Patent Publication Number: US-2015082697-A1

Title: Planter or gardening container

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to container-gardening systems, specifically to a water-conserving and low-maintenance hybrid container-gardening system that can be used outdoors or indoors to grow a variety of plants, vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers. It combines the advantages and benefits of natural bacteria-enriched soil with the advantages and benefits of hydroponics to feed plant roots oxygenated nutrient/fluid precisely at the time of need for optimal root/plant growth, and it preferably also uses timers and renewable energy to accomplish this. Present invention structure includes the combination of reservoir, pump, fluid transport line, and one or more gardening containers each having water-elevating structure that causes a slow and consistent flow of oxygenated nutrient/fluid in an upwardly direction through soil to plant roots until soil saturation occurs, after which drainage-facilitating structure in the areas of soil-fluid interface and elsewhere in each present invention gardening container diverts surplus nutrient/fluid (newly incoming nutrient/fluid and that already present in the gardening container which is not immediately needed for plant growth) away from plant roots to prevent the plant stunting and disease-promoting impact that stagnant nutrient/fluid could otherwise have on plant roots after the pump stops. Furthermore, to prevent soil infiltration and blockage of fluid flow within the present invention system, including blockage of the nutrient/fluid transport lines connected between adjacent gardening containers, each present invention gardening container also has at least one peripheral channel providing a soil-fluid interface for uptake of nutrient/fluid by plant roots, while the remaining fluid-flow-assisting structure therein (including a main channel) has shielded protection against soil infiltration during its use for management of surplus nutrient/fluid entering the gardening containers after fluid saturation of soil in the peripheral channel or channels occurs. Gardening containers in preferred embodiments of the present invention hybrid system may be connected to one another in multiple stepped gravity-feed arrangements, have non-stepped arrangement relative to others having the same or similar support, be supported with or without stepped gravity-feed arrangement or connection to one another upon a strength-enhanced and sturdy reservoir and its cover, be supported by a modular frame that permits simple and easy system expansion to include the temporary or permanent addition of more gardening containers when needed, be supported by an elevated frame with or without sufficient height to provide underneath storage for one or more nutrient/fluid supply reservoirs, or a combination thereof in a variety of arrangements. Advantages of the present invention include compact and portable configurations suited for porch/balcony/patio use, larger configurations usable for more diverse residential food and herb production than the compact configurations, controlled/moderated root temperature during root/plant growth that helps to extend growing seasons even as seasonal increases or decreases in temperature occur, reservoir cover structure allowing rainwater replenishment of a nutrient/fluid supply reservoir supporting one or more gardening containers, and use of inexpensive soils, nutrients, and filtration media that are commonly-available from local suppliers instead of requiring operators to purchase special-order/dedicated supplies and filtration media. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Although soil gardening, hydroponics gardening, and container-gardening are all known, and each has been widely used, the present invention is the first known plant growing system adapted for families and homeowners that combines the most advantageous benefits of all three. In addition to being low-maintenance, optionally portable, and water-conserving, it is also able to use commonly-available, inexpensive, and locally-sourced soils, nutrients, and filtration media. Furthermore, it is easy to assemble, modular in form for easy and low-cost expansion, and has a design adaptable for providing compact and efficient embodiments for porch, small patio, and balcony use. In addition, it can be prepared to be self-sustaining for a minimum time period of approximately one month, wherein it promotes optimal root/plant growth while reducing owner maintenance. Multiple gardening containers can be connected together into a stepped gravity-feed arrangement, supported at the same or different elevations by a frame or a nutrient/fluid reservoir, and timers and solar-assist may be employed to allow system operation only on renewable energy. System advantages include, but are not limited to, consistent nutrient/fluid supply to all plants for augmented plant growth and increased vegetable/fruit production, moderated root temperature that helps to extend growing seasons and allow multiple harvests, optional compact configuration for porch/balcony use, and an option for rainwater replenishment of reservoirs. 
     The advantages of soil gardening include an option of providing differing amounts of moisture, temperature, and sunlight according to plant needs. Thus, a soil garden may grow only one type of plant, or in the alternative have various mixed arrangements of differing plants having similar moisture, temperature, and sunlight requirements. Soil gardening also provides a mixture of organic matter in varying stages of decomposition, air, water, and mineral particles (such as sand, clay, and silt), which together assist in maintaining a good balance of moisture and air around plant roots. In addition, soil may contain bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and earthworms, which further break down substances in the soil into nutrients that the plants growing therein can use. Soil also acts as a buffer around plant roots to help maintain nutrients in the root zone, while moderating the temperature around plant roots and isolating them from destructive pests. In addition, soil cannot be easily over saturated with water. In contrast, the advantages of hydroponics include recycled water, which reduces water cost. In addition, since no soil is used, nutrient levels can be better controlled, which reduces nutrient cost. Hydroponics gardening also maintains high plant/crop yields, is easy to harvest, containers are typically movable which assists in disease, weed, and pest control, and pesticide use is generally not required. The inventions thought to be the closest to the present invention are aquaponics systems that allow the complementary growth of plants and fish in different containers with fluid flow between them. The fish are fed in one container with water containing waste from the fish being cycled into the container holding plants, wherein bacteria in the plant container breaks down the fish waste for plant root uptake, with the decontaminated water (without fish waste) then being recycled back to the fish container. The main differences between the present invention and such aquaponics systems include removal in present invention systems of surplus nutrient/fluid from around plant roots each night, fluid-management structure in the bottom portion of present invention gardening containers that also creates oxygenation of nutrient/fluid delivered to plant roots, and use of soil (the aquaponics systems use gravel or other non-soil media to support plant roots). No prior art container-gardening system for plants is known to have structure similar to that of the present invention, to function in the same manner as the present invention, or to provide all of its advantages, including the combined advantages/benefits of soil gardening and hydroponics that provides plants with all of the nutrients they need precisely at the time they need it, with concurrent drainage of surplus nutrient/fluid away from plant roots once soil saturation occurs that avoids stunted plant growth and disease that could otherwise impact plants having roots exposed to stagnant nutrient/fluid. 
     While some of the prior art may contain some similarities relating to the present invention, none of them teach, suggest or include all of the advantages and unique features of the invention disclosed hereunder. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the primary object of this invention to provide a container-gardening system that combines the advantages and benefits of soil gardening with the advantages and benefits of hydroponics to present a near constant flow of oxygenated nutrient/fluid to the roots of plants grown therein that optimizes root/plant growth, while minimizing stagnant nutrient/fluid near roots that stunts plant growth and facilitates plant/root disease. A further object of this invention is to provide a container-gardening system that is easy to use, space-saving, optionally portable, low-maintenance, easy-to-maintain, and water-conserving. It is also an object of this invention to provide a container-gardening system that can use commonly-available, inexpensive, and locally-sourced soils, nutrients, and filtration media. Another object of this invention is to provide a container-gardening system with gardening containers that can be used independently with a reservoir, be connected to at least one other gardening container while all gardening containers are supported by a reservoir/tank or an independent frame at a single elevation, or be connected together in a stepped gravity-feed arrangement while all gardening containers are supported by the reservoir/tank or an independent frame. It is also an object of this invention to provide a container-gardening system that is fast and easy to install, has a stable configuration once installed, and requires minimal post-installation inspection and maintenance. It is a further object of this invention to provide a container-gardening system that can extend the growing season for most plants, and allows multiple harvests in the same year or season for selected plants. In addition, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a container-gardening system made from crack-resistant, corrosion-resistant, UV-resistant, fire-resistant, and extremely durable materials that resist premature deterioration and malfunction, as well as have resistance to temperature extremes. It is also an object of this invention to provide a container-gardening system that can be downsized and otherwise adapted for porch and balcony use, and has a provision for rainwater reservoir replenishment. A further object of this invention is to provide a container-gardening system that can be self-sustaining for minimum time periods of approximately one month, while continuing during that time period to provide optimal root/plant growth. 
     The present invention when properly made and used, provides a hybrid system for growing plants that includes a nutrient/fluid supply reservoir and one or more gardening containers each having at least one area of soil-fluid interface that provides consistent flow of oxygenated nutrient/fluid to plant roots, while remaining nutrient/fluid movement areas within each gardening container are shielded from soil infiltration to prevent blockages that could interfere with drainage of surplus nutrient/fluid away from plant roots or prevent surplus nutrient/fluid from being available for recycled use. Multiple gardening containers can be connected together to provide a stepped and non-stepped gravity-feed arrangements, whether support for them is provided by a reservoir/cover or an independent frame. Inclined structure for gravity-feed can be integrated into the bottom of the gardening container, provided by the reservoir/cover or frame, or provided by a combination of both. Timers and solar-assist may be also employed, and are preferred. Since the system is a hybrid of soil gardening and hydroponics, advantages include low maintenance, consistent nutrient supply to all plants without the risk of over fertilization as the soil is not easily oversaturated, root temperature is moderated by the continual flow of nutrient/fluid until soil saturation which provides augmented plant growth and improved crop yields over plants grown in prior art container-gardening systems, due to root temperature moderation extended growing seasons are possible and the rewards of multiple harvests can also be enjoyed. Compact configurations of the present invention are adaptable for porch/balcony use, and the present invention may use of commonly-available, inexpensive, and locally-sourced soils, nutrients, and filtration media instead of special-order/dedicated supplies and filtration media. Rainwater may also supplement filtered and recycled nutrient/fluid. One or more obstructions are strategically placed within each gardening container to create a waterfall effect (turbulence) for recycled nutrient/fluid to oxygenate it for enhanced plant/root growth, which may be an integrated part of the soil-blocking shield over the main channel. Raised pads, in combination with the pockets created between them in present invention gardening containers, also slow nutrient/fluid travel in peripheral channels and prevent too much nutrient/fluid from jumping upwardly into soil-filled areas overly-saturating plant roots. After timers are shut off, the soil in a present invention gardening container acts like a sponge to draw up nutrient/fluid from the pockets and prevent fluid stagnation risk. Also, a plate or other obstruction associated with the channel prior to nutrient/fluid exit from each gardening container allows nutrient/fluid to jump over it, but not any soil, as a further preventive measure to avoid the clogging of nutrient/fluid transport lines used for fluid communication between gardening containers. The nutrient/fluid supply reservoir used as a part of the present invention can be selected to contain a 30-day supply of nutrient/fluid needed for optimal plant growth and crop yields, so that once the system is set up, the owner can walk away for 30 days with confidence that advantageous system operation will continue. Limiting factors are the size and shape of the space available to house the present invention system (porch, balcony, patio, back yard), the number of gardening containers used and the vertical drop needed for good nutrient/fluid flow from each gardening container to the next lower gardening container in a stepped gravity-feed system of connected gardening containers, and the size of the pump used in a stepped gravity-feed system of connected gardening containers for lifting the nutrient/fluid to the gardening container having the highest vertical elevation. System advantages include consistent nutrients supplied to all plants for better plant growth and food production, use of non-dedicated soil, nutrients, and water conditioning supplies that are readily and widely available from local suppliers, and gardening container structure that promotes non-clogging nutrient/fluid flow. 
     Although the description herein provides several preferred embodiments of the present invention, they should be considered as exemplary and not limiting to its scope. For example, variations in the number of gardening containers and reservoirs used; the size of the reservoir used; the type of soil-blocking shield used over the main channel as long as it fulfills its soil-blocking function; the size and number of raised pads used as a part of the soil-fluid interface in the peripheral channels, the configuration of strength-enhancing structure in the walls of gardening containers and reservoirs as long as the walls remain strong during their use; the means by which oxygenation of nutrient/fluid occurs and whether more than one oxygenation source is used; whether an independent frame or reservoir is used for support of the gardening containers, or a combination thereof is used; whether the inclines needed for gravity-feed nutrient/fluid flow are provided by structure integrated into the bottom of gardening containers or provided by external gardening container supports; whether the fluid flow through the gardening containers is end-to-end or has another path that facilitates nutrient/fluid uptake by plant roots; the size of the pump used; and the number of solar power generating units used; other than those shown and described herein, may be incorporated into the present invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than being limited to the examples given. 
     The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the nature and object of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view from the front of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention hybrid container-gardening system showing two gardening containers at the same elevation supported upon the removable cover of a nutrient/fluid reservoir, a solar power generating unit upon a support that is secured by mounts in the reservoir and its cover, and each gardening container having independent fluid communication with the reservoir and a drain/outlet opening in its bottom surface that transfers surplus nutrient/fluid not needed by plants grown therein directly into the reservoir for recycling. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view from the rear of the invention in  FIG. 1 , and showing the preferred connection of the solar power generating unit to its support and the support extending through a mount in the reservoir cover, a vertically-extending tube with a float also extending through the reservoir cover, two gardening containers each having a soil-blocking shield positioned over a portion of its bottom surface, an independent nutrient/fluid line extending from the reservoir to each gardening container, strength enhancing features in the reservoir and gardening container walls, and an access opening in the reservoir cover between the gardening containers under a removable plate that provides quick access to pump and filtering apparatus positioned within the reservoir. 
         FIG. 3  is a, section view from the side of the invention in  FIGS. 1-2  and showing a support extending through the reservoir cover and having a top end centrally under the bottom surface of the gardening container and in contact with it, a soil-blocking shield over the inclined main channel of the gardening container used for movement of surplus nutrient/fluid to gardening container&#39;s drain/outlet opening, thermal insulators secured to the bottom of the reservoir, stand-off features near the top of the gardening container allowing easy release of gardening containers from one another when in stacked array, one arrow indicating the direction of nutrient/fluid flow into a gardening container through a nutrient/fluid line connection with a nutrient/fluid inlet opening on one end of the gardening container, and a second arrow indicating downward flow of nutrient/fluid through the drain/outlet opening in the bottom surface of the gardening container back into the nutrient/fluid supply reservoir for recycling. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the invention in  FIGS. 1-3  and showing the solar power generating unit and its support separated from the reservoir cover, the two gardening containers also removed from the reservoir cover, the soil-blocking shield removed from each gardening container, the nutrient/fluid line remaining associated with the reservoir cover, the two gardening container supports disassociated from the reservoir cover, the two grommets associated with the tops of the gardening container supports remaining in their positions of use adjacent to the reservoir cover, the reservoir cover separated from the reservoir, and the pump/filter housing removed from the reservoir. 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the reservoir cover in  FIGS. 1-4  and showing a maintenance access opening centrally therein that provides quick access to pump and filtering apparatus positioned within the reservoir, a two-part positioning support on each side of the maintenance access opening for locked arrangement of a gardening container, all four positioning supports having outlying strengthening gussets and two of them having an arrow pointing toward the nutrient/fluid opening in the reservoir cover that facilitates gardening container installation, a pipe with a float positioned near the maintenance access opening, strengthening ribs adjacent to the maintenance access opening removable plate that add flexural strength to the reservoir cover for support of the gardening containers and the soil they contain, two spiral stars having a central opening for extension of a gardening container support through the reservoir cover that also add strength to the reservoir cover and may provide a sink feature to allow rainwater flow into the reservoir, and a mount between the positioning supports for securing the lower portion of a support for a solar power generating unit. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the nutrient/fluid reservoir in  FIGS. 1-4  without a cover and showing its walls having strength-enhancing structure, a central positioning guide for a pump/filter unit, a mount for securing the lower end of a support for solar power generating unit, a knock-out in the reservoir wall on one end and on one side for optional easy connection of a nutrient/fluid return line when gardening containers are supported by a frame instead of a reservoir cover, multiple attachment points in the reservoir&#39;s bottom surface for connection of an exterior thermal isolator or internal supports, and strength-enhancing ribs between attachment points. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view from the top of the reservoir in  FIGS. 1-4  and  6  showing a pump/filter unit secured to the central positioning guide, the cover of the pump/filter unit removed therefrom and positioned outside the reservoir walls so as not to obscure other reservoir structure, nutrient/fluid inlet lines for connection to the nutrient/fluid inlet openings of a gardening container in fluid communication with one end of the pump/filter unit, a mount for securing the lower end of a support for solar power generating unit positioned near the pump/filter unit, multiple attachment points in the reservoir&#39;s bottom surface with two gardening container tubular supports and a tube with a float secured thereto, strength-enhancing ribs between attachment points, and the grommet associated with the top end of each tubular support during present invention use removed and positioned outside the reservoir walls for enhanced clarity of illustration. 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the pump/filter unit in  FIG. 4  and showing its three chambers, three perforated walls, an end wall with an opening used for connection of a nutrient/fluid inlet line to the pump, and two side walls, the far side wall of the pump/filter unit having a mounting hole for support of a vibration-isolating connector that assists in securing the pump/filter unit to the positioning support formed in the bottom surface of the reservoir, a pump and filter material situated in the pump/filter unit, and the pump also having a top fitting used for electrical connection of the pump to the solar power generating unit or an on-board battery. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view from the side of the soil-blocking shield shown in  FIG. 2  and having an elongated configuration and raised ends each having similar indentation/deflector structure. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view from the bottom of the soil-blocking shield shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view from the top of a second preferred embodiment of soil-blocking shield usable as a part of the present invention and showing an inlet end with structure similar to that shown in  FIG. 9 , and its second indentation/deflector structure r having a more elongated configuration and positioning farther away from its drain/outlet end than is shown in  FIG. 9  for the first preferred embodiment of soil-blocking shield. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view from the bottom of the soil-blocking shield in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view from the side of a third preferred embodiment of soil-blocking shield in the present invention and showing top openings for insertion of a tomato stake and other supports for plants, such as but not limited to a portion of a lattice providing vertical support for peas and other climbing plants. 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of the gardening container in  FIGS. 1-4  a soil-blocking shield and showing strength-enhancing structure in side walls, stand-off feature&#39;s in the upper portion of the side walls that allow easy release of stacked gardening containers, a nutrient/fluid inlet opening and an adjacent inlet basin, a nutrient/fluid outlet/drain opening and an adjacent outlet basin, an inclined main channel extending between the nutrient/fluid inlet and outlet/drain openings that is used for transport of surplus nutrient/fluid back to the reservoir for recycling, two peripheral channels, a dam at inlet end of the main channel that blocks entry of nutrient/fluid into the main channel until nutrient/fluid fills the inlet basin and flows into the peripheral channels, raised pads adjacent to the peripheral channels that provide pockets to collect nutrient/fluid and help to promote even soil moisture during periods when the pump in the reservoir is inactive, locating features used to secure the gardening container to a reservoir cover, and a soil-blocking ledge engaged by one end of the soil-blocking shield. 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of the gardening container in  FIG. 14  with the soil-blocking shield shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  positioned over its main channel. 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of the gardening container in  FIG. 14  with the soil-blocking shield shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12  positioned over its main channel. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view from the drain/outlet end of the gardening container in  FIGS. 1-4  and  14 , and showing the bottom surface positioning of the nutrient/fluid outlet/drain opening, strength-enhancing structure in side walls that also have contour allowing gardening container support by a frame, and a punch out hole used with a return outlet tube when the gardening container is supported by a frame instead of a reservoir and its cover. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view from the inlet end of the gardening container in  FIGS. 1-4 ,  14 , and  17 , and showing a nutrient/fluid inlet opening on the inlet end, a nutrient/fluid outlet/drain opening through the bottom surface of the gardening container, the bottom surface also showing preferred positioning of the main and the peripheral channels, as well as preferred positioning for raised pads and the pockets formed adjacent to the pads, strength-enhancing side wall structure, and a reinforced upper edge that can be used for manual lifting of the gardening container. 
         FIG. 19  is a section view of the drain/outlet end of the gardening container in  FIGS. 1-4 ,  14 , and  17 - 18 , and showing the fluid collection pockets between the raised pads in peripheral channels having a substantially horizontally-extending configuration. 
         FIG. 20  is an enlarged section view of the inlet end of a gardening container that shows an alternative structure possible for raised pad located in peripheral channels of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with raised pads having angled configuration away from the main channel to divert accumulation of nutrient/fluid away from the soil-blocking shield and reduces the opportunity for soil infiltration under it. 
         FIG. 21  is a section view from the side of a gardening container in  FIGS. 1-4 ,  14 , and  17 - 19  without a soil-blocking shield and having a nutrient/fluid inlet opening on one of its ends, a bottom nutrient/fluid outlet/drain opening near its opposing end, a main channel extending between the inlet and drain/outlet openings and downwardly inclined toward the drain/outlet opening, a surplus fluid dam/spillway at the head of the inclined main channel, an upper ledge in each opposed end of the gardening container and adjacent to the inlet and drain/outlet openings for support of the ends of the soil-blocking shield, and a nutrient/fluid collecting basin near each opposing end of the gardening container adjacent to the inlet and drain/outlet openings. 
         FIG. 22  is an enlarged section view from the side of the nutrient/fluid inlet end of the gardening container shown in  FIG. 21  with a nutrient/fluid collecting basin near the inlet opening, a small reverse slope in the bottom surface of the gardening container under the basin that allows nutrient/fluid to fill the basin, a dam positioned adjacent to the basin in a remote position from the inlet opening, an inclined main channel on the far side of the dam that receives surplus nutrient/fluid entering the gardening container through the inlet opening after the soil in the gardening container is saturated, and an upper ledge above the inlet opening used for support of one end of a soil-blocking shield. 
         FIG. 23  is an enlarged section view from the side of the nutrient/fluid drain/outlet end of the gardening container shown in  FIG. 21  with a nutrient/fluid collecting basin near the bottom drain/outlet opening, the inclined main channel having fluid communication with the basin, and an upper ledge above the inlet opening used for support of one end of a soil-blocking shield. 
         FIG. 24  is an enlarged section view from the side similar to that shown in  FIG. 22  and showing one end of a soil-blocking shield positioned adjacent to the inlet end of the gardening container and engaging the upper ledge above the inlet opening, with more of the soil-blocking shield extending over the dam and the main channel. 
         FIG. 25  is an enlarged section view from the side similar to that shown in  FIG. 23  and showing one end of a soil-blocking shield positioned adjacent to the drain/outlet end of the gardening container and engaging the upper ledge above the drain/outlet opening, with the soil-blocking shield extending over the basin adjacent to the drain/outlet opening and the main channel. 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view from the front of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention hybrid container-gardening system showing two gardening containers at differing elevations supported by a reservoir and its cover, strength enhancing features in the reservoir and gardening container walls, an access opening in the reservoir cover between the gardening containers under a removable plate that provides quick access to pump and filtering apparatus positioned within the reservoir, a solar power generating unit upon a support that is secured by mounts in the reservoir and its cover, and a nutrient/fluid transport line connected between the two gardening containers. 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view from the rear of the invention in  FIG. 26  and showing two gardening containers at differing elevations with a nutrient/fluid transport line connected between them, and the preferred connection of the solar power generating unit to its support. 
         FIG. 28  is a nutrient/fluid inlet end view of the gardening container in  FIGS. 26-27  and showing its end nutrient/fluid inlet opening and the bottom sculpted indentations on opposing sides of the gardening container that allows support thereof by high and low elevation positioning supports on a reservoir cover. 
         FIG. 29  is a nutrient/fluid drain/outlet end view of the gardening container in  FIGS. 26-27  and showing its end nutrient/fluid drain/outlet opening and the bottom sculpted indentations on opposing sides of the gardening container that allows support thereof by high and low elevation positioning supports on a reservoir cover. 
         FIG. 30  is a top view of a gardening container in  FIGS. 26-29  and showing its drain/outlet opening and adjacent outlet basin used to collect excess nutrient/fluid prior to its exit through outlet/drain opening, its nutrient/fluid inlet opening and adjacent inlet basin where nutrient/fluid collects prior to diversion into peripheral channels, the nutrient/fluid access path providing fluid communication between the inlet basin and the peripheral channels, the primary dam at the inlet end of the main channel that allows nutrient/fluid collection in the inlet basin for upward movement into soil positioned over peripheral channels and the soil-blocking shield superimposed over the main channel, and allowing nutrient fluid flow into the main channel only when the soil around plant roots has become saturated, the bottom locating feature that engages a locking tab on a reservoir cover to provide secure fluid communication between its nutrient/fluid outlet/drain opening and the nutrient/fluid inlet opening in a reservoir cover, the stand-off features on opposing sides of gardening container walls that aid manufacture and also allow easy release of stacked gardening containers from one another, and the spaced-apart raised pads spaced along the gardening container length to provide nutrient/fluid pockets in between them that promote even soil moisture during periods when the reservoir pump is inactive. 
         FIG. 31  is a front view of a third preferred embodiment of present invention hybrid container-gardening system having two gardening containers with soil-blocking shields at differing elevations for gravity-assisted flow between them, with one broken arrow showing nutrient/fluid flow from the raised fluid transport opening in the reservoir cover to the inlet opening on the gardening container (on the right) having the higher elevation and a second broken arrow showing nutrient/fluid flow from the lower gardening container (on the left) to the raised fluid transport opening in the reservoir cover for reentry of nutrient/fluid back into the reservoir for reuse, a removable plate with a handle on the reservoir cover for expedited access to the filter box and pump located in the reservoir, and the gravity-assisted flow within each gardening container created by the elevation positioning supports on reservoir cover beneath it having slightly differing height dimensions that encourage nutrient/fluid flow toward the drain/outlet opening. 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view from the top of the reservoir and reservoir cover in  FIG. 31  showing elevation positioning supports on reservoir cover and the height dimensions of the elevation positioning supports intended for support of the same gardening container being slightly different to encourage gravity-assisted nutrient/fluid flow toward the gardening container&#39;s drain/outlet, the strength-enhancing extensions on the higher elevation positioning supports, a raised fluid transport opening in the reservoir cover transport of nutrient/fluid from and to the reservoir, reinforced openings through the reservoir cover through which the top portion of an optional tubular support may extend to make contact with the bottom surface of a gardening container, strength-enhancing ribs on the reservoir cover between elevation positioning supports, and a removable plate with a handle aligned with a positioning guide on the reservoir cover for easy access to the filter box and pump located in the reservoir. 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view from the top of a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention hybrid container-gardening system having three gardening containers at substantially the same elevation supported by a reservoir and its cover. 
         FIG. 34  is a bottom view of the reservoir in  FIG. 33  and showing its preferred strength-enhancing features. 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view from the top of the reservoir cover in  FIG. 33  that shows its preferred strength-enhancing ribs, elevation positioning supports for gardening containers each having substantially the same height dimension, and a maintenance access opening. 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view from the bottom of the gardening container in  FIG. 33  that shows the preferred positioning of the nutrient/fluid inlet opening and opposed nutrient/fluid drain/outlet opening, the main channel extending between the inlet and outlet openings that is used for travel of surplus nutrient/fluid to drain/outlet opening after soil positioned within the gardening container becomes saturated with nutrient/fluid, the two peripheral channels that provide an interface for soil and nutrient/fluid and from which nutrient/fluid moves into the soil for plant root uptake, the access path through which some nutrient/fluid entering the gardening container through its inlet opening moves into one of the peripheral channels, a primary dam which slows travel of nutrient/fluid into the main channel and instead allows some of it to collect near the inlet opening for movement into the peripheral channels, a small nutrient/fluid diverting obstruction positioned between the dam and the drain outlet opening that slows nutrient/fluid flow through the main channel also provides oxygenation of nutrient/fluid, and a reinforced curved upper edge that can be used as a handle for easy manual lifting of the gardening container. 
         FIG. 37  is top view of the gardening container in  FIGS. 35-36  that shows the main channel extending between the nutrient/fluid inlet opening and nutrient/fluid drain/outlet opening, the two peripheral channels that provide an interface for soil and nutrient/fluid, the downwardly-inclined ramps adjacent to the inlet and drain/outlet openings that promote accumulation of nutrient/fluid for diversion into peripheral channels, the access path through which some nutrient/fluid entering the gardening container through its inlet opening moves into a peripheral channel, a primary dam which slows travel of nutrient/fluid into the main channel and instead allows some of it to collect near the inlet opening for movement into the peripheral channels, a small nutrient/fluid diverting obstruction positioned between the dam and the drain/outlet opening that slows nutrient/fluid flow through the main channel and also provides oxygenation of nutrient/fluid, a reinforced curved upper edge that can be used as a handle for easy manual lifting of the gardening container, and the ledges above the inlet and drain/outlet openings that assist in sealing the contact area between the gardening container wall and one end of the soil-blocking shield to prevent soil infiltration into the main channel. 
         FIG. 38  is section view from the side of the gardening container in  FIGS. 35-37  that shows the main channel extending between the nutrient/fluid inlet opening and nutrient/fluid drain/outlet opening, the downwardly-inclined ramps adjacent to the inlet and drain/outlet openings, the primary dam, the small nutrient/fluid diverting obstruction positioned between the dam and the drain/outlet opening, and the ledges above the inlet and drain/outlet openings that help seal an end of the soil-blocking shield to prevent soil infiltration into the main channel. 
         FIG. 39  is an enlarged section view from the side of the drain/outlet end of the gardening container in  FIGS. 35-38  that shows the drain/outlet opening in fluid communication with the main channel, a small downwardly-inclined ramp adjacent to the drain/outlet opening, and the ledge above the drain/outlet opening that helps to seal the drain/outlet end of the soil-blocking shield against the adjacent end wall of the gardening container to prevent soil infiltration into the main channel. 
         FIG. 40  is an enlarged section view from the side of the inlet end of the gardening container in  FIGS. 35-39  that shows the inlet opening in fluid communication with the main channel, a large downwardly-inclined ramp adjacent to the inlet opening, the primary dam, the small nutrient/fluid diverting obstruction positioned between the dam and the drain/outlet opening, and the ledge above the inlet opening that helps to seal the inlet end of the soil-blocking shield against the adjacent end wall of the gardening container to prevent soil infiltration into the main channel. 
         FIG. 41  is a perspective view from the side of three gardening containers in a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention hybrid container-gardening system supported by a frame in stepped configuration that permits gravity flow of nutrient/fluid from the gardening container having the highest elevation and in succession to the gardening container having the next highest elevation, with two reservoirs positioned under the gardening containers. 
         FIG. 42  is a perspective view from the bottom of the reservoir in  FIG. 41  that shows the strength-enhancing structure of reservoir walls, lid supports in the end wall of the reservoir that may also include a safety-enhancing locking feature to secure the reservoir cover in place and prevent reservoir access to reservoir contents by pets or children, an alignment guide integrated into the reservoir&#39;s bottom surface and used to obtain secure positioning for a pump/filter unit, four attachment points in the reservoir&#39;s bottom surface used for securing the lower ends of gardening container supports, and strength-enhancing ribs integrated into the reservoir&#39;s bottom surface. 
         FIG. 43  is a perspective view from the top of the reservoir in  FIGS. 41-42  and further showing all four of the lid supports, a pump/filter unit secured in place by the alignment guide strengthened wall structure, a pump/filter unit, strengthening ribs in the gardening container&#39;s bottom surface, and four vertically-extending tubular gardening container supports each having a lower end secured by a different one of the attachment points. 
         FIG. 44  is a perspective view from the top of the reservoir in  FIGS. 41-43  and further showing the preferred height dimension of each of the four attachment points for the gardening container supports, and a knock-out near the bottom surface of the reservoir used for connection of a nutrient/fluid line. 
         FIG. 45  is a side view of three gardening containers in a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention hybrid container-gardening system supported by a frame in stepped configuration that permits gravity flow of nutrient/fluid from the gardening container having the highest elevation and in succession to the gardening container having the next highest elevation, one large reservoir positioned under the gardening containers, a reservoir cover configured for placement/support of two additional gardening containers, a nutrient/fluid inlet line connected between the reservoir and the gardening container having the highest elevation, additional nutrient/fluid inlet transport lines connected between adjacent gardening containers, a nutrient/fluid return line connected between the gardening container having the lowest elevation and the reservoir cover, rubber feet or other thermal insulator secured to and supporting the reservoir&#39;s bottom surface, and a solar power unit connected by a support to the frame. 
         FIG. 46  is a perspective view from the side of four gardening containers in a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention hybrid container-gardening system supported by a modular frame in stepped configuration that permits gravity flow of nutrient/fluid from the gardening container having the highest elevation and in succession to the gardening container having the next highest elevation, with additional modular frame units easily connected to the modular frame supporting the gardening containers with the lowest elevations. 
         FIG. 47  is a perspective view of a gardening container in  FIG. 46  that shows opposed nutrient/fluid inlet and outlet openings, strength-enhancing wall structure, three stand-off features on each top edge of the gardening container&#39;s opposed side walls that allow easy release of adjacent stacked gardening containers, an exterior indentation on the upper portion of one end of the gardening container that serves as one of two opposed hand-holds used for gardening container manipulation, an access path through which some nutrient/fluid entering the gardening container through its inlet opening moves into a peripheral channel, and the raised pads and pockets within a peripheral channel that provide an interface for soil and nutrient/fluid so that the soil containing plant roots can upwardly draw nutrient/fluid for uptake by the plant roots. 
         FIG. 48  is a top view of the gardening container shown in  FIGS. 46-47  that further shows one hand-hold on the upper portion of each end of the gardening container, the main channel extending between the nutrient/fluid inlet opening and nutrient/fluid drain/outlet opening, one peripheral channel adjacent to each side of the main channel, the access path through which some nutrient/fluid entering the gardening container through its inlet opening moves into a peripheral channel, a primary dam which slows travel of nutrient/fluid into the main channel and instead allows some of it to collect near the inlet opening for movement into the peripheral channels, a small nutrient/fluid diverting obstruction positioned between the dam and the drain/outlet opening that slows nutrient/fluid flow through the main channel and also provides oxygenation of nutrient/fluid, and the ledges above the inlet and drain/outlet openings that assist in sealing the contact area between the gardening container wall and one end of the soil-blocking shield to prevent soil infiltration into the main channel. 
         FIG. 49  is a top view of the gardening container or planter. 
         FIG. 50  is a cross-sectional side view of the gardening container or planter with soil and plants taken along line  50 - 50  of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 51  is a cross-sectional end view of the gardening container or planter taken along line  51 - 51  of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 52  is a cross-sectional end view of the gardening container or planter taken along line  52 - 52  of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 53  is a top view of the soil support cover. 
         FIG. 54  is a side view of the soil cover. 
         FIG. 55  is an end view of the soil cover. 
         FIG. 56  is an end view of the soil cover from the end opposite shown the gardening containers under a removable plate that provides quick access to pump and filtering apparatus positioned within the reservoir, a solar power generating unit upon a support that is secured by mounts in the reservoir and its cover, and a nutrient/fluid transport line connected between the two gardening containers. 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view from the rear of the invention in  FIG. 26  and showing two gardening containers at differing elevations with a nutrient/fluid transport line connected between them, and the preferred connection of the solar power generating unit to its support. 
         FIG. 28  is a nutrient/fluid inlet end view of the gardening container in  FIGS. 26-27  and showing its end nutrient/fluid inlet opening and the bottom sculpted indentations on opposing sides of the gardening container that allows support thereof by high and low elevation positioning supports on a reservoir cover. 
         FIG. 29  is a nutrient/fluid drain/outlet end view of the gardening container in  FIGS. 26-27  and showing its end nutrient/fluid drain/outlet opening and the bottom sculpted indentations on opposing sides of the gardening container that allows support thereof by high and low elevation positioning supports on a reservoir cover. 
         FIG. 30  is a top view of a gardening container in  FIGS. 26-29  and in  FIG. 55 . 
     
    
    
     Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     This invention relates to gardening containers ( 2 A- 2 E, and other) used for cultivating plants (not shown) in a water-conserving hybrid container-gardening system that can be used indoors or outdoors for growing food-producing and ornamental plants. Although not shown, when indoor is contemplated, a plant growth facilitating ultra-violet light may be used with the present invention. The system combines the advantages and benefits of natural bacteria-enriched soil (not shown) with the advantages and benefits of hydroponics to feed plant roots oxygenated nutrient/fluid precisely at the time of need for optimal root/plant growth. Present invention structure includes the combination of reservoir ( 3 A- 3 D, or other), pump  40 , fluid transport line ( 8 A- 8 C), and one or more gardening containers ( 2 A- 2 E, or other) each having water-elevating structure that causes a slow and consistent flow of oxygenated nutrient/fluid in an upwardly direction through soil to plant roots until soil saturation occurs, after which drainage-facilitating structure in the areas of soil-fluid interface and elsewhere in each present invention gardening container diverts surplus nutrient/fluid (newly incoming nutrient/fluid and that already present in the gardening container which is not immediately needed for plant growth) away from plant roots to prevent the plant stunting and disease-promoting impact that stagnant nutrient/fluid could otherwise have on plant roots after the pump stops. Furthermore, to prevent soil infiltration and blockage of fluid flow within the present invention system, including blockage of the nutrient/fluid transport lines ( 8 B) connected between adjacent gardening containers, each present invention gardening container ( 2 A- 2 E, or other) also has at least one peripheral channel ( 50 A or  50 B) providing a soil-fluid interface for uptake of nutrient/fluid by plant roots, while the remaining fluid-flow-assisting structure therein (including a main channel  20 ) has shielded protection (using  14 A- 14 C, or other) against soil infiltration during its use for management of surplus nutrient/fluid entering the gardening containers ( 2 A 2 E, or other) after fluid saturation of soil in the peripheral channel or channels ( 50 A or  50 B) occurs. Gardening containers ( 2 A- 2 E, or other) in preferred embodiments of the present invention hybrid system may be connected to one another in multiple stepped gravity-feed arrangements, have non-stepped arrangement relative to others having the same or similar support, be supported with or without stepped gravity-feed arrangement or connection to one another upon a strength-enhanced and sturdy reservoir ( 3 A- 3 D or other) and its cover ( 4 A- 4 E, or other), be supported by a modular frame ( 76 A and  76 B) that permits simple and easy system expansion to include the temporary or permanent addition of more gardening containers ( 2 A- 2 E, or other) when needed, be supported by an elevated frame ( 73  or  76 A and  76 B) with or without sufficient height to provide underneath storage for one or more nutrient/fluid supply reservoirs ( 3 A- 3 D or other), or a combination thereof in a variety of arrangements. Advantages of the present invention include compact and portable configurations suited for porch/balcony/patio use, larger configurations usable for more diverse residential food and herb production than the compact configurations, controlled/moderated root temperature during root/plant growth that helps to extend growing seasons even as seasonal increases or decreases in temperature occur, reservoir cover structure allowing rainwater replenishment of a nutrient/fluid supply reservoir ( 3 A- 3 D or other), supporting one or more gardening containers ( 2 A- 2 E, or other), and use of inexpensive soils, nutrients, and filtration media that are commonly-available from local suppliers instead of requiring operators to purchase special-order/dedicated supplies and filtration media. 
       FIGS. 1-25  show a first preferred embodiment 1A of the present invention hybrid container-gardening system.  FIGS. 1 and 2  show preferred embodiment 1A in an assembled condition, while  FIG. 3  shows a section view thereof and  FIG. 4  shows and exploded view.  FIGS. 5-8  show views of the reservoir  3 A and its cover  4 A, while  FIGS. 9-13  show the structure of three soil-blocking shields  14 A,  14 B and  14 C. In addition,  FIGS. 14-25  illustrate the preferred structure of the gardening container  2 A in the first preferred embodiment 1A of the present invention in varying views, including section views that show nutrient/fluid management structure. In contrast,  FIGS. 26-48  disclose six additional preferred embodiments 1B-1G of the present invention, which comprise varying combinations of gardening container ( 2 A- 2 E), reservoir ( 3 A- 3 D), and frame ( 73 ,  76 ) construction, with all having a gardening container ( 2 A- 2 E) that includes channel ( 20 ,  50 A,  50 B,  50 C), basin ( 54 ,  56 ), and soil-blocking structure ( 14 A,  14 B,  14 C) for nutrient/fluid diversion into peripheral channels ( 50 A,  50 B) that provide a nutrient/fluid and soil interface for upward movement of sufficient nutrient/fluid into the soil supporting plant roots to allow the soil to become saturated, structure that adds oxygen to nutrient/fluid recycled within the system, additional structure that prevents upward movement of excess nutrient/fluid into soil supporting plant roots, and further drainage-facilitating structure causing the exit of surplus nutrient/fluid from the gardening container ( 2 A- 2 E, or other) to prevent fluid stagnation and the negative impact thereof on root/plant growth.  FIGS. 26-30  show a second preferred embodiment 1B that has gardening containers  2 A and  2 B at differing elevations supported upon a reservoir  3 A and reservoir cover  4 A, with one gardening container  2 A discharging surplus nutrient/fluid into reservoir  3 A directly through an opening in reservoir cover  4 A. In contrast,  FIGS. 31 and 32  show a third preferred embodiment 1C of the present invention with gardening containers  2 C at differing elevations and other structure visibly similar to that shown in  FIGS. 26-30 . However, the flow of nutrient/fluid in third preferred embodiment 1C is different from that in the second preferred embodiment 1B, as the nutrient/fluid return line in third preferred embodiment 1C is connected to a raised fluid transport opening  69  in reservoir cover  4 C used as an exit port for nutrient/fluid transport from pump  40  to the inlet opening  15  in the gardening container  2 C having the highest elevation (on the right in  FIG. 31 ). Raised fluid transport opening  69  is also used as a return port for surplus nutrient/fluid flowing back to reservoir  3 B from the gardening container  2 C having the lowest elevation (on the left in  FIG. 31 ).  FIGS. 33-40  show a fourth preferred embodiment 1D of the present invention having three growing containers  2 D supported at the same elevation by a large reservoir  3 C and its reservoir cover  4 D.  FIGS. 41-44  show a fifth preferred embodiment 1E of the present invention having three gardening containers  2 D supported at differing elevations by a frame  73  above two reservoirs  3 B positioned in a space-saving configuration under frame  73 .  FIG. 45  shows a sixth preferred embodiment 1F of the present invention having three gardening containers  2 B supported at differing elevations by a frame  73  similar to that shown in  FIG. 44 , which are positioned above one large reservoir  3 C housed under frame  73 , with a solar power generating unit attached to frame  73  and preferred connection of nutrient/fluid lines  8 A- 8 C also visible.  FIGS. 46-48  show a seventh preferred embodiment 1G of the present invention having four gardening containers  2 E supported at differing elevations by a modular frames  76 A and  76 B in a stepped configuration that permits gravity flow of nutrient/fluid from the gardening container  2 E having the highest elevation and in succession to the gardening container  2 E having the next highest elevation. Nutrient/fluid entering gardening containers ( 2 A- 2 E, or other) through inlet opening  15  may be moving slow or fast, with the incline/slope of gardening containers ( 2 A- 2 E, or other) controlling the movement of nutrient/fluid through them. However, nutrient/fluid entering soil-fluid interface areas provided by raised pads  52 A and pockets  53  in peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B is slowed by soil contact, and then progressively and consistently moves upward into soil for uptake by plant roots supported in the soil. A second row of raised pads  52 A and pockets  53  more distant from main channel  20  can be associated with a peripheral channel  50 C that is situated at a higher elevation in gardening container  2 A than peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B. The incline/slope may be integral to gardening containers ( 2 A- 2 E, or other), or provided in part or totally by supporting reservoirs  3 A- 3 D or frames ( 73 ,  76 , or other). 
       FIGS. 1-25  show a first preferred embodiment 1A of the present invention container-gardening system that is small and compact in configuration, making it convenient for use on a small porch, balcony, or small patio area. Although not limited thereto, its reservoir  3 A could have a nutrient/fluid capacity of approximately 25-gallons.  FIGS. 1 and 2  show preferred embodiment 1A in an assembled condition, while  FIGS. 3 and 4  respectively show section and exploded views thereof.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view from the front of first preferred embodiment 1A showing two gardening containers  2 A at the same elevation supported upon the removable cover  4 A of a nutrient/fluid reservoir  3 A. Although two gardening containers  2 A are shown, more than two could be used (see three gardening containers  2 D supported by a reservoir  3 C in  FIG. 33 ). Each gardening container  2 A in first preferred embodiment 1A has independent fluid communication with reservoir  4 A, but no fluid communication with one another, obtaining nutrient/fluid from reservoir  3 A via nutrient/fluid inlet line  8 A and returning surplus nutrient/fluid not needed by plants growing in soil (not shown) therein to reservoir  3 A via a direct fluid alignment/connection between nutrient/fluid drain/outlet opening  16  and the nutrient/fluid inlet opening  28  in reservoir cover  4 A. The two nutrient/fluid inlet openings  28  (see  FIG. 5 ) in reservoir cover  4 A are each positioned under the bottom drain/outlet opening  16  in a different one of the two gardening containers  2 A present, and remain hidden from view when gardening containers  2 A are in their positions of use, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  FIGS. 1 and 2  also both show a soil-blocking shield  14 A positioned centrally and longitudinally within each gardening container  2 A, preferably in contact with its opposed end walls, as well as the elevation positioning supports  5 A integral to reservoir cover  4 A and upon which each gardening container  2 A is secured using a connection between the locking features  51  on the gardening containers  2 A and the locking tabs  26  (see  FIG. 5 ) integral to the elevation positioning supports  5 A. In addition, the bottom sculpted indentations  58 C (see  FIG. 17 ) on the opposing sides of each gardening container  2 A engage complementary structure found on elevation positioning supports  5 A to constrain gardening containers  2 A from movement relative to reservoir cover  4 A and reservoir  3 A during their plant cultivation use.  FIGS. 1 and 2  further show first preferred embodiment 1A having a solar power generating unit  7  mounted upon an elongated support  6  having its lower end secured by mounts  13 B and  13 A respectively to reservoir  3 A and its cover  4 A. While the use of solar energy for operation of pump  40  is preferred, it is not critical. Although not shown, more than one solar power generating unit  7  and/or support  6  is also considered to be within the scope of the present invention, and the configuration and position of the solar power generating unit or units  7  in the present invention are not limited to that illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Furthermore, although not shown, a timer could be associated with support  6  and/or solar power generating unit or units  7 .  FIG. 2  is a perspective view from the rear of first preferred embodiment 1A and shows one connection possible between support  6  and solar power generating unit  7  and a fastened connection between support  6  and the mount  13 A in reservoir cover  4 A into which it is inserted.  FIG. 2  also shows two parts of a nutrient/fluid line  8 A extending between reservoir  3 A and the inlet opening  15  of each gardening container  2 A (also see  FIG. 7 ), strength-enhancing features  9  and  18  respectively in the walls of reservoir  3 A and gardening containers  2 A, and a removable plate  11 A (optionally locking to prevent reservoir access by pets and children) positioned over a maintenance access opening  29  in reservoir cover  4 A that is positioned between gardening containers  2 A and provides quick access to pump  40  and filtering apparatus ( 39 ,  45 , other) positioned within reservoir  3 A. In addition,  FIG. 2  shows a knock-out  10  in the lower wall of reservoir  3 A that can be used for connection of nutrient/fluid return line  8 C if reservoir  3 A was later employed in another embodiment of the present invention requiring different nutrient/fluid line connections ( 8 A- 8 C), and a vertically-extending tube  12  with a float extending through the reservoir cover  4 A that provides a visible indicator of the amount of nutrient/fluid remaining in reservoir  2 A. 
       FIG. 3  is a section view from the side of one gardening container  2 A positioned atop reservoir cover  4 A in the first preferred embodiment 1A of the present invention (with solar power generating unit  7  and support  6  omitted), and one arrow next to the word “IN” showing the inward flow of nutrient/fluid into one end of gardening container  2 A from a nutrient/fluid inlet line  8 A and a second arrow next to the word “OUT” near the opposing end of gardening container  2 A showing the downward exit of surplus nutrient/fluid from the drain/outlet opening  16  in the bottom of gardening container  2 A directly into reservoir  3 A. Although the preferred positioning for nutrient/fluid inlet opening  15  and nutrient/fluid drain/outlet opening  16  in preferred embodiment 1A is shown in  FIG. 3 , it should be noted that other preferred embodiments of the present invention may have other positioning for nutrient/fluid inlet opening  15  and/or nutrient/fluid drain/outlet opening  16 . In the first preferred embodiment 1A, a main channel  20  extends between nutrient/fluid inlet opening  15  and nutrient/fluid drain/outlet opening  16 , and is downwardly inclined toward drain/outlet opening  16 . Inclined main channel  20  is employed to carry surplus nutrient/fluid not needed by plants grown in gardening container  2 A to drain/outlet opening  16  so that it can be returned to reservoir  3 A for recycling, however, nutrient/fluid only enters main channel  20  after saturation of soil in gardening container  2 A occurs. Although in first preferred embodiment 1A main channel  20  is structurally inclined, in other preferred embodiments of the present invention the needed incline for gravity-feed flow of surplus nutrient/fluid may be provided by non-level structure on a supporting reservoir cover ( 4 A or other) via a non-level frame ( 73 ,  86 , or other), or any combination of thereof in addition to inclined structure integral to the bottom surface of a gardening container ( 2 A or other). The nutrient/fluid inlet opening  28  in cover  4 A that is under the drain/outlet opening  16  of gardening container  2 A, and in fluid communication with drain/outlet opening  16 , is positioned immediately above the letter “T” in the word “OUT”, and is not otherwise marked with a numerical designation for lack of space on the illustration.  FIG. 3  also shows a centrally-positioned optional support  21  for the gardening container  2 A above it that extends through reservoir cover  4 A. Support  21  provides an air gap to reduce heat conduction from reservoir into gardening containers  2 A. It also has a grommet  34  on its top end that becomes positioned between the top end of support  21  and the bottom surface of gardening container  2 A when gardening container  2 A is in its desired position of use. Although not shown, a similar optional support  21  and grommet  34  could be optionally used with the other gardening container  2 A employed as a part of first preferred embodiment 1A. While the use of support  21  and a grommet  34  is not considered critical for the support of a gardening container  2 A, they might extend the useful life of reservoir cover  4 A and reservoir  3 A that otherwise would bear the full weight of a gardening container  2 A filled with nutrient/fluid saturated soil. In addition,  FIG. 3  shows a soil-blocking shield  14 A over the main channel  20  that extends longitudinally from one end of gardening container  2 A to the other and prevents soil infiltration into main channel  20  while it transports surplus nutrient/fluid toward drain/outlet opening  16  and exit therefrom for recycling after being filtered and otherwise reconditioned in nutrient/fluid supply reservoir  3 A.  FIG. 3  also shows the stepped indentations  58 D in the walls of reservoir  3 A that add strength and rigidity to help prevent reservoir  3 A from collapsing under the weight of the soil-filled gardening containers it supports ( 2 A- 2 E, or other). As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , the topmost stepped indentation  58 D has the largest perimeter dimension.  FIG. 3  further shows thermal insulators  17 A secured to the bottom surface of reservoir  3 A that help maintain a more uniform temperature of nutrient/fluid in reservoir  3 A, a nutrient/fluid inlet line  8 A that may be insulated against temperature fluctuation which is connected to the inlet opening  15  in gardening container  2 A, stand-off features  19  near the top edge of gardening container  2 A that allow easy release of gardening containers  2 A from one another when positioned in stacked array, strength-enhancing structure  9  and  18  respectively integrated into the walls of reservoir  3 A and gardening container  2 A to assist them in fulfilling their support functions, a knock-out  10  in the lower wall of reservoir  3 A that can be used for connection of a nutrient/fluid line  8 C if reservoir  3 A is adapted for use as a part of other preferred embodiments of the present invention, and a dam  57  in gardening container  2 A positioned between nutrient/fluid inlet opening  15  and main channel  20  that permits fluid saturation of soil in gardening container  2 A prior to release of surplus nutrient/fluid into main channel  20 . Thus, after sufficient nutrient/fluid enters gardening container  2 A via inlet opening  15  for irrigating plant with roots secured by soil positioned therein above soil-blocking shield  14 A and soil saturation occurs, surplus nutrient/fluid is diverted from entering soil-fluid interface areas (see  50 A,  50 B and  50 C in  FIG. 14 ) where it slowly and consistently moves upwardly into the soil, thereafter spilling over dam  57  and traveling across the inclined main channel  20  to nutrient/fluid outlet/drain opening  16  in the bottom surface of gardening container  2 A, with the surplus nutrient/fluid exiting gardening container  2 A via drain/outlet opening  16  and returning to reservoir  3 A where it may undergo filtration and other treatment prior to being recycled into either of the gardening containers  2 A supported by reservoir cover  4 A and reservoir  3 A. 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the first preferred embodiment 1A of the present invention showing the solar power generating unit  7  and its support  6  separated from reservoir cover  4 A. The illustrations of solar power generating unit  7  and support  6  are merely exemplary, and the number, relative size, configuration, and surface texture of solar power generating unit  7  and support  6  are not critical and may differ from that shown in  FIG. 4 . Also, although not shown, a timer for pump  40  may be associated with solar power generating unit  7  or its support  6 . The two gardening containers  2 A in first preferred embodiment 1A are also removed from reservoir cover  4 A, and the soil-blocking shield  14 A in each gardening container  2 A is also removed therefrom and set to the side. In addition,  FIG. 4  shows the nutrient/fluid inlet line  8 A remaining associated with the removable plate  11 A in reservoir cover  4 A, the two gardening container supports  21  disassociated from reservoir cover  4 A (although the grommets  34  positioned between the top of each support  21  and the bottom surface of the gardening container  2 A above it remains in their positions of use to mark the location where the two supports  21  for gardening containers  2 A are used). Reservoir cover  4 A is also separated from reservoir  3 A, and the pump/filter housing  22  is shown without its cover (see number  37  in  FIG. 7 ) and is also removed from its preferred positioning in reservoir  3 A. The strength-enhancing configurations  9  and  18  respectively integral to the walls of reservoir  3 A and gardening containers  2 A that are shown in  FIG. 4  are merely exemplary and should not be considered as limiting, except that some complementary structure (including sculptured indentations  58 A- 58 C) is needed to allow secure support of gardening containers  2 A upon reservoir cover ( 4 A-D or other) or by a frame ( 73 ,  76 , or other). Also, the addition of water, rainwater, or nutrient/fluid to reservoir  3 A can be achieved via use of the spiral star features  31  (see  FIG. 5  for an enlarged view thereof) in reservoir cover  4 A that are minimally visible in  FIG. 4 , and  FIG. 4  also shows the access plate  11 A still in its position of use over maintenance access opening  29  (see  FIG. 5 ) in reservoir cover  4 A. Furthermore,  FIG. 4  shows the optional vertically-extending tube  12  with a float still extending through reservoir cover  4 A which provides a quick visual indication of the amount of nutrient/fluid remaining in reservoir  3 A and may be used as a quick-fill tube for adding a small amount of nutrient/fluid to reservoir  3 A when the float is removed.  FIG. 4  also shows the elevation supports  5 A on reservoir cover  4 A upon which gardening containers  2 A are received, the mount  13 A in reservoir cover  4 A and the mount  13 B that are both used to secure and stabilize the lower end of the support  6  used with solar power generating, unit  7 , the strengthening structure in the side walls and bottom surface of reservoir  3 A, as well as the alignment guide  23  integrated into the bottom surface of reservoir  3 A that is employed for securing filter/pump unit  22  into its position of use. Although not clearly shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , one or more fasteners are typically used to faster support  6  to mounts  13 A and  13 B. Also, although not shown, a rubber grommet may be connected to the lower end of support  6  to enhance the secure connection needed for solar power generating unit  7 . The shape and positioning of the alignment guide  23  is not critical or limited to that shown in  FIG. 4 , as long as it is able to fix the positioning of filter/pump unit  22  while pump  40  is recycling nutrient/fluid for root/plant growth. In addition, the configuration of the soil-blocking means employed in preferred embodiment 1A is not limited to the soil-blocking shield  14 A shown in  FIG. 4 , or limited to the other soil-blocking shields  14 B and  14 C respectively shown in  FIGS. 11-13 , all of which are merely exemplary as means of blocking soil infiltration into main channel  20  and also preferably providing a deflector or other means of creating turbulence in nutrient/fluid entering a gardening container  2 A via inlet opening  15  to add oxygen to it. The shape of the pump/filter unit  22  shown in  FIG. 4  is also exemplary, and it is considered to be within the scope of the present invention for pump/filter unit  22  to have a different number of perforated walls  38 , and for its height and perimeter configuration to be different from that shown in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIGS. 5-8  show views of the reservoir  3 A and its cover  4 A used as a part of first preferred embodiment 1A, that were previously illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 . Reservoir cover  4 A locks onto reservoir  3 A around it periphery, adding to the structural integrity of both reservoir cover and reservoir  3 A, as well as strengthening the side walls of reservoir  3 A, which adds compression strength to help hold the weight of gardening containers  2 A filled with nutrient/fluid saturated soil.  FIG. 5  is a top view of reservoir cover  4 A in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the four elevation positioning supports  5 A used for supporting each end of the two gardening containers  2 A, each elevation positioning support  5 A having outlying strengthening gussets  24 . For large gardening containers  2 A, three or more elevation positioning supports  5 A could be used. The two of the elevation positioning supports  5 A shown have an arrow  27  and locking tabs  26  to help a user in identifying the correct orientation of gardening containers  2 A relative to reservoir cover  4 A and alignment of the nutrient/fluid drain hole  28  with the fluid outlet/drain opening  16  in bottom surface of a gardening container  2 A for return of surplus nutrient/fluid to reservoir  3 A for recycling.  FIG. 5  further shows the maintenance access opening  29  in reservoir cover  4 A (covered by removable plate  11 A in  FIG. 4 ) that provides quick access to the pump/filter unit  22  positioned within reservoir  3 A. The indent (not separately numbered) around maintenance access opening  29  allows easier removal of plate  11 A, which may be optionally locking to prevent access to reservoir  3 A by pets and children.  FIG. 5  also shows a pipe  12  with a float near maintenance access opening  29 , four holes  30  adjacent to maintenance access opening  29  that may be used to allow electrical connection of solar power generating unit cable  7  to pump/filter unit  22  or an onboard power storage unit (not shown), or for locking removable plate  11 A. The notches  32  shown on one end of access opening  29  are used for the exit of nutrient/fluid inlet tubing  8 A from reservoir  3 A, and may also be used for connection of electrical wiring to pump  40 . In addition,  FIG. 5  shows strengthening ribs  25  adjacent to maintenance access opening  29  that add flexural strength to reservoir cover  4 A for support of gardening containers  2 A and the soil they contain, two spiral stars  31  that add strength to reservoir cover  4 A and may also provide a sink feature to allow rainwater flow into reservoir  3 A, with each spiral star  31  also having a central opening (no number assigned) for extension of a gardening container support  21  through reservoir cover  4 A, and a mount  13 A used for securing the lower end of a support  6  for a solar power generating unit  7 . Although not shown in  FIG. 5 , a nutrient/fluid return hole could be formed into one of the elevation positioning supports  5 A (preferably one not having a nutrient/fluid drain hole  28 ), with the nutrient/fluid return hole sized for connection to a nutrient/fluid return line  8 C and ready to be punched out if needed for the recycling of nutrient/fluid in an embodiment of the present invention using a frame ( 73 ,  76 , or other) instead of support by a reservoir ( 3 A- 3 D, or other). In contrast,  FIG. 6  is a top view of the nutrient/fluid supply reservoir  3 A preferred for use in first preferred embodiment 1A. Reservoir  3 A is shown without its cover  4 A so that its strength-enhancing wall structure  9  can be viewed, which can include but is not limited to gussets (not separately numbered) and the stepped indentations marked by the number  58 D in  FIG. 3 . The strength-enhancing wall structure  9  is exemplary, and its configuration may vary from that shown without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as long as it adds structural integrity and stability to reservoir  3 A and help to prevent collapse of its side walls under the weight of gardening containers  2 A filled with nutrient/fluid saturated soil.  FIG. 6  also shows a central positioning guide  23  for securing a pump/filter unit  22  during pump  40  use to recycle nutrient/fluid into gardening containers  2 A, in addition to a mount  13 B employed for securing the lower end of a support  6  for, solar power generating unit  7 . The locations of central positioning guide  23  and mount  13 B are not limited to that shown in  FIG. 6 . As further shown in FIG.  6 , reservoir  3 A in preferred embodiment 1A also has two knock-out  10  in its lower wall on one end and on one side that can be optionally employed for connection of a nutrient/fluid line  8 C to reservoir  3 A, or emptying large volumes of nutrient/fluid from reservoir  3 A. In addition,  FIG. 6  shows multiple attachment points  35  integrated into the bottom surface of reservoir  3 A for connection of a thermal isolator  17 A to the exterior bottom surface of reservoir  3 A, and strength-enhancing ribs  36  positioned between attachment points  35 . The size, configuration, spaced-apart positioning, and location of attachment points  35  and strength-enhancing ribs  36  are not limited to that shown in  FIG. 6 , as long as each fulfills its design requirements relative to reservoir  3 A, including making the bottom of reservoir  3 A rigid and self-contained. Preferably, although not limited thereto, twelve attachment points  35  (as shown in  FIG. 6 ) are preferred in smaller reservoirs ( 3 A- 3 D, or other), and sixteen attachment points  35  are preferred in larger reservoirs ( 3 A- 3 D, or other) used as a part of preferred embodiments of the present invention hybrid container-gardening system. Although not shown, when reservoir  3 A is used in outdoor locations and subject to rainwater replenishment, one or two overflow holes may be located near the top edge of reservoir  3 A. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view from the top of the reservoir  3 A previously shown in  FIGS. 1-4  and  6 , and showing a pump/filter unit  22  secured to the central positioning guide  23 , the cover  37  of pump/filter unit  22  removed and positioned outside the wall of reservoir  3 A to avoid obscuring other structure in reservoir  3 A.  FIG. 7  further shows pump/filter unit  22  having several perforated walls (see number  38  in  FIG. 8 ) and nutrient/fluid inlet lines  8 A connected to one end of pump/filter unit  22 , with the opposed free ends of nutrient/fluid inlet lines  8 A ready for connection to the inlet openings  15  of two gardening containers  2 A supported by reservoir cover  4 A. The relative size, configuration, positioning, and end connections of the nutrient/fluid inlet lines  8 A illustrated in  FIG. 7  are intended to be exemplary, and should not be considered as limiting. However, the tee (not having an independent numerical designation) that splits the nutrient/fluid flow from pump  40  is a preferred feature of first preferred embodiment 1A, so that half of the nutrient/fluid outflow from pump  40  is directed into both gardening containers  2 A simultaneously. In addition,  FIG. 7  shows the preferred positioning of a mount  13 B employed for securing the lower end of a support  6  for solar power generating unit  7  within reservoir  3 A, and preferred (but not critical) positioning for a knock-out in a wall of reservoir  3 A on one end and on one side for optional connection of a nutrient/fluid return line  8 C to reservoir  3 A in embodiments of the present invention using a support frame ( 74 ,  76 , or other) for gardening containers  2 A.  FIG. 7  further shows the bottom end of a vertically-extending tube  12  with a float secured by one of the attachment points  35 , and two optional supports  21  for gardening containers  2 A also each secured to different attachment points  35 . The two grommets  34  that are associated with the top end of each tubular support  21  during its use with gardening containers  2 A is removed from its support  21  and positioned outside the walls of reservoir  3 A to avoid obscure the top ends of the tubular supports  21  or other structural features in reservoir  3 A. The number of attachment points  35  and strength-enhancing ribs  36  integrated into the bottom surface of reservoir  3 A is not limited to that shown in  FIG. 7 , and must be selected to allow sufficient thermal protection for the bottom surface of reservoir  3 A from the ground or other surface supporting it (whether hot or cold), as well as sufficiently strengthen reservoir  3 A so that it may hold gardening containers  2 A and the amount of nutrient/fluid needed to support growth of plants secured by soil within gardening containers  2 A.  FIG. 8  is a top view of the pump/filter unit  22  shown in  FIGS. 4 and 7 , and having three perforated walls  38 , one end wall with an opening  44  used for extension therethrough of nutrient/fluid inlet line  8 A, and two side walls each with a mounting hole  43  used for support of a vibration isolating connector  41  that assists in securing pump/filter unit  22  to the positioning guide  23  formed in the bottom surface of reservoir  3 A when pump  40  is recycling nutrient/fluid to gardening containers  2 A. The use of connector  41  is not critical, but preferred, and one is shown in  FIG. 8  secured to the near side of pump/filter unit  22 .  FIG. 8  also shows charcoal filter material  39  situated on one end of pump/filter unit  22  between two perforated walls  38 , pump  40  positioned on the opposing end of pump/filter unit  22  from charcoal filter material  39  and between a perforated interior wall  38  and a non-perforated end wall having an opening  44  used for connection of nutrient/fluid inlet line  8 A to pump  40 . A top fitting on pump  40  shown in  FIG. 8  is contemplated for use in providing electrical connection of pump  40  via wiring (not shown) to the solar power generating unit  7  or an on-board battery (not shown).  FIG. 8  further shows additional filter material  45  positioned between charcoal filter material  39  and pump  40 . The size, configuration and positioning of charcoal filter material  39 , additional filter material  45 , and pump  40  are merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting. Although not shown, pump/filter unit  22  could also have additional chambers, such as but not limited to a plant nutrient replenishment chamber in which very slowly dissolving nutrient material is housed. In addition, the size of each chamber in pump/filter unit  22  used for housing pump  40  and filter material  39  and  45  are not limited to that shown, and perforated walls  38  may have more or less perforations than are shown in  FIG. 8 , as well as perforations of differing size and/or placement. Also, even though pump/filter unit  22  is shown having a rectangular perimeter configuration that indicates rigid walls, it is considered to be within the scope of the present invention for pump/filter unit  22  to be in the form of a filter bag. 
       FIGS. 9-13  show the structure of three soil-blocking shields  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C, each of which is elongated and has a generally inverted U-shape. Typically, one elongated soil-blocking shield ( 14 A,  14 B,  14 C, or other) is used in each gardening container ( 2   a - 2 E, or other) between fluid inlet opening  15  and fluid drain/outlet opening  16 , and once soil-blocking shield ( 14 A,  14 B,  14 C, or other) is in its desired position of use, soil and plants (or seeds) may be added to the gardening container ( 2   a - 2 E, or other) above soil-blocking shield ( 14 A,  14 B,  14 C, or other). It is the weight of soil in gardening containers ( 2   a - 2 E, or other) that help to seal the ends  68  of soil-blocking shields ( 14 A,  14 B,  14 C, or other) against the opposed ends ( 59  and  60 ) of a gardening container ( 2   a - 2 E, or other) to prevent potentially blockage-forming soil infiltration into main channel  20  and the nutrient/fluid movement and collection areas adjacent to main channel  20 .  FIGS. 9 and 10  are perspective views respectively of the top and bottom surfaces of the soil-blocking shield  14 A used as a part of the first preferred embodiment 1A of the present invention, and previously shown in  FIGS. 1-4  herein. In  FIGS. 9 and 10  the nutrient/fluid inlet end of soil-blocking shield  14 A is marked by the numeral  46  (which is typically placed near inlet opening  15 ), and the nutrient/fluid drain/outlet end of soil-blocking shield  14 A is marked by the numeral  47  (which would then be placed near the drain/outlet opening  16  of a gardening container  2 A).  FIGS. 9 and 10  both show soil-blocking shield  14 A having an elongated configuration and opposed structured ends  68  each having a configuration complementary to that of a ledge above one of the sealing areas  61  on the opposed ends ( 59  and  60 ) of gardening container  2 A for closely engaging sealing areas  61  to prevent soil infiltration into main channel  20  and adjacent areas between fluid inlet opening  15  and fluid drain opening  16  where fluid movement and collection occurs.  FIG. 10  also shows one downwardly-depending deflector  48 A integrated within the inlet end  46  of soil-blocking shield  14 A, and a similarly configured and downwardly-depending deflector  48 A integrated within the drain/outlet end of soil-blocking shield  14 A. The end surface  48 C of the inlet end  46  of deflector  48 A is used to deflect high-pressure incoming nutrient/fluid to dissipate its force and create turbulence in the incoming nutrient/fluid to oxygenate it. During the manufacturing of soil-blocking shield  14 A when downwardly-depending deflector  48 A is created, a top indentation  48 B becomes positioned in the same location on the reverse (top) surface of soil-blocking shield  14 A. The downwardly-depending deflector shown in  FIG. 10  on the inlet end  46  of soil-blocking shield  14 A also assists in the diversion of nutrient/fluid into peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B, instead of allowing it to promptly enter main channel  20  and bypass the soil-fluid interface areas in peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B where slow and consistent uptake of nutrient/fluid occurs as it is drawn into the soil adjacent to plant roots. As soil in and around peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B becomes fluid saturated, fluid in gardening containers  2 A rises even higher where it is drawn into higher elevation peripheral channels  50 C until all soil in gardening containers  2 A becomes fluid saturated. On the outlet end  47  of soil-blocking shield  14 A the downwardly-depending deflector  48 A helps to guide and control flow of flow of surplus nutrient/fluid through the gardening container&#39;s ( 2 A) nutrient/fluid drain/outlet opening  16 . Once the soil in gardening containers  2 A becomes saturated and a threshold level of surplus nutrient/fluid has entered gardening container  2 A, additional nutrient/fluid entering gardening container  2 A via inlet opening  15  will spill over dam  57  and travel down main channel  20  to drain/outlet opening  16  for exit from gardening container  2 A and return to reservoir  3 A for recycling.  FIGS. 11 and 12  are perspective views respectively from the top and bottom of a second preferred embodiment of soil-blocking shield  14 B that can also be used as a part of the first preferred embodiment 1A of the present invention.  FIGS. 11 and 12  both show soil-blocking shield  14 B having an elongated configuration and opposed structured ends  68  each having a configuration complementary to that of a ledge above one of the sealing areas  61  on the opposed ends ( 59  and  60 ) of gardening container  2 A for closely engaging sealing areas  61  to prevent soil infiltration into main channel  20 . However, when comparing soil-blocking shield  14 A to soil-blocking shield  14 B, one can see that each raised end  68  in soil-blocking shield  14 B has a less angular configuration than is show in  FIGS. 9 and 10  for soil-blocking shield  14 A. Furthermore, the downwardly-depending deflector  48 A on the outlet end of soil-blocking shield  14 B has a more elongated configuration than is shown in  FIGS. 9 and 19  for soil-blocking shield  14 A. The end surface  48 C of the downwardly-depending deflector  48 A shown in  FIG. 12  near inlet end  46  of soil-blocking shield  14 B is used to deflect high-pressure incoming nutrient/fluid to dissipate its force and create turbulence in the incoming nutrient/fluid to oxygenate it. End surface  48 C also helps to divert nutrient/fluid into peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B, instead of allowing it to immediately enter main channel  20  return to reservoir  3 A. Even though the downwardly-depending deflector  48 A on the outlet end  47  of soil-blocking shield  14 B has a differing configuration from that shown in  FIG. 10  for soil blocking shield  14 A, the more elongated configuration of the downwardly-depending deflector  48 A on the outlet end  47  of soil-blocking shield  14 B also helps to guide and control flow of flow of surplus nutrient/fluid through the gardening container&#39;s nutrient/fluid drain/outlet opening  16 . In contrast to soil-blocking shields  14 A and  14 B,  FIG. 13  is a perspective view from the side of a third preferred embodiment of soil-blocking shield  14 C that is usable in preferred embodiments of the present invention, including preferred embodiment 1A.  FIG. 13  shows soil-blocking shield  14 C having top openings  49  used for insertion therethrough of a tomato stake (not shown) and/or other plants support, such as but not limited to poles or stakes with a lattice therebetween to provide vertical support for peas and other climbing plants. 
       FIGS. 14-25  illustrate the preferred structure of the gardening container  2 A used as a part of the first preferred embodiment 1 of the present invention, and previously shown in  FIGS. 1-4 .  FIG. 14  is a top view of the gardening container  2 A without a soil-blocking shield ( 14 A- 14 C) and showing strength-enhancing structure  18  in its side walls, stand-off features  19  in the upper portion of the side walls that allow easy release of gardening containers  2 A from one another after stacking.  FIG. 14  also shows gardening container  2 A having a nutrient/fluid inlet opening  15  and an adjacent inlet basin  56  used for collecting nutrient/fluid, a nutrient/fluid outlet/drain opening  16  and an adjacent outlet basin  54 , and an inclined main channel  20  extending between nutrient/fluid inlet opening  15  and outlet/drain opening  16  that is used for transport of surplus nutrient/fluid back to reservoir  3 A for recycling. Main channel  20  provides a safety relief function by preventing excessive moisture from building up in the soil present in gardening containers  2 A. The size, perimeter configuration, height/elevation, and positioning of inlet opening  15 , inlet basin  56 , outlet basin  54 , outlet/drain opening  16 , and main channel  20  may vary in differing embodiments of the present invention from that shown.  FIG. 14  further shows gardening container  2 A having two peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B that provide a soil-fluid interface in first preferred embodiment 1A and which are situated in opposing positions on differing sides of main channel  20 , a dam  57  at the inlet end of main channel  20  that blocks entry of nutrient/fluid flow into main channel  20  until nutrient/fluid fills inlet basin  56  and has an opportunity to flow into peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B and saturate the soil in gardening container  2 A that surrounds plant roots. Spaced-apart raised pads  52 A adjacent to peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B provide nutrient/fluid pockets  53  between them that trap nutrient/fluid and allow soil in gardening containers  2 A to slowly and consistently draw the nutrient/fluid in an upwardly direction toward plant roots, which helps to promote even soil moisture in gardening containers  2 A during extended periods of pump  40  inactivity (typically at night, although not limited thereto). The second row of raised pads  52 A situated father away from main channel  20  creates pockets  54  at a next higher level (adjacent to higher elevation peripheral channels  50 C) that traps nutrient/fluid and helps to maintain even soil moisture throughout the entirety of the soil situated in gardening containers  2 A In addition,  FIG. 14  shows two locating features  51  in opposed positions to one another that are integral to the lower side walls of the gardening container  2 A and used to engage the locking features  26  on reservoir cover  4 A to create fixed positioning for gardening containers  2 A relative to reservoir cover  4 A and also assure that the drain/outlet opening  16  in the bottom of gardening container  2 A is properly aligned with the fluid inlet opening  28  in reservoir cover  4 A. Locking features  51  further prevent the inadvertent mis-assembly of gardening containers  2 A to reservoir cover  2 A in first preferred embodiment 1A  FIG. 14  also shows the two soil-blocking ledges  61  in the opposing ends  59  and  60  of gardening container  2 A (one above inlet opening  15  and the other above drain/outlet opening  16 ), each of which is engaged by and sealed against soil infiltration from above by the different ends of soil-blocking shield ( 14 A- 14 C, or other).  FIG. 14  further shows the elevated soil-blocking walls  62  around main channel  20 , the elongated separator wall  55  around outlet basin  54 , and the elongated separator wall  64  around inlet basin  56 , and the nutrient/fluid access path  65  extending between inlet basin  56  and peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B which lets nutrient/fluid flow into peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B without letting soil infiltration into inlet basin  56 . Although the size, shape, and spacing of raised pads  52 A and pockets  53  shown in  FIG. 14  are preferred in first embodiment 1A, other embodiments also considered within the scope of the present invention may have raised pads  52 A and pockets  53  with other sizes, shapes, and spacing. When comparing the length dimension of the elevated soil-blocking walls  62  around main channel  20  in the gardening container  2 A (shown in  FIG. 14  and having a bottom drain/outlet opening  16 ) with that in the gardening container  2 B (shown in  FIG. 30  and having an end drain/outlet opening  16 ), one will see that the length dimension of the elevated soil-blocking walls  62  around main channel  20  in the gardening container  2 A extends closer to outlet basin  54  for added protection against soil intrusion into reservoir  3 A via the direct flow of nutrient/fluid into reservoir  3 A through the inlet opening  28  on reservoir cover  4 A. Comparing the nutrient/fluid access paths  65  shown in  FIGS. 14 and 30 , one will′ observe that the nutrient/fluid access path  65  in  FIG. 14  is longer to improve water flow into peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B and prevent soil blockages due to potential, soil infiltration. Another difference that can be noted in comparing the gardening container  2 A shown in  FIG. 14  with the gardening container  2 B shown in  FIG. 30 , is that the dam  57  positioned between main channel  20  and inlet opening  15  in  FIG. 30  has a uniform appearance, while the dam  57  shown in  FIG. 14  has a safety flow passage (marked by the number  57 ′ in  FIGS. 22 and 24 ) that more easily directs surplus nutrient/fluid into main channel  20  and prevents too much nutrient/fluid from flowing into peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B and over-saturating surrounding soil. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  are respectively top views of the soil-blocking shields  14 A and  14 B positioned over the main channel  20  of gardening container  2 A, and show the raised pads  52 A and pockets  53  adjacent to peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B that provide the soil-fluid interface assisting slow and consistent uptake of nutrient/fluid into soil supporting plant roots in gardening containers  2 A above soil-blocking shields  14 A and  14 B, as well as above the peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B. The inlet end  46  and the outlet end  47  of soil-blocking shields  14 A and  14 B are identified in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , as well as the structured ends  68  of soil-blocking shields  14 A and  14 B that are configured to be complementary in configuration to, and closely engage, the soil-blocking ledge in the sealing areas  61  on the ends of gardening containers  2 A to prevent soil infiltration into main channel  20 , outlet basin  54 , inlet basin  56 , and the nutrient/fluid access path  65  extending between inlet basin  56  and peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B to prevent soil blockages that might otherwise occur and interrupt nutrient/fluid flow within, or between, gardening containers  2 A. 
       FIGS. 17-25  further explain and identify the flow of nutrient/fluid through the gardening containers  2 A of first preferred embodiment 1A, and other structure in gardening containers  2 A.  FIG. 17  is a perspective view from the drain/outlet end  59  of gardening container  2 A and shows the bottom surface positioning of the nutrient/fluid outlet/drain opening  16 , as well as the strength-enhancing structure  18  in side walls that also incorporate sculpted indentations  58 A- 58 C, permitting support of gardening containers  2 A in stepped gravity-feed arrangement by a frame (such as but not limited to frames  73  and  76 ) without collapse of the side walls of gardening containers  2 A.  FIG. 17  also shows a punch-out hole  66  in the drain/outlet end  59  of gardening container  2 A used with a return drain/outlet line  8 C should the gardening container  2 A thereafter become employed as a part of a preferred embodiment of the present invention that is supported by a frame  73  or  76  instead of reservoir  3 A and its cover  4 A. Although not illustrated herein, provisions for sealing the downwardly directed drain/outlet opening  16  of gardening container  2 A would be required. Although first preferred embodiment 1A is shown to have a nutrient/fluid outlet/drain opening  16  positioned through the bottom surface of gardening container  2 A, positioning of drain/outlet openings  16  in other preferred embodiments of the present invention may extend through an end of gardening container  2   a , or through one of its side walls as long as connection through a side wall does not interfere with the soil-fluid interface areas of gardening container ( 2 A or other). 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view from the inlet end  60  of gardening container  2 A and showing a nutrient/fluid inlet opening  15  on inlet end  60 , a nutrient/fluid outlet/drain opening  16  through the bottom surface of gardening container  2 A, and the preferred positioning of main  20  and peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B integral to the bottom surface of gardening container  2 A. Raised pads  52 A and the pockets  53  formed between raised pads  52 A are also visible in  FIG. 18 . In addition,  FIG. 18  shows the strength-enhanced side wall structure  18  of gardening container  2 A, and a reinforced upper edge  63  that dips in slightly for easy maneuvering of gardening container  2 A. The indent (not separately marked with a numerical designation) shown around inlet opening  15  under an arch-shaped structure functions as a quick-locate feature for making connections of nutrient/fluid lines  8 A- 8 C. In contrast,  FIG. 19  is a section view of the drain/outlet end  59  of the gardening container  2 A in first preferred embodiment 1A, which shows the substantially horizontally-extending configuration of fluid collection pockets  53  (between the raised pads  52 A which are not visible in the section) in peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B.  FIG. 19  also identifies the positioning of the soil-blocking ledge in sealing area  61  on the end of gardening container  2 A and the soil-blocking walls of main channel  20 . The section view of  FIG. 19  further shows two opposed peripheral channels  50 C at a higher elevation within gardening container  2 A than peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B, which serve the same function of providing a slow and consistent uptake of nutrient fluid into soil within gardening container  2 A to the point of saturation, but allowing over-saturation. In contrast,  FIG. 20  is an enlarged section view of the inlet end  60  of a gardening container  2 A that shows an alternative structure for raised pads  52 B located in peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B of preferred embodiments of the present invention, which shows the top surfaces of raised pads  52 B having an angled configuration away from main channel  20  to divert accumulation of nutrient/fluid away from soil-blocking shield ( 14 A- 14 C, or other) that reduces the opportunity for soil infiltration under it. Although not visible in the section view of  FIG. 20 , the bottom surfaces of peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B typically remain flat, with only the top surfaces of raised pads  50 B having an angled configuration away from the elevated soil-blocking wall  62  around main channel  20 .  FIG. 20  also shows the positioning of the soil-blocking ledge in sealing area  61 , the soil-blocking walls of main channel  20 , and the two opposed peripheral channels  50 C at a higher elevation within gardening container  2 A than peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B. 
       FIGS. 21-25  are section views from the side of gardening container  2 A that further demonstrate the generally longitudinal flow of surplus nutrient/fluid through it.  FIG. 21  is a section view from the side of gardening container  2 A having a nutrient/fluid inlet opening  15  on one of its ends, a bottom nutrient/fluid outlet/drain opening  16  near its opposing end that is lower in elevation than inlet opening  15 , and a main channel  20  extending between the inlet opening  15  and drain/outlet opening  16  and downwardly inclined toward drain/outlet opening  16 .  FIG. 21  also shows the nutrient/fluid collecting basins  56  and  54  respectively located near the opposing ends  60  and  59  of gardening container  2 A adjacent to inlet and drain/outlet openings  15  and  16 , as well as the optional small reverse slope  67  situated between a dam/spillway  57  at the head of inclined main channel  20  and inlet opening  15  (in part under basin  56 ) that allows nutrient/fluid to fill basin  56  and then travel through nutrient/fluid access path  65  (see  FIG. 14 ) into peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B where nutrient/fluid flow is significantly slowed upon contact with soil. Reverse slope  67  can be useful then the patio or other surface upon which first preferred embodiment 1A is placed is not level.  FIG. 21  further identifies the elevated soil-blocking walls  62  of main channel  20 , the elongated separator walls  55  and  64  respectively around outlet basin  54  and inlet basin  56 , the stand-off features  19  that assist in separating stacked gardening containers  2 A from one another, and the opposed ledges in the sealing areas  61 A on the ends  59  and  50  of gardening container  2 A that are used for sealing the opposing ends  68  of a soil-blocking shield ( 14 A- 14 C, or other) against the ends  59  and  50  of gardening container  2 A to prevent soil infiltration and blockages in areas (other than soil-fluid interfaces in peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B) used for collection and movement of surplus nutrient/fluid. 
       FIGS. 22 and 23  are enlarged views of the illustration of gardening container  2 A shown in  FIG. 21 , with  FIGS. 24 and 25  showing similar section views to those in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , except that a soil-blocking shield has been added for additional reference.  FIG. 22  is an enlarged section view from the side of the nutrient/fluid inlet end  60  of the gardening container  2 A shown in  FIG. 21  with a nutrient/fluid collecting basin  56  near inlet opening  15 , a dam/spillway  57  positioned adjacent to basin  56  in a remote position from inlet opening  15 , and an inclined main channel  20  on the far side of dam/spillway  57  that receives surplus nutrient/fluid entering gardening container  2 A through inlet opening  15  after the soil in gardening container  2 A becomes saturated with nutrient/fluid. Once the soil in gardening container  2 A becomes saturated with nutrient/fluid, surplus nutrient/fluid then moves into main channel  20  which functions to provide safety relief to prevent excess moisture build-up in the soil in gardening container  2 A around plant roots. Thus, it is intended for nutrient/fluid to flow freely (via gravity-feed) through main channel  20 .  FIG. 22  also shows the elevated soil-blocking wall  62  of main channel  20 , the elongated separator wall  64  around inlet basin  56 , the small reverse slope  67  in the bottom surface of gardening container  2 A situated between dam/spillway  57  and inlet opening  15  that allows nutrient/fluid to fill basin  56  and reach a threshold level that allows it to travel across nutrient/fluid access path  65  and into peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B without soil infiltration into basin  56 , a stand-off feature  19  that assists in separating stacked gardening containers  2 A from one another, and a ledge in the sealing area  61 A above nutrient/fluid inlet opening  15  that is used for sealing one end  68  of a soil-blocking shield ( 14 A- 14 C, or other) against the inlet end  60  of gardening container  2 A to prevent soil from dropping down into inlet basin  56  and main channel  20 . In contrast,  FIG. 23  is an enlarged section view from the side of the nutrient/fluid drain/outlet end  59  of the gardening container  2 A shown in  FIG. 21 , with a nutrient/fluid collecting outlet basin  54  positioned above the drain/outlet opening  16  in the bottom surface of gardening container  2 A.  FIG. 23  also shows the inclined main channel  20  having fluid communication with outlet basin  54 , the elongated separator wall  55  around outlet basin  54  and the elevated soil-blocking wall  62  of main channel  20 , one of the locating features  51  on bottom of gardening container  2 A that engages a locking tab  26  on a reservoir cover ( 4 A or other), and a ledge in the sealing area  61 A above nutrient/fluid outlet opening  16  that is used for sealing one end  68  of a soil-blocking shield ( 14 A- 14 C, or other) against the outlet end  59  of gardening container  2 A to prevent soil from dropping down into outlet basin  54  and main channel  20 . One of the important functions of basins  54  and  56  is for them to act as a sink to ensure that the majority of nutrient/fluid drains from around plant roots when pump  40  is inactive, leaving only a controlled amount of nutrient/fluid for the soil to thereafter absorb until the recycling of nutrient/fluid from reservoir  3 A continues. Basins  54  and  56  also act as a safety factor to compensate for uneven ground, and basin  56  (near inlet opening  15 ) also facilitates nutrient/fluid flow from one gardening container  2 A to another via gravity-feed in transport lines  8 B.  FIG. 24  is an enlarged section view from the side similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 22 , showing one end of a soil-blocking shield  14 A positioned adjacent to the inlet end  60  of gardening container  2 A and engaging the ledge in the sealing area  61 A above inlet opening  15 , with more of the soil-blocking shield  14 A extending over dam  57  and main channel  20 .  FIG. 24  also shows the relative positioning of soil-blocking shield  14 A to inlet basin  56 , the elevated soil-blocking wall  62  of main channel  20 , dam/spillway  57 , the small reverse slope  67  in the bottom surface of gardening container  2 A under inlet basin  56 , and the nutrient/fluid inlet line  8 A connected to inlet opening  15 .  FIG. 25  is an enlarged section view from the side that is similar to the view illustrated in  FIG. 23 , showing one end of a soil-blocking shield  14 A (with the indented top portion of its deflector  48 A) positioned adjacent to the drain/outlet end  59  of gardening container  2 A and engaging the ledge in the sealing area  61 A above drain/outlet opening  16 , with the soil-blocking shield  14 A extending over the basin  56 , main channel  20 , and the elevated soil-blocking wall  62  around main channel  20 .  FIG. 25  also shows main channel  20  having fluid communication with outlet basin  54  and identifies one of the locating features  51  on bottom of gardening container  2 A that engages a locking tab  26  on a reservoir cover ( 4 A or other) to assist alignment of fluid communication between gardening container  2 A and a reservoir cover ( 4 A or other) supporting it.  FIGS. 22 and 24  also show dam  57  having a safety flow passage  57  that more easily directs surplus nutrient/fluid into main channel  20  and prevents too much nutrient/fluid from flowing into peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B and over-saturating surrounding soil. In addition,  FIGS. 22  and  24  identify a surface related to nutrient access path  65  and situated between primary dam  57  and nutrient access path  65  that functions as a secondary dam  57 ″. 
       FIGS. 26-30  show a second preferred embodiment 1B of the present invention hybrid container-gardening system.  FIG. 26  is a perspective view from the front of second preferred embodiment 1B showing two gardening containers ( 2 A and  2 B) supported upon a reservoir cover  4 B at differing elevations respectively by elevation positioning supports  5 A and  5 B, and a nutrient/fluid transport line  8 B connected between gardening containers  2 A and  2 B so that only gardening container  2 A empties surplus nutrient/fluid through reservoir cover  4 B and into reservoir  3 A. When gardening containers  2 A and  2 B are at different elevations, gravity-feed of nutrient/fluid is encouraged even when uneven ground supports reservoir  3 A. A nutrient/fluid inlet line  8 A is not shown in  FIG. 26  between inlet opening  15  in gardening container  2 B and reservoir  3 A, but would be required for operation of second preferred embodiment 1B.  FIG. 26  also shows second preferred embodiment 1B having a solar power generating unit  7  secured to a support  6 , a removable plate  11 A over the maintenance access opening  29  in reservoir cover  4 B, and rubber feet or other thermal insulator  17 A attached to the exterior bottom surface of reservoir  3 A to prevent thermal conduction between reservoir  3 A and the ground or other surface supporting it, which otherwise might cause a sufficient temperature increase or decrease in the nutrient/fluid contained by reservoir  3 A to negatively impact root/plant growth in plants supported by soil in gardening containers  2 A and  2 B.  FIG. 27  is a perspective view from the rear of the second preferred embodiment 1B shown in  FIG. 26 , which more clearly shows the nutrient/fluid transport line  8 B connection between gardening containers  2 A and  2 B. As in  FIG. 26 ,  FIG. 27  also shows solar power generating unit  7  and support  6 , removable plate  11 A, and rubber feet or other thermal insulator  17 A attached to the exterior bottom surface of reservoir  3 A.  FIGS. 28 and 29  show end views of the gardening container  2 B used as a part of second preferred embodiment 1B, while  FIG. 30  shows a top view of gardening container  2 B without a soil-blocking shield ( 14 A or other).  FIG. 28  is a drain/outlet end  59  view of the gardening container  2 B that shows its end-positioned nutrient/fluid drain/outlet opening  16  and the sculpted indentations  58 C on opposing sides of gardening container  2 B that allows support thereof by high elevation positioning supports  5 B on reservoir cover  4 B. Similarly,  FIG. 29  is a nutrient/fluid inlet end  60  view of gardening container  2 B that shows its nutrient/fluid inlet opening  15  through one end of gardening container  2 B and its sculpted indentations  58 C.  FIG. 30  is a top view of the gardening container  2 B used in second preferred embodiment 1B, which shows its drain/outlet opening  16  and adjacent outlet basin  54  used to collect excess nutrient/fluid prior to its exit through outlet/drain opening  16 , its nutrient/fluid inlet opening  15  and adjacent inlet basin  56  where nutrient/fluid collects prior to diversion into the soil-fluid interface areas in peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B, and the nutrient/fluid access path  65  providing fluid communication between inlet basin  56  and peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B. Although the outlet basin  54  is larger than that shown in  FIG. 14  for gardening container  2 A, the nutrient access path is narrower than that shown in  FIG. 14  for gardening container  2 A, and the ledge in the sealing area  61  is less pronounced that that shown in  FIG. 1  for gardening container  2 A, the remaining structural features of gardening container  2 B appear to have substantial similarity to comparable structural features shown in  FIG. 14  for gardening container  2 A, including dam  57 , locating features  51 , stand-off features  19 , and the spaced-apart raised pads  52 A and pockets  53  spaced along the length of gardening container  2 B. 
       FIGS. 31 and 32  show a third preferred embodiment 1C of the present invention hybrid container-gardening system, with  FIG. 31  showing the entire system in third preferred embodiment 1C and  FIG. 32  showing reservoir  3 B and reservoir cover  4 C without any supported gardening containers  2 C.  FIG. 31  is a perspective view from the front of third preferred embodiment 1C having two gardening containers  2 C (with soil-blocking shields  14 C) at differing elevations for gravity-assisted flow between them, with one broken arrow showing nutrient/fluid flow from the raised fluid transport opening  69  in reservoir cover  4 C to the inlet opening  15  on the gardening container  2 C having the higher elevation and a second broken arrow showing nutrient/fluid flow from the drain/outlet opening  16  in the lower gardening container  2 C to the raised fluid transport opening  69  in reservoir cover  4 C for reentry of surplus nutrient/fluid back into reservoir  3 B for recycling. A nutrient/fluid transport line  8 B is not shown in  FIG. 31  between gardening containers  2 C, but would be required for operation of third preferred embodiment 1C. Furthermore, since elevation positioning supports  5 A and  5 N may have differing height dimensions (with elevation positioning support  5 A being higher than support  5 A′), and in addition elevation positioning supports  5 B and  5 B′ may have differing height dimensions (with elevation positioning support  5 B higher than support  5 B′), gravity-feed assist for movement of surplus nutrient/fluid back into reservoir  3 B for recycling may not need additional incline in the main channels  20  of gardening containers  2 C (although an inclined main channel  20  could be provided in gardening containers  2 C).  FIG. 31  also shows reservoir cover  4 C having a removable plate  11 B with a handle to provide access to the pump/filter unit  22  located in reservoir  3 B. In addition,  FIG. 31  shows the stepped indentations  58 D in the walls of reservoir  3 B that add strength and rigidity to help prevent reservoir  3 B from collapsing under the weight of the soil-filled gardening containers it supports ( 2 A- 2 E, or other). As can be seen in  FIG. 31  stepped indentations  58 D become progressively larger, with the topmost stepped indentation  58 D having the largest exterior dimension. 
       FIG. 32  is a perspective view from the top of the reservoir  3 B and reservoir cover  4 C in third preferred embodiment 1C that shows elevation positioning supports ( 5 A,  5 A′,  5 B, and  5 B′) on reservoir cover  4 C and the height dimensions of the elevation positioning supports ( 5 A/ 5 A′ and  5 B/ 5 B′) intended for support of the same gardening container  2 C being slightly different to encourage gravity-assisted nutrient/fluid flow toward the drain/outlet  16  of gardening container  2 C whether gardening containers  2 C have an inclined main channel  20 , or not. The strength-enhancing extensions  24  on the higher elevation positioning supports ( 5 B and  5 B′) are also shown in  FIG. 32 , as well as the raised fluid transport opening  69  in reservoir cover  4 C for transport of nutrient/fluid from and to reservoir  3 B.  FIG. 32  further show reinforced openings  71  through reservoir cover  3 B through which the top portion of an optional tubular support  21  may extend to make contact with the bottom surface of a gardening container  2 C. In addition,  FIG. 32  shows strength-enhancing ribs  36  on reservoir cover  4 C between elevation positioning supports ( 5 A,  5 A′,  5 B, and  5 B′), a removable plate  11 B with a handle that allows easy access to the pump/filter unit  22  located within reservoir  3 B, and a positioning guide  70  on reservoir cover  4 C that allows easy alignment/installation of plate  11 B. The size, number, configuration, and positioning of the strength-enhancing extensions  24  and the strength-enhancing ribs  36  shown in  FIG. 32  are not critical as long as the intended strengthening functions are fulfilled. 
       FIGS. 33-40  show a fourth preferred embodiment 1D of the present invention hybrid container-gardening system, with  FIG. 34  showing an additional view of reservoir  3 C,  FIG. 35  showing an additional view of reservoir cover  4 D, and  FIGS. 36-40  showing additional views of gardening containers  2 D.  FIG. 33  is a perspective view from the top of fourth preferred embodiment 1D having three gardening containers  2 D supported at substantially the same elevation by a reservoir  3 C and its cover  4 D. Although nutrient/fluid transport lines ( 8 A- 8 C) are not shown in  FIG. 33 , they would be required for operation of fourth preferred embodiment 1D.  FIG. 33  also identifies elevation positioning supports  5 A and strength-enhancing ribs  36  in reservoir cover  4 D, a removable plate  11 B with a handle that allows easy access to the pump/filter unit  22  located within reservoir  3 C, strength-enhancing structure  9  in the walls of reservoir  3 C, and a soil-blocking shield  3 C longitudinally positioned within each gardening container  2 D.  FIG. 34  is a bottom view of reservoir  3 C that shows its strength-enhancing features  9  that are a continuation of the strength-enhancing structure  9  in the walls of reservoir  3 C, while  FIG. 35  is a perspective view from the top of reservoir cover  4 B that shows its strength-enhancing ribs  36 , elevation positioning supports  5 A each having substantially the same height dimension, and a maintenance access opening  29 . 
       FIGS. 36-40  reveal additional structure in gardening containers  2 D.  FIG. 36  is a perspective view from the bottom of gardening container  2 D that shows the preferred end positioning of its nutrient/fluid inlet opening  15  and the opposed nutrient/fluid drain/outlet opening  16  on the outlet end  59  of gardening container  2 D.  FIG. 36  further shows main channel  20  extending between the inlet and outlet openings  15 / 16  that is used for travel of surplus nutrient/fluid to drain/outlet opening  16  after soil positioned within gardening container  2 D becomes saturated with nutrient/fluid and additional nutrient/fluid enters gardening container  2 D. In addition,  FIG. 36  shows the positioning near main channel  20  of two peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B containing raised pads  52 A and nutrient/fluid containing pockets  53  that provide a soil-fluid interface and from which nutrient/fluid slowly and consistently moves in an upwardly direction into the soil for plant root uptake until soil saturation occurs, the access path  65  through which some nutrient/fluid entering gardening container  2 D through inlet opening  15  moves into one of the peripheral channels  50 A or  50 B, a primary dam  57  which slows travel of nutrient/fluid into main channel  20  and instead allows some of it to collect near nutrient/fluid inlet opening  15  for its later movement into peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B, a small nutrient/fluid diverting obstruction  72  positioned between dam  57  and drain outlet opening  16  that slows nutrient/fluid flow through main channel  20  also provides oxygenation of nutrient/fluid, and a reinforced curved upper edge  63  that can be used as a handle for easy manual lifting and transport of empty gardening containers  2 D or those containing dry soil. It is likely that a gardening container filled with nutrient/fluid soil and plants would be too heavy for many people to lift.  FIG. 37  is top view of gardening container  2 D that shows most of the same features of gardening container  2 D visible in  FIG. 36 , including the main channel  20  longitudinally extending between the nutrient/fluid inlet opening  15  and nutrient/fluid drain/outlet opening  16 , the two longitudinally-extending peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B adjacent to main channel  20 , primary dam  57 , nutrient/fluid diverting obstruction  72  positioned in main channel  20 , reinforced curved upper edge  63 , and the nutrient/fluid access path  65  through which some nutrient/fluid entering gardening container  2 D through its inlet opening  15  moves into a peripheral channel  50 A or  50 B. In addition,  FIG. 37  shows the downwardly-inclined ramps  79  and  79 ′ adjacent to the inlet and drain/outlet openings  15 / 16  that promote accumulation of nutrient/fluid adjacent thereto for use when pump  40  shuts off, and the ledges in the sealing areas  61 A above the inlet and drain/outlet openings  15 / 16  that assist in providing sealing contact between the end wall of gardening container  2 D and one end of the soil-blocking shield ( 14 A- 14 C, or other) to prevent soil infiltration into main channel  20 . Ramps  79  and  79 ′ also help to compensate for uneven support of reservoir  3 C by the ground, patio, or balcony, and facilitate nutrient/fluid flow from one gardening container  2 A to another via gravity-feed in transport lines  8 B. 
     In contrast to  FIGS. 36 and 37 ,  FIGS. 38-40  are section views of gardening container  2 D that further explain flow of nutrient/fluid through it.  FIG. 38  is section view from the side of gardening container  2 D shown main channel  20  extending between nutrient/fluid inlet opening  15  and nutrient/fluid drain/outlet opening  16 , the downwardly-inclined ramps  79  and  79 ′ respectively adjacent to inlet and drain/outlet openings  15 / 16 , the primary dam  57  situated between inlet opening  15  and main channel  20 , a small nutrient/fluid diverting obstruction  72  positioned between dam  57  and drain/outlet opening  16 , and the ledges in the sealing areas  61 A above inlet and drain/outlet openings  15 / 16 .  FIG. 39  is an enlarged section view from the side of the drain/outlet end  59  of gardening container  2 D that shows drain/outlet opening  16  in fluid communication with main channel  20 , a small ramp  79 ′ downwardly-inclined toward main channel  20  situated adjacent to drain/outlet opening  16 , and the ledge in the sealing area  61 A above drain/outlet opening  16  that helps to seal the drain/outlet end  68  of the soil-blocking shield ( 14 A- 14 C, or other) against end wall  59  of gardening container  2 D to prevent soil infiltration into main channel  20 .  FIG. 40  is an enlarged section view from the side of the inlet end  60  of gardening container  2 D that shows inlet opening  15  in fluid communication with main channel  20 , a large downwardly-inclined ramp  79  adjacent to inlet opening  15 , primary dam  57  in main channel  20  and situated close to inlet opening  15 , the small nutrient/fluid diverting obstruction  72  positioned between dam  57  and drain/outlet opening  16 , and the ledge in the sealing area  61 A above inlet opening  15  that helps to seal the inlet end  68  of soil-blocking shield ( 14 A- 14 C, or other) against the adjacent end wall of gardening container  2 D to prevent soil infiltration into main channel  20 . 
       FIGS. 41-44  show a fifth preferred embodiment 1E of the present invention hybrid container-gardening system, with  FIG. 41  showing the entirety of fifth preferred embodiment 1E and  FIGS. 42-44  showing additional views of reservoir  3 B.  FIG. 41  is a perspective view from the side of three gardening containers  2 D in fifth preferred embodiment 1E supported by frame  73  in stepped configuration that permits gravity-feed of nutrient/fluid from the gardening container  2 D having the highest elevation and in succession to the gardening container  2 D having the next highest elevation, with two reservoirs  3 B positioned under gardening containers  2 D. While the top of frame  73  has a substantially uniform elevation, the stepped configuration of gardening containers  2 D that places each one at a different elevation is provided by the sculpted indentations  58 A- 58 C in their side walls and a pair of horizontally-extending crossbar supports  74  each of which spaced apart from the other to correspond with the sculpted indentation  58 A,  58 B, or  58 C that places the gardening container  2 D at the needed height/elevation relative to adjacent gardening containers  2 D and provide gravity-feed flow of nutrient/fluid from the highest gardening container  2 D to the lowest one in succession before surplus nutrient/fluid is returned to reservoirs  3 B for recycling. This stepped gravity-feed arrangement helps to overcome negative effects of uneven ground support that could otherwise impede optimal flow of nutrient/fluid through gardening containers  2 D. Although nutrient/fluid inlet lines  8 A- 8 C are not shown in  FIG. 41  between gardening containers  2 D and reservoirs  3 B, they would be required for operation of fifth preferred embodiment 1E. For example, but not limited thereto, the three gardening containers  2 D could have nutrient/fluid communication in stepped succession between adjacent ones thereof via a nutrient/fluid transport line  8 B, the gardening container  2 D having the highest elevation could be connected to one reservoir  3 B via a nutrient/fluid inlet line  8 A, the gardening container  2 D having the lowest elevation could be connected to the other reservoir  3 B via a nutrient/fluid return line  8 C, and the two reservoirs  3 B could have some type of fluid communication between them (optionally using knockout openings  10 ). In the alternative (but also not limited thereto), two of the gardening containers  2 D could be connected to one reservoir  3 B and the third gardening container  2 D could be connected to the other reservoir  3 B to be able to grow plants needing a higher nutrient content, or all three gardening containers  2 D could be connected to one reservoir  3 B, with the other reservoir prepared and ready for connection to the three gardening containers  2 D when the plants therein enter a new growth phase with differing nutrient/fluid requirements.  FIGS. 42-44  illustrate additional structure in reservoir  3 B not visible in  FIG. 41 .  FIG. 42  is a perspective view from the bottom of the reservoir  3 B in fifth preferred embodiment 1E that shows the strength-enhancing structure  9  in the walls of reservoir  3 B, lid supports  75  in the end wall of reservoir  3 B that may also include a safety-enhancing locking feature to secure reservoir cover  4 C in place and prevent access to reservoir  3 B contents by pets or children, an alignment guide  23  integrated into the bottom surface of reservoir  3 B and used to obtain secure positioning for a pump/filter unit  22 , four attachment points  35  in the bottom surface of reservoir  3 B that are used for securing the lower ends of gardening container supports  21 , and strength-enhancing ribs  36  integrated into the bottom surface of reservoir  3 B. Ribs  36  also help to interrupt heat conduction between the bottom surface of reservoir  3 B and the ground, patio, or other surface supporting it to maintain a more moderate temperature for nutrient/fluid pumped to plant roots in gardening containers ( 2 A- 2 E, or other). Although the size, shape, and positioning of strength-enhancing structure  9 , lid supports  75 , alignment guide  23 , attachment points  35 , and strength-enhancing ribs  36  shown in  FIG. 42  is preferred for fifth preferred embodiment 1E, other embodiments also considered within the scope of the present invention may have strength-enhancing structure  9 , lid supports  75 , alignment guide  23 , attachment points  35 , and strength-enhancing ribs  36  with other sizes, shapes, and positioning.  FIGS. 43 and 44  both view reservoir  3 B from the top and show all four lid supports  75 , alignment guide  23  for pump/filter unit  22 , strengthened wall structure  9 , and the strengthening ribs  36  in its bottom surface. In addition,  FIG. 43  shows a pump/filter unit  22  secured in place by alignment guide  23  and four vertically-extending tubular gardening container supports  21  each having a lower end secured by a different one of the attachment points  35  shown in  FIG. 44 .  FIG. 44  also shows the preferred height dimension of each of the four attachment points  35  and a knock-out  10  near the bottom surface of reservoir  3 B used for the optional connection of a nutrient/fluid return line  8 C. The size, configuration, and placement of attachment points  35  are not critical, and those providing any appropriate male or female connection maybe used. 
       FIG. 45  is a side view of three gardening containers  2 B in a sixth preferred embodiment 1F of the present invention hybrid container-gardening system that are supported by a frame  73  in a stepped configuration that permits gravity-feed of nutrient/fluid from the gardening container  2 B having the highest elevation and in succession to the gardening container  2 B having the next highest elevation, one large reservoir  3 D positioned under the gardening containers  2 B, and a reservoir cover  4 E configured for placement/support of two additional gardening containers  2 B (or other) at differing elevations.  FIG. 45  also shows a nutrient/fluid inlet line  8 A connected between reservoir  3 D and the gardening container  2 B having the highest elevation, additional nutrient/fluid inlet transport lines  8 B connected between adjacent gardening containers  2 B, and a nutrient/fluid return line  8 C connected between the gardening container  2 B having the lowest elevation and reservoir cover  4 E. Frame  73  may provide at least part of the incline needed for gravity-feed of nutrient/fluid from one gardening container  2 B to the next.  FIG. 45  further shows rubber feet or other thermal insulator  17 A secured to and supporting the bottom surface of reservoir  3 D and a solar power generating unit  7  connected by a support  6  to frame  73 . If appropriate to the location and plant growing needs, reservoir  3 D can be moved out from under frame  73  so that additional gardening containers  2 B (or other) can be used supported by reservoir cover  4 E and nutrient/fluid lines  8 A- 8 C can be connected as needed to the gardening containers ( 2 B or other) supported by reservoir cover  4 E. The number of gardening containers  2 B supported by frame  73  is not limited to that shown in  FIG. 45  as long as sufficient elevation can be achieved for proper gravity-feed of nutrient/fluid through all gardening containers  2 B and return of surplus nutrient/fluid to reservoir  3 D for recycling. Furthermore, depending on the size of gardening containers  2 B, the number of gardening containers  2 B used, and the type of plants to be cultivated therein, frame  73  may comprise sturdier supports and additional bracing beyond that shown in  FIG. 45 . In addition,  FIG. 45  shows the stepped indentations  58 D in the walls of reservoir  3 D that add strength and rigidity to help prevent reservoir  3 D from collapsing under the weight of any soil-filled gardening containers that it supports ( 2 A- 2 E, or other). 
       FIGS. 46-48  show a seventh preferred embodiment 1G of the present invention hybrid container-gardening system, with  FIG. 46  showing the arrangement of gardening containers  2 E and frames  76 A and  76 B in seventh preferred embodiment 1E and  FIGS. 47-48  showing additional views of gardening container  2 E. The modular form of seventh preferred embodiment 1G allows porch and balcony use, although other locations are also contemplated. When used outdoors, rainwater may supplement the filtered nutrient/fluid recycled into gardening containers ( 2 E or other) that used as a part of seventh preferred embodiment 1G. However, provision for nutrient/fluid overflow due to excessive rain can also be included as a part of seventh preferred embodiment 1G, and once plants leaf out and start crop production, the speed of nutrient/fluid through gardening containers ( 2 A- 2 E or other), can be increased to maintain optimum nutrient/fluid availability even though plant requirements have changed.  FIG. 46  is a perspective view from the side of four gardening containers  2 E supported by a modular frame ( 76 A and  76 B) in stepped configuration that permits gravity-feed of nutrient/fluid from the gardening container  2 E having the highest elevation and in succession to the gardening container  2 E having the next highest elevation, with additional modular frame units (not shown, but shorter or taller versions of  76 B) easily connected to either end of modular frame  76 A/ 76 B as long as sufficient gravity-assist flow of nutrient/fluid through all gardening containers  2 E can still take place. A simple bolted, easy-to-assemble, and strong frame  76 A, with both of its end structures reaching the ground or other surface supporting it, may be used to support two substantially rectangular gardening containers  2 E in a side-by-side stepped gravity-feed arrangement. It is also preferred, but not critical, for each frame  76 B (having only one end structure reaching the ground or other support surface) to support two gardening containers ( 2 E or other). The short end of the frame ( 76 B′) can then be bolted or otherwise securely fixed to one end of frame  76 A, or the longer end of another frame  76 B as long as the connection creates the proper gravity-feed assist for nutrient/fluid flow within the gardening containers ( 2 E or other) supported by frames  76 A and  76 B. Gardening containers  2 E are then individually placed on the frame ( 76 A,  76 B,  73 , and other) using the sculpted indentations  58 A- 58 C in the sides of gardening containers  2 E and crossbar supports  74  (see  FIG. 41 ), crossbar supports  77 , or other sturdy horizontally-extending support means. Leveling feet (not shown) may be added to frames ( 76 A,  76 B,  73 , and other) to optimize gravity-feed of recycled nutrient/fluid within present invention systems. In addition, although not limited thereto, frames could be made from aluminum or steel coated with plastic to increase their corrosion resistance. Although not fully shown, nutrient/fluid line  8 B would be required to placing gardening containers  2 E in fluid communication with one another, and nutrient/fluid lines  8 A and  8 C also required to place gardening containers  2 E in nutrient/fluid communication with a pump  40  in a reservoir (such as but not limited to reservoirs  3 A- 3 D) to receive recycled nutrient/fluid for plant growth. If nutrient/fluid inlet line  8 A is connected to the front of the gardening container  2 E having the highest elevation, a nutrient/fluid transport line  8 B would be connected to the drain/outlet opening  16  in the rear of the highest gardening container and the inlet opening  15  of the gardening container  2 E adjacent to it. Such arrangement would place the drain/outlet opening  16  of the second highest gardening container  2 E in the front, where a second nutrient/fluid transport line  8 B would connect the front-positioned drain/outlet opening  16  of the second highest gardening container  2 E to the front positioned inlet opening of the third highest gardening container  2 E. The third and final nutrient/fluid transport line  8 B would be connected behind the third and fourth gardening containers  2 E, with the nutrient/fluid return line connected between the front-positioned drain/outlet opening  16  of the fourth gardening container  2 E and a nutrient/fluid supply reservoir ( 3 A- 3 D, or other). Insertable grommets can be easily used to connect nutrient/fluid transport lines  8 B to gardening containers  2 E, as they create a watertight seal and are compatible with various sizes of hose bib fittings, including elbows. Timers (not shown) and optional solar-assist (such as solar power generating unit  7 ) can also be used with the seventh preferred embodiment 1G. After sundown, timers are typically shut off, and the soil in gardening containers  2 E acts like a sponge to prevent stagnant nutrient/fluid issues. Insulation on nutrient/fluid transport lines  8 B connecting gardening containers  2 E to one another is optional, but preferred in hotter climates to prevent super-heated nutrient/fluid from entering gardening containers  2 E and preventing optimal growth of plant roots. Insulated nutrient/fluid transport lines  8 B could also be of benefit in cooler climates to extend growing seasons. The nutrient/fluid supply reservoir ( 3 A- 3 D, or other) used as a part of preferred embodiment 1G can be selected to contain a 30-day supply of nutrient/fluid, so that once the system is set up, the owner can walk away for 30 days with confidence that optimal system operation will continue. 
       FIGS. 47 and 48  show preferred structure in gardening containers  2 E from the top.  FIGS. 47 and 48  both show a gardening container  2 E in the seventh preferred embodiment 1G having its nutrient/fluid inlet opening  15  in an opposed position from outlet opening  16  on its outlet end  59 , strength-enhancing wall structure  18 , three stand-off features  19  on each top edge that allow easy release of adjacent stacked gardening containers  2 E from one another, opposed exterior indentation  78  on the upper portion of the ends of gardening container  2 E that serve as hand-holds used for gardening container  2 E lifting and transport, a nutrient/fluid access path  65  through which some nutrient/fluid entering gardening container  2 E through its inlet opening  15  moves into a peripheral channel  50 A or  50 B, and the raised pads  52 A and pockets  53  adjacent to a peripheral channel ( 50 A or  50 B) that provide a soil-fluid interface from which soil can slowly and consistently upwardly draw nutrient/fluid for later uptake by plant roots. Since gardening containers  2 E have no basins  54  or  56  (see  FIG. 14 ) and no ramps  79  or  79 ′ (see  FIG. 37 ), leveling of gardening containers  2 E in preferred embodiment 1G is more critical for proper nutrient/fluid flow therein and the slow and consistent uptake of nutrient/fluid by plant roots. In addition,  FIG. 48  shows the main channel  20  extending between the nutrient/fluid inlet opening  15  and nutrient/fluid drain/outlet opening  16 , one peripheral channel ( 50 A and  50 B) adjacent to each side of main channel  20 , a primary dam  57  which slows travel of nutrient/fluid into main channel  20  and instead allows some of it to collect near inlet opening  15  for movement through access path  65  and otherwise into the peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B, and the ledges in sealing areas  61 A above the inlet and drain/outlet openings  15 / 16  that assist in sealing the contact area between the end wall of gardening container  2 E wall and one end  68  of the soil-blocking shield ( 14 A,  14 B,  14 C, or other) to prevent soil infiltration into main channel  20 . In addition,  FIG. 48  shows a small nutrient/fluid diverting obstruction  72  positioned between dam  57  and drain/outlet opening  16  that slows nutrient/fluid flow through main channel  20  as well as peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B, creates a waterfall effect for recycled nutrient/fluid that adds oxygen to it to favor growth of plant roots, and also prevents too much from nutrient/fluid from jumping upwardly into soil-filled areas, thus preventing overly fluid-saturated plant roots. Although only one nutrient/fluid diverting obstruction  72  is shown in  FIG. 48 , more than one nutrient/fluid diverting obstruction  72  may be used in seventh preferred embodiment 1G and other preferred embodiments of the present invention hybrid container-gardening system, particularly when nutrient/fluid access path  65  is not present to facilitate movement of nutrient/fluid into peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B. Furthermore, although not shown in  FIG. 48 , nutrient/fluid diverting obstructions  72  may be placed closer to drain/outlet opening  16  to slow nutrient/fluid flow through main channel  20 . Also, structure positioned near the outlet ends of peripheral channels  50 A and  50 B allows nutrient/fluid to jump over it for exit from outlet opening  16 , but not soil, thus preventing soil from clogging the nutrient/fluid transport lines  8 B used for fluid communication between gardening containers ( 2 A- 2 E or other). Limiting factors of seventh preferred embodiment 1G are the size and shape of the space available to house it (porch, balcony, back yard), the number of gardening containers ( 2 A- 2 E or other) used and the vertical drop needed for good nutrient/fluid flow in the gravity-feed system from each gardening container ( 2 A- 2 E or other) to the next lower gardening container ( 2 A- 2 E or other), and the size of the pump  40  used for lifting the nutrient/fluid to the gardening container ( 2 A- 2 E or other) having the highest vertical elevation. System advantages include consistent nutrients supplied to all plants for better plant growth and food production, no special nutrient/fluid conditioning supplies that are unavailable from local suppliers and expensive to purchase, and non-clogging nutrient/fluid flow that permits nutrient/fluid recycling. 
       FIGS. 49 through 52  depict simplified views of a planter generally indicated as  100  previously described as a gardening container. 
     The planter  100  comprises a bottom  102  having a pair of stepped side walls each generally indicated as  104  connected at opposite ends by a pair of diagonally disposed end walls each indicated as  106  to cooperatively form a cavity  108  to retain soil  110  to support seedlings or plants each generally indicated  112  therein and to receive a nutrient/liquid solution to feed the root systems  114  of the seedlings or plants  112  with a nutrient/liquid solution through a fluid circulation system. Alternately, seeds (not shown) may be substituted for the plants or seedlings  112 . An upper peripheral flange  113  is formed about the upper portions or edges of the pair of stepped side walls  104  and the pair of substantially diagonal end walls  106 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 49 and 50 , the fluid circulation system comprises an nutrient/liquid supply basin  116  coupled to a nutrient/liquid supply reservoir (not shown) through a nutrient/liquid supply conduit  118  and a nutrient/liquid supply hole or aperture  120  to receive a nutrient/liquid solution from the reservoir (not shown), a pair of primary nutrient/liquid supply troughs each generally indicated as  122  disposed to receive the nutrient/liquid solution from the nutrient/liquid supply basin  116  and to supply the nutrient/liquid solution to the lower portion  124  of the soil  110 , a pair of secondary nutrient/liquid supply troughs each indicated as  126  to receive the nutrient/liquid solution from the lower portion  124  of the soil  110  by capillary action. The nutrient/liquid solution that is now on the lower portion  124  of the soil  110 , migrates upward to the upper portion  128  of the soil  110  by evaporation. Specifically, evaporation occurs when heat is transmitted through the stepped side walls  104  and the substantially diagonal end walls  106  that are exposed to the ambient temperature. 
     Although the nutrient/liquid supply hole or aperture  120  is shown in the substantially diagonal end wall  106 , the nutrient/liquid supply hole or aperture  120  may be formed in the bottom or floor of the nutrient/liquid supply basin  116 . 
     The fluid circulation system further includes a centrally disposed nutrient/liquid solution excess overflow trough  130  disposed between the pair of primary nutrient/liquid supply troughs  122  and the pair of secondary nutrient/liquid supply troughs  126  to receive excess or overflow of nutrient/liquid solution from the nutrient/liquid supply basin  116  when the volume of nutrient/liquid flowing into the planter  100  from the nutrient/liquid supply conduit  118  exceeds the absorption rate of the lower portion  124  of the soil  110 . In addition, a nutrient/liquid solution excess overflow run-off or drain surface  132  disposed as the distal end of the centrally disposed nutrient/liquid overflow trough  130  to receive overflow of nutrient/liquid solution from the nutrient/liquid overflow trough  130  and then through a nutrient/liquid drain hole or aperture  134  formed therethrough to drain excess or overflow nutrient/liquid solution from the gardening container or planter  100 . 
     Alternately, the nutrient/liquid drain hole or aperture  134  may be formed in the end wall  106  adjacent the nutrient/liquid overflow run-off or drain surface  132 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 49 and 50 , the nutrient/liquid supply basin  116  comprises the end wall  106  having the nutrient/liquid supply hole or aperture  120  formed therethrough, a pair of basin side walls each generally indicated as  136  extending inwardly from the end wall  106  to separate the nutrient/liquid supply basin  116  and the primary nutrient/liquid supply trough  122  and an overflow or distal basin wall  138  connecting or extending between the distal end portions of the pair of basin side walls  136  to separate the nutrient/liquid supply basin  116  and the centrally disposed nutrient/liquid overflow trough  130 . Each basin side wall  136  includes a distal wall portion  140  and a lower proximal wall portion  142  to supply the nutrient/liquid solution to each primary nutrient/liquid supply trough  122  as described hereinafter; while, the overflow or distal basin wall  138  includes a nutrient/liquid solution excess or overflow notch or opening  144  to allow excess nutrient/liquid solution accumulated in the nutrient/liquid supply basin  116  to overflow into the centrally disposed nutrient/liquid overflow trough  130  as described hereinafter. 
     Alternately, each basin side wall  136  may comprise a single height rather than the stepped height of the distal wall portion  140  and the lower proximal wall  142 . Similarly, the overflow wall  138  may comprise a single height without the nutrient/liquid solution excess or overflow notch or opening  144 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 49 and 52 , each primary nutrient/liquid supply trough  122  comprises a longitudinally disposed inner wall  146  and a longitudinally disposed outer wall  148  extending upwardly from the bottom  102  and having a plurality of primary upwardly extending protrusions or ribs each indicated as  150  including an upper surface  152  extending diagonally downward from the longitudinally disposed inner wall  146  to the bottom  102  in spaced relationship relative to the longitudinally disposed outer wall  148  to cooperatively for a plurality of primary supply pockets or recesses each indicated as  154  formed between adjacent primary upwardly extending protrusions or ribs  150  and a nutrient/liquid supply channel  156  adjacent the longitudinally disposed outer wall  148  and extending substantially the length of the primary nutrient/liquid supply trough  122  to supply nutrient/liquid solution to the plurality of supply pockets or recesses  154  from the nutrient/liquid supply basin  116 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 49 and 52 , each secondary nutrient/liquid supply trough  126  comprises a longitudinally disposed inner wall  158  which may be an extension of the longitudinally disposed outer wall  148  of the primary nutrient/liquid supply trough  122  and a longitudinally disposed outer wall  160  extending upwardly from a bottom wall  162  and having a plurality of secondary upwardly extending protrusions or ribs each indicated as  164  extending between the longitudinally disposed inner wall  158  and the longitudinally disposed outer wall  160  to cooperatively form a plurality of secondary supply pockets or recesses each indicated as  166  between adjacent secondary upwardly extending protrusions or ribs  164  to receive the nutrient/liquid solution from the soil  110  below. 
     The centrally disposed nutrient/liquid overflow trough  130  is cooperatively formed by the overflow or distal basin wall  138  and the substantially parallel, longitudinally disposed inner walls  146  emptying onto the nutrient/liquid overflow run-off drain surface  132  and out of the nutrient/liquid drain hole or aperture  134 . The distal portion of each longitudinally disposed inner wall  146  adjacent the nutrient/liquid overflow run-off drain surface  132  includes a notch or opening  168  to allow the flow of nutrient/liquid solution not absorbed by the soil  110  to flow from either of the primary nutrient/liquid supply troughs  122 . Alternately, the substantially parallel, longitudinally disposed inner walls  146  may terminate at the nutrient/liquid overflow run-off drain surface  132  without the notch or openings  168 . Nutrient/liquid solution then flows to the nutrient/liquid drain hole or aperture  134  to drain excess or overflow nutrient/liquid solution from the garden container or planter  100 . 
     The centrally disposed nutrient/liquid overflow trough  130  and inner portions of each primary nutrient/liquid supply trough  122  are covered by a soil support cover  200 . The soil support cover generally indicated as  200  separate the soil  110  from the centrally disposed nutrient/liquid overflow trough  130 , nutrient/liquid supply basin  116 , and nutrient/liquid run-off or drain surface  132 . 
       FIGS. 53 through 56  show the soil support cover  200  to cover and to separate the soil  110  from the nutrient/liquid supply basin  116 , the centrally disposed nutrient/liquid overflow trough  130 , and nutrient/liquid run-off or drain surface  132 . The soil support cover  200  comprises an elongated inverted trough  206  including an elongated upper wall  207  having an elongated support side wall  209  extending downwardly from each side therefrom supported in spaced relationship relative to the centrally disposed nutrient/liquid overflow trough  130  by a ledge  211  ( FIG. 50 ) extending inwardly from the substantially diagonal end wall  106  and the elongated support side walls  209  resting on or engaging the upper surface  152  of the plurality of upwardly extending protrusions or ribs  150 . 
     The soil support cover  200  further comprises supply basin cavity generally indicated as  202  and a run-off drain surface cavity generally indicated as  204  to cover the nutrient/liquid supply basin  116  and the nutrient/liquid overflow run-off or drain surface  132  respectively. A substantially vertical deflector  210  extends downwardly within the supply basin cavity  202  adjacent the nutrient/liquid supply hole or aperture  120  to diffuse and oxygenate the nutrient/liquid solution supplied through the nutrient/liquid supply hole or aperture  120  to the nutrient/liquid supply basin  116 . 
     When the planter or gardening container  100  is integrated into the previously described gardening system, solar energy may be collected by the solar panel to power the circulating pump. No extension cord or home power source is ever needed thereby reducing the risk of electrical shock. 
     The nutrient/liquid solution is pumped (recirculated) into the planter or gardening container  100 . The elevated height of the planter or gardening container  100  prevents weeds and garden pests from entering the soil  110  or plants  112  thereby eliminating the need for harmful pesticides and herbicides. 
     The nutrient/liquid solution circulating through the planter or gardening container  100  is delivered through the primary nutrient/liquid supply trough  122  and secondary nutrient/liquid supply trough  126  to the soil  110  and directly to the root systems  114  while reducing root rot, fungus and disease. The flow of oxygenated nutrient/liquid solution also absorbs and transfers excess heat from of the planter or gardening container  100  to reduce temperatures resulting in less root stress to plants  112  and water savings as compared to traditional container gardens. 
     The primary nutrient/liquid supply trough  122 , secondary nutrient/liquid supply trough  126  and centrally disposed nutrient/liquid overflow trough  130  may be inclined downwardly from the nutrient/liquid supply hole or aperture  120  and the nutrient/liquid supply basin  116  to the nutrient/liquid overflow run-off drain surface  132  and the nutrient/liquid drain hole or aperture  134 , the nutrient/liquid solution flows or circulates through the planter or gardening container  100  by the force of gravity preventing over-watering plants and stagnant water which can lead to disease from sitting at the bottom of the container. 
     The nutrient/liquid solution can flow back into the reservoir to re-oxygenate by natural aeration. A 32 gallon capacity reservoir ensures the gardening system can operate for weeks without the need to replenish the liquid (water). In addition, water soluable nutrient can be added directly into the reservoir. 
     Finally, the reservoir can also act as a heat sink to maintain a relative constant temperature resulting in less stress to the root systems  114 . This can reduce plant damage due to excessive heat or cold. 
     It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description are efficiently attained and since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
     It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween. 
     Now that the invention has been described,