Patent Publication Number: US-2023157223-A1

Title: Weed Barrier And Method Of Use

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/113,770, filed on Dec. 7, 2020 by at least one common inventor, which is continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/787,476, filed on Oct. 18, 2017 by at least one common inventor, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/409,725, filed Oct. 18, 2016 by at least one common inventor, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to weed resistant gardening devices, and, more particularly, to weed barriers for laying out gardens, preventing weed growth, and facilitating watering. 
     Description of the Background Art 
     As more people become environmentally and/or health conscious, the popularity of home gardens is increasing. Some difficulties involved in planting a home garden include laying out plants, weeding, watering, and cleanup. Several products and methods currently address these issues. 
     One method utilizes sheets of polyethylene plastic, which requires the gardener to till the entire plot they are covering with the sheets. It also requires securing the edges of the sheets to the ground (e.g. staking sheets to the ground). Additionally, holes must be cut in the sheets to allow plants to grow through the plastic. Finally, the sheet must be cleaned up and disposed of at the end of the season, which is messy and time consuming. 
     Another product designed for use in home gardens is a plastic tarp that comes with a grid of holes precut in the material. Again, this product requires securement and is not aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, the precut rows provide space for weeds to grow and must be constantly maintained. Finally, the cleanup is messy and time consuming. In addition, plastic tarps and sheets can retain excess water, which encourages certain garden pests (e.g., slugs). 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art by providing a weed barrier that prevents weeds from encroaching on garden plants, promotes healthy plant growth, and makes efficient use of water. The weed barrier also facilitates easier layout and watering of a garden, while preventing the retention of excess moisture. 
     Example weed barriers are disclosed. An example weed barrier includes a rigid body, a first basin, and an opening in the bottom of the first basin. The rigid body is formed from a material capable of wicking moisture and has a top surface and a bottom surface. The first basin is defined by a portion of the rigid body and includes a bottom. The opening is defined by the rigid body in the bottom of the first basin. The opening has a sufficient size to facilitate the planting of a plant therethrough, and the first basin is configured to direct water falling thereon toward the opening. In one particular example weed barrier, the opening includes an aperture through the bottom of the first basin. In another particular example weed barrier, the opening includes a center portion formed from the material and a plurality of perforations that facilitate the removal of the center portion. 
     A particular example weed barrier additionally includes a second basin adjacent the first basin. The second basin is also defined by a portion of the rigid body. In addition, the bottom surface of the rigid body further defines a first hose channel extending between the first basin and the second basin. The rigid body additionally defines a third basin adjacent the first basin, and the bottom surface of the rigid body additionally defines a second hose channel extending between the first basin and the third basin The second hose channel is perpendicular to the first hose channel. In an even more particular weed barrier, the rigid body further defines a fourth basin, a fifth basin, a sixth basin, a seventh basin, and an eighth basin. The fourth basin is disposed adjacent the second basin and the third basin. The fifth basin is adjacent the third basin. The sixth basin is adjacent the fourth basin and the fifth basin, and the seventh basin is adjacent the fifth basin. The eighth basin is adjacent the seventh basin and the sixth basin. The first hose channel is disposed between the third basin and the fourth basin, between the fifth basin and the sixth basin, and between the seventh basin and the eighth basin. The bottom surface of the rigid body additionally defines a third hose channel extending in a direction perpendicular to the first hose channel and parallel to the second hose channel. The third hose channel is disposed between the third basin and the fifth basin and between the fourth basin and the sixth basin. The bottom surface of the rigid body additionally defines a fourth hose channel extending in a direction perpendicular to the first hose channel and parallel to the third hose channel. The fourth hose channel is disposed between the fifth basin and the seventh basin and between the sixth basin and the seventh basin. 
     In an example weed barrier, the rigid body defines a plurality of basins. In addition, the bottom surface of the rigid body defines at least one hose channel, and, optionally, the rigid body defines twice as many basins as hose channels. 
     In another example weed barrier, the rigid body includes a first portion and a physically separate second portion. The separate portions facilitate the placement of the weed barrier around an already rooted plant. The first portion of the rigid body defines a first portion of the first basin, and the second portion of the rigid body defines a second portion of the first basin. Alternatively, the rigid body can include a separation extending from an opening in the first basin to a peripheral edge of the rigid body to facilitate the placement of the weed barrier around a rooted plant. 
     Example weed barriers are stackable. For example, the top surface of the rigid body is contoured to receive a bottom surface of a second weed barrier substantially identical to the first weed barrier such that the weed barrier is stackable. 
     In example weed barriers, the material is fibrous. In a particular example embodiment, the material is formed from paper pulp. In a more particular example embodiment, the material is molded paper pulp. In addition, the material is moisture permeable and/or breathable, and the material can also be biodegradable and/or opaque. 
     Optionally, the material can include an agriculture additive. Examples of the agricultural additives include, but are not limited to, one or more fungicides, one or more pesticides, one or more herbicides, one or more pH balancing/adjusting agents, one or more copper compounds, and any combination of these additives. 
     An example weed barrier is provided in combination with information regarding the use of the weed barrier as such. For example, the weed barrier can additionally include information identifying the weed barrier as a weed barrier. As another example, the weed barrier can include information suggesting that the weed barrier be used in a garden. Even more specifically, the weed barrier can include instructions for using the weed barrier to prevent weed growth in a garden. 
     Example methods of manufacturing a weed barrier are also disclosed. An example method includes providing a moisture-wicking material and forming a rigid body from the moisture-wicking material. The rigid body has a top surface and an opposite bottom surface. The step of forming the rigid body includes forming the rigid body to include a first basin, which a bottom. The step of forming the rigid body also includes forming an opening in the bottom of the first basin. The opening has sufficient size to facilitate the planting of a plant therethrough. The step of forming the rigid body also includes configuring the basin to direct water falling thereon toward the opening. 
     In a particular example method, the step of forming the opening includes forming an aperture through the bottom of the first basin. Alternatively, the step of forming the opening includes forming a center portion of the opening, and forming a plurality of perforations that facilitate the removal of the center portion to form the opening. 
     A particular example method additionally includes forming the rigid body to include a second basin adjacent the first basin. The second basin is defined by a portion of the rigid body. 
     The example method additionally includes forming the rigid body to include a first hose channel in the bottom surface of the rigid body. The first hose channel extends between the first basin and the second basin. The example method additionally includes forming the rigid body to include a third basin adjacent the first basin, and forming the rigid body to include a second hose channel in the bottom surface of the rigid body. The second hose channel is formed between the first basin and the third basin, and the second channel perpendicularly intersects the first hose channel. The example method additionally includes forming the rigid body to include a fourth basin, a fifth basin, a sixth basin, a seventh basin, and an eighth basin. The fourth basin is positioned adjacent the second basin and the third basin. The fifth basin is positioned adjacent the third basin, and the sixth basin is positioned adjacent the fourth basin and the fifth basin. The seventh basin is positioned adjacent the fifth basin, and the eighth basin is positioned adjacent the seventh basin and the sixth basin. The example method additionally includes forming the rigid body to include the first hose channel between the third basin and the fourth basin, between the fifth basin and the sixth basin, and between the seventh basin and the eighth basin. 
     The example method additionally includes forming the rigid body to include a third hose channel and a fourth hose channel in the bottom surface of the rigid body. The third hose channel is formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the first hose channel and parallel to the second hose channel. The third hose channel is positioned between the third basin and the fifth basin and between the fourth basin and the sixth basin. The fourth hose channel is formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the first hose channel and parallel to the third hose channel. The fourth hose channel is positioned between the fifth basin and the seventh basin and between the sixth basin and the eighth basin. 
     Another example method includes forming the rigid body to include at least one hose channel in the bottom surface of the rigid body. In the example method, the step of forming the rigid body to include the first basin includes forming the rigid body to include a plurality of basins, and, optionally, the rigid body defines twice as many basins as hose channels. 
     In another example method, the step of forming the rigid body includes forming a first portion of the rigid body and a second portion of the rigid body physically separate from one another. The first portion of the rigid body defines a first portion of the first basin, and the second portion of the rigid body defines a second portion of the first basin. The physical separation facilitates the placement of the weed barrier around an already rooted plant. Alternatively, the step of forming the rigid body includes forming a separation extending from an opening in the first basin to a peripheral edge of the rigid body to facilitate the placement of the weed barrier around an already rooted plant. 
     In an example method, the step of forming the rigid body includes forming the top surface of the rigid body such that it is contoured to receive a bottom surface of a second weed barrier substantially identical to the first weed barrier. As a result, the rigid weed barriers are stackable. 
     In an example method, the step of providing the moisture-wicking material includes providing a fibrous material. In a particular example method, the fibrous material includes paper pulp. In a more particular example method, the step of forming the rigid body includes molding the paper pulp. In an even more particular method, the step of forming the rigid body includes vacuum molding the paper pulp. 
     Another example method additionally includes adding one or more agricultural additives to the moisture-wicking material. Examples of the agricultural additives include, but are not limited to, one or more fungicides, one or more pesticides, one or more herbicides, one or more pH balancing/adjusting agents, one or more copper compounds, and any combination of these additives. 
     In an example method, the step of providing the moisture-wicking material includes providing a moisture permeable material. Optionally, the step of providing the moisture-wicking material can include providing a biodegradable material. In example methods, the rigid body is opaque. 
     A particular example method additionally includes providing information identifying the weed barrier as a weed barrier. For example, a particular method includes providing information suggesting that the weed barrier be used in a garden. Another example method includes providing instructions for using the weed barrier to prevent weed growth in a garden. 
     Example garden systems are also disclosed. One example garden system includes a weed barrier, a hose, and instructions. The rigid body is formed from a material capable of wicking moisture, and has a top surface and a bottom surface. The first basin is defined by a portion of the rigid body and includes a bottom. The hose has a permeable outer wall (e.g., a soaker hose). The instructions provide information for positioning the weed barrier with respect to the hose, and for planting a plant through an opening in the bottom of the first basin. 
     Methods for using rigid weed barrier are also disclosed. An example method of using a weed barrier to prevent weed growth near garden plants includes providing a weed barrier, providing a hose, positioning the hose on the soil, positioning the weed barrier over the hose, and planting a plant in the soil through an opening in the weed barrier. The weed barrier includes a rigid body formed from a material capable of wicking moisture. The rigid body has a top surface and a bottom surface. The weed barrier additionally includes a first basin defined by a portion of the rigid body. The first basin includes a bottom and an opening defined by the rigid body in the bottom of the first basin. The opening has a size sufficient to facilitate the planting of a plant through the opening, and the first basin is configured to direct water falling in the basin toward the opening. The hose has a permeable outer wall, and, when the weed barrier is positioned over the hose after the hose has been positioned on the soil, the bottom surface of the rigid body contacts/rests upon the soil. The example method additionally includes connecting the hose to a water source, and, optionally, treating the soil before the step of positioning the weed barrier over the hose. 
     Another example weed barrier includes a rigid body formed from a material capable of wicking moisture. The rigid body has a top surface and a bottom surface. An array of basins is defined by a central portion of the rigid body. The array of basins has a length and a width, and each basin of the array of basins includes a side wall and a bottom. The array of basins has a first side edge, a second side edge opposite the first side edge, a first end edge extending between the first side edge and the second side edge, and a second end edge opposite the first end edge. An array of openings is also defined by the rigid body. Each opening of the array of openings is defined by the rigid body in the bottom of a corresponding one of the basins. The openings each have a sufficient size to facilitate the planting of a plant therethrough. 
     The example weed barrier additionally includes a flange defined by a peripheral portion of the body. The flange at least partially surrounds the array of basins and has a first side edge, a second side edge opposite the first side edge, a first end edge extending between the first side edge and the second side edge, and a second end edge opposite the first end edge. The flange has a first width defined as a shortest distance between the first side edge of the array and the first side edge of the flange. The flange has a second width defined as a shortest distance between the second side edge of the array and the second side edge of the flange. The flange has a third width defined as a shortest distance between the first end edge of the array and the first end edge of the flange, and the flange has a fourth width defined as a shortest distance between the second end edge of the array and the second end edge of the flange. The first width of the flange can be at least 0.25 inches. 
     Optionally, the first width of the flange can be at least 0.75 inches. The first width of the flange can also be at least 1 inch. The first width of the flange can also be at least 1.25 inches. 
     In an example weed barrier, the first width can be the same as the second width. The third width and the fourth width can also be equal. 
     Optionally, the first width of the flange can be greater than the second width of the flange. The second width can be less than 0.25 inches. The third width can be greater than the fourth width. The fourth width can be less than 0.25 inches. 
     In an example weed barrier, the bottom surface of the rigid body can define a first hose channel. The bottom surface of the rigid body can also define a second hose channel perpendicularly intersecting the first hose channel. The depth of each hose channel can be sufficient to receive a conventional soaker hose and/or a conventional drip tape. 
     In an example weed barrier, the flange can include a substantially planar top surface. The flange can also include a substantially planar bottom surface. The substantially planar top surface can be parallel to the substantially planar bottom surface. At least one bottom of a particular one of the basins can be substantially planar and substantially parallel to the substantially planar top surface of the flange. 
     In an example weed barrier, the top surface of the rigid body can be contoured to receive a bottom surface of a second weed barrier substantially identical to the first weed barrier, such that the weed barriers are stackable. 
     The material of example weed barriers can be fibrous. The material can be formed from paper pulp. The material can be molded paper pulp. The material can be opaque to light and permeable to water. 
     In an example weed barrier, the distance between the first side edge of the array of basins and the second side edge of the array of basins is at least six times the distance between the flange and the bottoms of the basins. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is described with reference to the following drawings, wherein like reference numbers denote substantially similar elements: 
         FIG.  1    a perspective view of a plurality of weed barriers and a dripper hose placed on the ground and configured into a plurality of garden rows; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of one of the weed barriers of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a top view of the weed barrier of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a side view of the weed barrier of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional side view of a weed barrier of  FIG.  1    taken along line A-A of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a garden system for preventing weed growth and supplying water to a garden; 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of a plurality of weed barriers configured into a raised-bed garden; 
         FIG.  8    is a top view of an alternate weed barrier; 
         FIG.  9    shows a perspective view of an alternate weed barrier positioned around a tree; 
         FIG.  10    shows a perspective view of the weed barrier of  FIG.  9    before use; 
         FIG.  11    shows a perspective view of the weed barrier of  FIG.  9    in an open position; 
         FIG.  12    shows a side view of a plurality of the weed barriers of  FIG.  9    in a stacked configuration; 
         FIG.  13    shows a perspective view of another alternate weed barrier; 
         FIG.  14    shows a perspective view of another alternate weed barrier; 
         FIG.  15    shows a perspective view of yet another alternate weed barrier; 
         FIG.  16    shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the weed barrier of  FIG.  15    taken along line B-B of  FIG.  15   ; 
         FIG.  17 A  illustrates a first step of a method of using a weed barrier system; 
         FIG.  17 B  illustrates a second step of a method of using a weed barrier system; 
         FIG.  17 C  illustrates a third step of a method of using a weed barrier system; 
         FIG.  18    is a flowchart summarizing a method of manufacturing a weed barrier; 
         FIG.  19    is a flowchart summarizing a method of using a weed barrier: 
         FIG.  20    is a top perspective view of another weed barrier; 
         FIG.  21    is a bottom perspective view of the weed barrier of  FIG.  20   ; 
         FIG.  22    is a perspective view of a stack of the weed barriers of  FIG.  20   ; 
         FIG.  23    is a perspective view of array of weed barriers of  FIG.  20    disposed in an elevated garden; 
         FIG.  24 A  is a cross-sectional view of the garden of  FIG.  23    with the weed barriers in a first position; 
         FIG.  24 B  is a cross-sectional view of the garden of  FIG.  23    with the weed barriers in a second position; 
         FIG.  25 A  is a top plan view of a 3×4 array of the weed barriers of  FIG.  20    in an intermediate coverage position; 
         FIG.  25 B  is a top plan view of a 3×4 array of the weed barriers of  FIG.  20    in a maximum coverage position; 
         FIG.  25 C  is a top plan view of a 3×4 array of the weed barriers of  FIG.  20    in a minimum coverage position; 
         FIG.  26    is a top plan view of a 3×4 array of the weed barriers of  FIG.  20    in a minimum coverage position in the x-direction and a maximum coverage position in the y-direction; 
         FIG.  27    is a top perspective view of another weed barrier; and 
         FIG.  28    is a top plan view of a 3×4 array of the weed barriers of  FIG.  27    in a minimum area coverage position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art, by providing a weed barrier for planting garden plants, which minimizes work, maximizes visual appeal, and provides a healthy growing environment for plants. A weed barrier of the present invention eliminates a large amount of work associated with weeding, laying out a garden, watering, and cleaning up at the end of the gardening season. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth (e.g., specific weed barrier dimensions, configurations, etc.) in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced apart from these specific details. In other instances, details of well-known agricultural practices (e.g., planting, weeding, irrigating, etc.) and components have been omitted, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
       FIG.  1    shows a perspective view of a plurality of weed barriers  100  and a dripper hose  102  disposed on soil  104  and configured into a plurality of garden rows  106   a - 106   c , according to one example embodiment. Dripper hose(s)  102  is/are positioned on soil  104  in straight, parallel lines and weed barriers  100  are laid over hose  102  in direct contact with soil  104 . With weed barriers  104  properly positioned over hose  102 , a plurality of plant starts  108  are planted directly through weed barriers  104  and into soil  104  directly thereunder. Dripper hose  102  has a permeable outer wall so as to slowly and uniformly distribute water to soil  104  and, therefore, directly to plant starts  108  when supplied with pressurized water from a water source  110  connected thereto. 
     Weed barriers  100  are opaque, rigid structures adapted to accommodate many planting configurations. As shown in garden row  106   a , weed barriers  104  are arranged such that the long edges of adjacent weed barriers  100  abut one another. This allows weed barriers to have a greater width of weed prevention. As shown in garden rows  106   b  and  106   c , weed barriers  104  are configured such that the short edges of adjacent weed barriers  100  abut one another. This provides narrower rows and a greater row length of weed prevention using less weed barriers  104 . Depending on the particular type plant, weed barriers  104  can be arranged and used accordingly. For example, for plants that require more space when matured, it may be desirable to configure weed barriers  100  as shown in row  106   a . Conversely, for plants that require less space, it may be desirable to configure weed barriers  100  as shown in rows  106   b - 106   c . Not only are weed barriers  100  configurable with respect to one another and hose  102 , they also provide for many different planting arrangements such as, number of plants through each weed barrier  100 , distance between plants, layout of plants, etc. As shown in  FIG.  1   , it is not necessary to plant a plant through each hole of weed barriers  100 . However, for plants requiring minimal spacing, one or more plants can be planted through every hole of weed barriers  100 . 
     Weed barriers  104  provide several other benefits that will be discussed in further detail with reference to other figures. For example, when arranged close to one another, weed barriers  104  effectively protect hose  102  from sun damage such as, for example, checking/dry rot. As another example, weed barriers  104  also effectively slow the evaporation of moisture from soil  104 , so that less water from water source  110  is required to water plant starts  108 . As yet another example, weed barriers  100  also permits airflow to soil  104  thereunder. This effectively permits oxygen to reach soil  104 , which promotes healthy plant growth. It also mitigates pest problems such as, for example, slugs which otherwise thrive under non-breathable, moisture retaining materials (i.e. plastic). As yet another example, weed barriers  104  collect and guide impinging water (i.e., rain water, sprinkler water, etc.) falling thereon toward the roots of plant starts  108 . 
       FIG.  2    shows a top perspective view of weed barrier  100 , which includes a rigid unitary body formed from a moisture-wicking, permeable material, a top surface  200 , and an opposite bottom surface  202 . Specifically, weed barrier  100  is a paper pulp structure formed, for example, via a vacuum molding process. The paper pulp is biodegradable and recyclable. This and other embodiments can facilitate weed control in a 100% organic garden. Alternate embodiments can be formed from polypropylene plastic, which can be reused and/or recycled. As another alternative, weed barrier  100  can be formed from leaf pulp (or other environmental waste, e.g. grass clippings), which is abundant and typically considered waste. A leaf pulp embodiment would decrease the price of manufacture (by using a practically worthless input) and the environmental footprint of the product, which is important to many current and prospective home gardeners. 
     Top surface  200  is configured to receive impinging water and defines an array of basins  204  to direct the water toward an opening  206  formed at the bottom  208  of each basin  204 . Openings  206  facilitate the planting of plants therethrough into the underlying soil. In this example, each opening  206  includes an aperture  210  to facilitate the removal of a break-out center portion  212 . For example, apertures  210  allow a cutting tool (e.g., knife, saw, drill blade, etc.) to be inserted through bottoms  208  of basins  204 . Optionally, openings  206  can be perforated or scored to facilitate the removal of center portions  212  with or without the assistance of a tool. As yet another option, openings  206  may be left completely open during the manufacturing of weed barriers  100  thus eliminating center portions  212  altogether. As yet another option, openings  206  can be omitted during manufacture and left for the user to create entirely. The example embodiment provides a gardener with eight of center portions  212  and, thus, multiple options for positioning plants, which can be utilized for planting various species, based on the needs of each individual species. For example, a gardener can plant eight small plants, four medium-sized plants, or two large plants in each tray. 
     Bottom surface  202  defines a plurality intersecting hose channels  214  formed between basins  204 . Hose channels  214  allow weed barrier  100  to be positioned over hoses (i.e. soaker hose  102 ) and on underlying soil without causing weed barrier  100  to be unlevel. In this example, hose channels  214  include one long hose channel  214   a  and three short hose channels  214   b . Hose channels  214   b  are parallel to one another and perpendicularly intersect hose channel  214   a . This provides the user freedom to arrange weed barriers  100  in various different configurations. 
       FIG.  3    is a top view of weed barrier  100  showing two of eight center portions  212  removed. In this example, the user has chosen to plant two plant starts in weed barrier  100 , one through the bottom left center portion  212  and the other through the top right center portion  212 . 
     In this example embodiment, there are eight basins  204  arranged in an array and separated by four channels  214 . In many applications, it is beneficial to have twice as many basins  204  as hose channels  214  in a single weed barrier, because it makes the weed barrier very versatile in terms of configurations/arrangements. However, the particular configuration and number of basins  204  and hose channels  214  will depend on the particular application. Likewise, the particular geometry of basins  204  will depend on the particular application. For example, basins  204  have generally planar sidewalls and planar bottoms  208  but may also be more rounded. 
     In this particular embodiment, weed barrier  100  is 23 ¾ inches long, 16 inches wide, and weighs between ¼ and ½ pound. A garden row utilizing 12 weed barriers  100  will accommodate a  25 ′ soaker hose, which is a standard length, with little wasted length. Openings  206  are two inches in diameter and apertures  210  are ⅜ inches in diameter. Additionally, openings  206  are only ½ inch away from the lower edge of channel  214   a  and, therefore, the center of a planted plant&#39;s root system will be within two inches of a soaker hose disposed in hose channel  214   a.    
     The weight, thickness, and/or density of weed barrier  100  can be adjusted to control the rate of biodegradation. In particular, increasing the weight/thickness of weed barrier  100  will increase the length of time required for weed barrier  100  to decompose. For example, weed barrier  100  made at a weight in the range of ⅓ lb.-½ lb. will last for approximately one growing season, but the weight can be increased to extend the useful life of weed barrier  100 . As another example, weed barrier  100  can be manufactured to have an average thickness within a first predetermined range (e.g., ¼″±⅛″) to last one growing season and be tillable into the soil thereafter. Alternatively, weed barrier  100  can be manufactured to have a greater thickness, within a second predetermined range, to facilitate collection, storage, and reuse in one or more subsequent growing seasons. In addition, the rate of degradation can be accelerated or decelerated using additives that decrease or increase the rate of degradation. 
       FIG.  4    is a side view of weed barrier  100 , which is 2 3/16 inches tall including a lip  400  around the peripheral edge for preventing soil from getting into basins  204 . As shown, hose channels  214   b  extend completely through weed barrier  100  uninterrupted. 
       FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional side view of weed barrier  100  taken along line A-A of  FIG.  4   . Weed barrier  100  and hose  102  are shown positioned on top of soil  104  with hose  102  extending completely through hose channel  214   a . In this example, center portion  212  is removed from opening  206  and a plant start  108  is planted therethrough into the underlying soil  104 . The planting of plant start  108  is done after weed barrier  100  is positioned on soil  104  over hose  102 . Generally, this involves making a depression in soil  104  directly under opening  206  by pressing, for example, a finger through opening  206  and making a depression that is large enough to receive roots  500  of plant start  108  or seeds for new plants. As shown, the basin  204  on the left is not being used and, therefore, still includes center portion  212 . 
     Various means for supplying water to roots  500  of plant start  108  can be employed and are made more efficient by weed barrier  100 . One means includes supplying water through hose  102 . When pressurized water is supplied through hose  102 , it slowly flows through permeable sidewalls  502  of hose  102 , thereby saturating the underlying soil  104  and the portion of bottom surface  202  defining hose channel  214   a . Another means of supplying water includes either rain water or sprinkler water falling directly on top surface  200  of weed barrier  100 . Basins  204  are tapered such that the water falling onto basins  204  is accumulated and guided toward openings  206 , where it then flows through to the underlying soil. Not only does weed barrier  100  collect and guide impinging water, it also effectively slows the evaporation of the water from the underlying soil  104  such that more can be absorbed by roots  500 . Because weed barrier  100  is wicking and permeable, it can also dry to allow better air flow to the underlying soil  104  and prevent stagnant pools from forming under weed barrier  100 . 
     In this example, weed barrier  100  is 14 ¾ inches wide and provides about 6 inches on either side of hose channel  214   a  for weed prevention. This space limits the competition for resources, such as water and/or fertilizer, between garden plants and weeds. 
       FIG.  6    shows a garden system  600  for preventing weed growth and supplying water to a garden. System  600  includes a plurality of weed barriers  100 , a dripper hose  102 , and instructions  602  for using system  600 . As shown, weed barriers  100  are stackable and, therefore, occupy minimal space when stored, shipped, and/or shelved. More specifically, top surfaces  200  of weed barriers  100  are contoured to receive bottom surfaces  202  of weed barriers  100 . As previously mentioned, hose  102  is a dripper hose having a permeable sidewall for slowly allowing the passage of water therethrough. Instructions  602  include instructions for positioning hose  102  on soil and positioning weed barriers  100  over hose  102  to prevent weed growth. Instructions  602  further include information identifying weed barriers  100  as weed barriers and/or indicating that weed barrier  100  is suitable for use in a garden. 
       FIG.  7    is a perspective view of an elevated (raised-bed) garden  700  using weed barrier system  600 . As shown, garden  700  includes wood planks  702  fastened together to form rectangular retaining wall that is two boards high from ground level. Of course, garden  700  is then filled with soil. Hose  102  is connected to a water source  704  and laid out on the soil along a path indicated by dashed line  706 . The opposite end of hose  102  is closed to maintain internal water pressure thereof. With hose  102  laid out, weed barriers  100  are positioned in a rectangular array, as shown, such that hose  102  meanders through hose channels (not visible) along line  706 . In this configuration, every basin  204  is no further than one basin away from hose  102 . Furthermore, the majority of the underlying soil is blocked from sunlight by weed barriers  100  and, therefore, remains substantially weed free during operation. After seasonal use, weed barriers  100  can be stacked up and stored for later use. Optionally, weed barriers  100  can be left alone to eventually break down naturally, because weed barriers  100  are biodegradable. 
       FIG.  8    shows a top view of an alternate weed barrier  800 . Weed barrier  800  is substantially similar to weed barrier  100  except that openings  802  have a plurality of apertures  804  to facilitate the removal of center portions  806  thereof. As shown, the center portion  806  of the top left basin  808  has been removed in preparation for receiving a plant start. Alternatively, weed barrier  800  can include precut, breakout center portions to lessen a gardener&#39;s work requirement even further by eliminating the need to cut along a scored circle to open an opening. 
       FIG.  9    shows a perspective view of another alternate weed barrier  900 . Weed barrier  900  is shown positioned around the trunk a pre-existing tree  902 . Weed barrier  900  includes two physically separate halves  904 , which allow it to be applied to, and removed from, rooted plants. Like weed barriers of previous embodiments, weed barrier  900  is a paper pulp structure formed, for example, via a vacuum molding process. The paper pulp is biodegradable and recyclable. 
       FIG.  10    shows a perspective view of weed barrier  900  before use. Weed barrier  900  includes a single basin  1000  contoured to direct the water toward apertures  1002  formed at the bottom  1004  thereof. Apertures  1002  are formed generally around the drip line of a tree to allow water accumulated in basin  1000  to flow into the underlying soil near the drip line. Bottom  1004  includes a plurality of concentric openings  1006  to accommodate for varying tree trunk diameters. Specifically, there are three break-out rings  1008  to accommodate small, medium, and large diameter trees. 
       FIG.  11    shows a perspective view of weed barrier  900  with the small and medium break-out rings  1008  removed to accommodate for a medium sized tree.  FIG.  11    also shows the individual halves of weed barrier  900  physically separated from one another. 
       FIG.  12    shows a side view of a plurality of weed barriers  900  stacked and nested together. Halves  904  of weed barrier  900  are geometrically identical and, therefore, the two halves  904  of a single weed barrier  900  can be stacked and nested together without occupying a great deal of space. As shown, there are eight halves  904  stacked together and, therefore, four of weed barriers  900 . 
       FIG.  13    is a perspective view of another alternate weed barrier  1300 . Weed barrier  1300  is substantially identical to weed barrier  900  except that weed barrier  1300  is a unitary body rather than two physically separated halves. Weed barrier  1300  includes a separation  1302  extending from the outer edge of a first break-out ring  1304  to a peripheral edge of weed barrier  1300 , to facilitate the placement of weed barrier  1300  around a rooted plant. To place weed barrier  1300  around, for example, the trunk of a tree, the appropriate one of break-out rings  1304  are removed. Then, weed barrier  1300  is flexed until the separation of  1302  is spread apart a sufficient distance to pass the plant therethrough. Once the plant stem or trunk is centered in the opening created by the removal of break-out ring  1304 , weed barrier  1300  is laid on the ground around the plant base. 
       FIG.  14    is a perspective view of another alternate weed barrier  1400 . Weed barrier  1400  includes a hose channel  1402  and four openings  1404 . Hose channel  1402  is configured to receive a hose such as, for example, a dripper hose. Hose channel  1402  is functionally the same as previously mentioned hose channels and, therefore, will not be described in further detail. Openings  1404  facilitate the planting of plants therethrough. In this example, openings  1404  are perforated X&#39;s that can be pushed open, drilled, cut, etc. Weed barrier  1400  is stackable and nestable. Optionally, weed barrier  1400  can include water passages, to facilitate the flow of water from the top surface to the soil below, and surface features configured to direct incident water to the water passages. 
       FIG.  15    is a perspective view of another alternate weed barrier  1500 . Weed barrier  1500  includes a basin  1502  to direct the impinging water toward an opening  1504  ( FIG.  16   ) formed at the bottom  1506  ( FIG.  16   ) thereof. 
       FIG.  16    is a cross-sectional, perspective view of weed barrier  1500  taken along line B-B of  FIG.  15   . As shown, the sidewalls  1600  of basin  1502  are rounded and tapered. Weed barrier  1500  is stackable and nestable. 
       FIGS.  17 A- 17 C  illustrate a method of using system  600  in a typical application. 
     In a first step, as illustrated in  FIG.  17 A , soaker hose  102  is laid down along the desired location for the row of plants. Next, as illustrated in  FIG.  17 B , soil  104  in the vicinity of soaker hose  102  is treated with a soil additive  1700  such as, for example, fertilizer and/or lime, based on the current state of soil  104 , the needs of potential plants, etc. Finally, as illustrated in  FIG.  17 C , each of weed barriers  100  is placed over hose  102 , such that hose  102  is positioned within the hose channels  214  of weed barriers  100 . Weed barriers  100  are also pushed into soil  104  slightly, so that they are not displaced by wind and/or other common environmental factors. Each weed barrier  100  is placed end-to-end with the previous weed barrier  100  until all 12 weed barriers  100  are placed over the 25 foot soaker hose. Then, plant starts can be planted through openings  206 , as shown in  FIG.  1   . 
       FIG.  18    is a flowchart summarizing a method  1800  of manufacturing a weed barrier. In a first step  1802 , a moisture-wicking material is provided. Then, in a second step  1804 , a rigid body is formed from the moisture-wicking material. Next, in a third step  1806 , a basin is formed in the rigid body. Finally, in a fourth step  1808 , an opening is formed in the bottom of the basin. Second step  1804 , third step  1806  and/or fourth step  1808  can all be performed simultaneously as, for example, a single step of forming the rigid body with basins and openings therein. 
       FIG.  19    is a flowchart summarizing a method  1900  of using a weed barrier. In a first step  1902 , a weed barrier having a basin formed in a rigid body is provided. Next, in a second step  1904 , a hose having a permeable wall is provided. Then, in a third step  1906 , a plant is provided. Next, in a fourth step  1908 , the hose is positioned on soil. Then, in a fifth step  1910 , the weed barrier is positioned over the hose. Finally, in a sixth step  1912 , the plant is inserted into the soil through an opening in the basin of the weed barrier. 
       FIG.  20    shows a top perspective view of a weed barrier  2000 , which includes a rigid unitary body formed from a moisture-wicking, permeable material, a top surface  2002 , and an opposite bottom surface  2004 . Specifically, weed barrier  2000  is a paper pulp structure formed, for example, via a vacuum molding process. The paper pulp is biodegradable and recyclable. This and other embodiments can facilitate weed control in a 100% organic garden. As an alternative, weed barrier  2000  can be formed from leaf pulp. 
     Top surface  2002  defines a 2×4 array of basins  2006  that are configured to receive impinging water. The bottom wall of each basin  2006  defines perforations  2008  in the shape of an X to allow the user to selectively break openings through the bottom wall. By breaking open the bottom of a basin  2006 , the user may place the roots of a plant and/or seeds therethrough into the underlying soil. Optionally, perforations  2008  may be omitted and the user may cut openings through basins  2006  using a tool such as a knife. In such a case, the bottom of each basin may include indicia such as, for example, a mark indicating the center of the basin, concentric rings indicating different size hole edges, cutting guides, etc. The example embodiment provides a gardener with eight of basins  2006  and, thus, multiple options for positioning plants, which can be utilized for planting various species, based on the needs of each individual species. For example, a gardener can plant eight small plants, four medium-sized plants, or two large plants in each tray. 
     Top surface  2002  and bottom surface  2004 , together, define opposite sides of a flange  2010  formed completely around the top perimeter edge  2012  of the array of basins  2006 . In this example, top surface  2002  and bottom surface  2004  of flange  2010  are generally planar surfaces that are parallel to one another. Flange  2010  is configured to overlap the flange of an adjacent weed barrier  2000 . This overlap allows adjacent weed barriers  2000  to be moved toward or away from one another without permitting sunlight to pass between the two. In this example, flange  2010  has a length L F =1.0 inch, which is the shortest horizontal distance between the outer edge  2012  of basins  2006  to the outer edge of weed barrier  2000 . Details related to flange  2006  will be discussed further with reference to upcoming  FIGS.  24 A- 25 C . 
       FIG.  21    shows a bottom perspective view of a weed barrier  2000 . Bottom surface  2004  defines a plurality of intersecting hose channels  2100  formed between basins  2006 . Hose channels  2100  allow weed barrier  2000  to be positioned over hoses (i.e. soaker hose  102 ) and on underlying soil without causing weed barrier  2000  to be unlevel. In this example, hose channels  2100  include one long hose channel  2100   a  and three short hose channels  2100   b . Hose channels  2100   b  are parallel to one another and perpendicularly intersect hose channel  2100   a . This provides the user freedom to arrange weed barriers  2000  in various different configurations. 
       FIG.  22    shows a top perspective view of a stack of weed barriers  2000  nested together. In this example, the stack includes twelve weed barriers  2000  that, together, cover the entire footprint of a 4 ft×8 ft raised bed garden. 
       FIG.  23    is a perspective view of an elevated (raised-bed) 4 ft×8 ft garden  2300  using the twelve weed barriers  2000  and a soaker hose  2302 . As shown, garden  2300  includes wood planks  2304  fastened together to form a rectangular retaining wall that is two boards high from ground level. Of course, garden  2300  is then filled with soil. Hose  2302  is connected to a water source  2306  and laid out on the soil along a path indicated by dashed line  2308 . The opposite end (not shown) of hose  2302  is closed to maintain internal water pressure thereof. With hose  2302  laid out, weed barriers  2000  are positioned in a rectangular array, as shown, such that hose  2302  meanders through hose channels (not visible) along line  2308 . In this configuration, every basin  2006  is no further than one basin away from hose  2302 . Furthermore, the underlying soil is blocked from sunlight by weed barriers  2000  and, therefore, remains substantially weed free during operation. As shown, there are 96 basins  2006  and, therefore, 96 potential plant locations. After seasonal use, weed barriers  2000  can be stacked up and stored for later use. Optionally, weed barriers  2000  can be left alone to eventually break down naturally, because weed barriers  2000  are biodegradable. 
       FIG.  24 A  shows a cross-section of garden  2300  taken along line A-A of  FIG.  23    with weed barriers  2000  in a first position. In this first position, the two outside weed barriers  2000  are disposed inward toward the middle weed barrier  2000  such that there is substantial overlap of the flanges  2010  of the outside weed barriers and flange  2010  of the middle weed barrier  2000 . As a result, the flanges  2010  of the outside weed barriers  2000  are disposed slightly away from the inside wall of planks  2304 . The space between weed barriers  2000  and the inside wall of planks  2304  allows plants to grow therebetween if desired. Otherwise, this gap may be closed as illustrated in  FIG.  24 B . 
       FIG.  24 B  shows a cross-section of garden  2300  taken along line A-A of  FIG.  23    with weed barriers  2000  in a second position. In this second position, the two outside weed barriers  2000  are disposed a little further away from the middle weed barrier  2000  such that there is less overlap of the flanges of the outside weed barriers and flange of the middle weed barrier  2000 . As a result, the flanges of the outside weed barriers  2000  abut the inside walls of planks  2304  such that no sunlight passes therebetween. 
     In view of  FIGS.  24 B and  24 A , it should be recognized that the overlap between weed barriers  2000  remains as weed barriers  2000  are slid slightly toward or away from one another. By maintaining constant contact between flanges  2010  of adjacent weed barriers  2000 , no sunlight can reach the underlying soil therebetween and cause weed growth between adjacent weed barriers  2000 . Furthermore, this constant overlapping of flanges  2010  allows weed barriers  2000  to cover the entirety of gardens that may be slightly off in terms of dimensions. For example, if a raised bed garden that is supposed to be 48 in×96 in is actually 47.5 in×96.5 in, the position of the twelve weed barriers  2000  can be adjusted so that they still cover the entire soil surface by moving weed barriers  2000  closer together in the x direction and further away from one another in the y direction. Flange  2010  essentially allows the dimensions of the hosting garden to be off within a predetermined tolerance while still maintaining overlap between adjacent weed barriers  2000 . 
       FIGS.  25 A,  25 B, and  25 C  show top plan views of twelve weed barriers  2000  arranged in an intermediate position, a maximum position, and a minimum position, respectively. Note that, apart from the peripheral edge of basins  2006  depicted by the center rectangle, the details of basins  2006  are removed from  FIGS.  25 A- 25 C  to clearly show the relationships between overlapping flanges  2010 . 
     In the intermediate position shown in  FIG.  25 A , the flange  2010  of each weed barrier  2000  is positioned halfway over adjacent flanges  2010  wherein the edges of underlying flanges  2010  are shown as dotted lines. As a result, the array of twelve weed barriers  2000  extends a total of 48 inches in the x-direction and 96 inches in the y-direction. 
     In the minimum position shown in  FIG.  25 B , the flange  2010  of each weed barrier  2000  is positioned completely over adjacent flanges  2010  such as those illustrated in  FIG.  24 A . As a result, the array of twelve weed barriers  2000  extends a total of 48 inches—L F  in the x-direction and 96″−1.5 L F  in the y-direction where L F =flange length. In this example, LF=1 inch, so weed barriers  2000  extend a total of 47 inches in the x-direction and 94.5 inches in the y-direction. 
     In the maximum position shown in  FIG.  25 C , the flange  2010  of each weed barrier  2000  is positioned just slightly over adjacent flanges  2010  such as those illustrated in  FIG.  24 B . As a result, the array of twelve weed barriers  2000  extends a total of 48 inches+LF in the x-direction and 96″+1.5 L F  in the y-direction where L F =flange length. As previously mentioned, L F =1 inch in this example, so weed barriers  2000  extend a total of nearly 49 inches in the x-direction and nearly 97.5 inches in the y-direction. 
     In view of  FIGS.  25 A- 25 C , it should be recognized that flanges  2010  alleviate manufacturing/construction imperfections in the garden walls by providing a tolerance of +/−LF in the x-direction and +/−1.5 LF in the y-direction. This is particularly beneficial when a gardener purchases a raised-bed garden that advertises as 48″96″ but has slightly different dimensions, which is often the case. For example,  FIG.  26    shows a raised-bed garden that has 47 inch top and bottom sides and 97.5 inch sides. Because these off dimensions of the raised-bed garden fall within the aforementioned tolerances, the soil area of the raised bed garden is still completely covered by the twelve weed barriers  2000 . In this example, the array of weed barriers  2000  are contracted in the x-direction to compensate for the shorter distance between the sidewalls of the garden and expanded in the y-direction to compensate for the longer distance between the top and bottom walls. 
     The magnitude of the tolerance provided by flanges  2010  is dictated by flange length L F . That is, the greater L F , the greater tolerance to garden dimensions that can be achieved by weed barriers  2000 . For example, increasing flange length L F  to 2.0 inches allows a 3×4 array of weed barriers  2000  to extend between 46 inches to 50 inches in the x-direction and 93 inches to 99 inches in the y-direction. In other words, a 2.0 inch flange length provides a 4.0 inch range in the x-direction and a 6 inch range in the y-direction. Of course, given the same outer dimensions of weed barrier  2000 , an increase in LF requires a decrease in the peripheral dimensions of the array of basins  2006 . It may also be advantageous to decrease LF to, for example, 0.25 inches to achieve larger basins  2006  for raised bed gardens having dimensions very close to the advertised dimensions. The invention is not limited to a specific flange length LF. Flange length LF may range from 0.25 inches to beyond 6 inches in some cases. 
     In the current example weed barrier  2000  (dimensions shown in  FIG.  20   ), LF=1.0 inch, the distance from one basin outer side edge to an adjacent basin outer side edge in the x-direction is 14.33 inches, the distance from the uppermost edge of a top basin to the lowermost edge of a bottom basin is 22.375 inches, and the height h of weed barrier  2000  is 1.25 inches. In this example wherein LF=1.0 inch, the ratio of flange length FL to basin width in the x-direction is 1:7.25. The ratio of flange length FL to basin height in the y-direction is 1:5.7. The ratio of flange length FL to the height of weed barrier  2000  is 1:1.25. 
       FIG.  27    shows a top perspective view of an alternate weed barrier  2700  that is substantially similar to weed barrier  2000 , the only difference being that weed barrier  2700  has a flange  2702  that extends from only two of the four sides. Weed barrier  2700  still has the same overall outer dimensions as that of weed barrier  2000 . That is, weed barrier  2700  has a width of 16.33 inches in the x-direction, a length of 24.375 inches in the y-direction, and a height of 1.125 inches in the z-direction. 
       FIG.  28    shows a top plan view of an array of twelve weed barriers  2700 . Even with flange  2702  only extending around two of the four sides of weed barriers  2700 , an array of twelve weed barriers  2700  still provides a range of 2 L F  of extendibility in the x-direction and 3 L F  in the y-direction while still covering the entire area of underlying soil. 
     In all of the previously described embodiments, the weed barriers are formed from a moisture-wicking, permeable material that is rigid when cured. Specifically, the aforementioned rigid weed barriers are paper pulp structures formed, for example, via a vacuum molding process. The paper pulp is biodegradable and recyclable. However, alternate wicking materials and manufacturing methods can be used without departing from the main scope of the present invention. For example, the weed barriers can be formed from leaf pulp (or other environmental waste, e.g. grass clippings), which is abundant and typically considered waste. Accordingly, the weed barriers can be formed from any type of rigid, moisture/air permeable, wicking material. 
     During the manufacturing of any of the aforementioned weed barriers, agricultural additives can optionally be added to the wicking material. This can be done when the paper pulp is in a slurry state by adding the agricultural additives directly to the slurry before it is molded into a rigid body. The weed barriers need not necessarily be impregnated with such additives, but the additives can instead be applied to the weed barrier after it is made rigid. For example, the additive can be sprayed on, the weed barrier can be dipped in the additives, etc. Such additives include, but are not limited to, fungicides, herbicides, pH adjusting agents, fertilizers, copper compounds, etc. 
     The description of particular embodiments of the present invention is now complete. Many of the described features may be substituted, altered or omitted without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, alternate layouts of the basins in the trays (e.g., 6×2, 4×4, etc.), may be substituted for the current 4×2 layout. This and other deviations from the particular embodiments shown will be apparent to those skilled in the art, particularly in view of the foregoing disclosure.