distribution tray  5   a  by the fluid distribution system  20 , previously described. Fluid from each of the partitioned areas  54  discharges from a fluid outlet  56  into the plant growing media  40  of a single plant growing compartment  10  of the container  3   a  on which the fluid distribution tray  5   a  sits. As the fluid passes down through the plant growing media  40 , a portion of the fluid is absorbed by the media  40  and is thus made available to the plant  41  growing in the compartment  10 . The portion of the fluid not absorbed by the media  40  flows to the bottom of the plant growing compartment  10  and begins to flow out of the compartment  10  via the compartment drain holes  19 . The fluid flowing out of each compartment drain hole  19  is delivered to a single partitioned area  54  of fluid distribution tray  5   b  on which the plant growing container  3   a  sits, and so on, until fluid not absorbed by media  40  in any plant container  3  in the stack flows from the compartment drain holes  19  of the lowest plant growing container  3 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 13  is an upper perspective view of a plant growing container  4  constructed according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention and  FIG. 14  is a lower perspective view thereof. Plant growing container  4  comprises multiple plant growing compartments  10  into which a quantity of a suitable growing medium  40  is placed. Planted in growing medium  40  are plants  41 . The plant growing compartments  10  are formed within plant growing container  4  by full or partial vertical partitions  11 . The full or partial vertical partitions  11  are bounded by a central hub  12  and the walls  13  of plant growing container  4 . Axially located within hub  12  is a through-hole  14 . Passing through the bottom surface  16  are compartment drain holes  19 . On the bottom surface  16  of plant growing container  4  are alignment features  17 . Fluid directing troughs  6 , molded into or attached to the top of the peripheral walls  13  of plant growing container  4 , direct fluid flow from the drain holes  19  in the bottom  16  of an upper container  4   a  into a single compartment  10  of a next lower container  4   b . The fluid directing troughs  6  provide means for directing fluid flow outward and away from the central area of the upper container  4   a  to the desired area of the next lower receiving container  4   b .  FIG. 15  is a top view of a first plant growing container  4 , that first container  4  being designated in  FIG. 15  as container  4   a , stacked atop a second plant growing container  4 , the second container  4  being designated in  FIG. 15  as  4   b.    
         [0050]    In operation, of a horticultural apparatus  100  constructed using containers  4  of the type illustrated in  FIGS. 13 through 15 , fluid is delivered to each of the plant growing compartments  10  of the uppermost plant growing container  4   a  by the fluid distribution system  20 , previously described. As the fluid passes down through the plant growing media  40 , a portion of the fluid is absorbed by the media  40  and is thus made available to the plant  41  growing in the compartment  10 . The portion of the fluid not absorbed by the media  40  flows to the bottom of the compartment  10  and begins to flow out of the compartment  10  via the compartment drain holes  19 . The fluid flowing out of each compartment drain hole  19  discharges only into a single fluid directing trough  6 . The discharge from each fluid directing trough  6  directs fluid flow outward and away from the central area of the upper container  4   a  to the desired area of the next lower receiving container  4   b  and so on, until fluid not absorbed by media  40  in any plant container  4  in the stack flows from the compartment drain holes  19  of the lowest plant growing container  4  in the stack. 
         [0051]    While the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.