Patent Publication Number: US-11032977-B2

Title: Systems and methods for moving wetted seed through a grow pod system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of International Patent Application PCT/US2019/15889, filed Jan. 30, 2019 and entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MOVING WETTED SEED THROUGH A GROW POD SYSTEM,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments described herein generally relate to systems and methods for germinating seeds and, more specifically, to systems and methods for moving wetted seed through a grow pod system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     While crop growth technologies have advanced over the years, there are still many problems in the farming and crop industry. As an example, while technological advances have increased efficiency and production of various crops, many factors may affect a harvest, such as weather, disease, infestation, and the like. Additionally, while the United States currently has suitable farmland to adequately provide food for its population, other countries and future populations may not have enough farmland to provide the appropriate amount of food. 
     Controlled environment growing systems may mitigate the factors affecting traditional harvests. However, the germination process in conventional controlled environment growing systems may be time consuming and may reduce the efficiency of conventional controlled environment growing systems. Accordingly, a need exists for improved germination systems for use with controlled environment growing systems. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a method for pumping seeds to an assembly line grow pod includes releasing seeds to a pipe in fluid communication with a pump, moving water from a water source to the pipe in fluid communication with the pump, combining the seeds released from the tank with the water from the water source in the pipe, and pumping the combination of the seeds released from the tank and the water from the water source to a grow pod line in fluid communication with the pump, and moving the seeds from the grow pod line to one or more carts of an assembly line grow pod. 
     In another embodiment, a method for moving germinated seeds to an assembly line grow pod includes germinating seeds within a tank, releasing the seeds from the tank to a pipe in fluid communication with the tank and in fluid communication with a pump, moving water from a water source to the pipe in fluid communication with the pump, combining the seeds released from the tank with the water from the water source in the pipe, pumping the combination of the seeds released from the tank and the water from the water source to a grow pod line in fluid communication with the pump, and moving the seeds from the grow pod line to one or more carts of an assembly line grow pod. 
     In yet another embodiment, a system for an assembly line grow pod includes a germination hub including a tank, a tank water valve in fluid communication with the tank, where the tank water valve is repositionable between a closed position and an open position, a water source in selective fluid communication with the tank through the tank water valve, a pump in selective fluid communication with the tank and the water source, a water source valve positioned between the pump and the water source, where the water source valve is repositionable between an open position and a closed position, and a tank outlet valve positioned between the tank and the pump, where the tank outlet valve is repositionable between an open position and a closed position, a pod line in selective fluid communication with the germination hub, and a controller communicatively coupled to the tank water valve, the pump, the water source valve, and the tank outlet valve, the controller including a processor and a computer readable and executable instruction set, which when executed, causes the processor to direct the tank water valve to move from the closed position to the open position, direct the pump to move water from the water source to the tank through the tank water valve, wetting a first batch of seeds within the tank with the water from the water source, initiating germination of the first batch of seeds, after a predetermined time, direct the tank outlet valve to move from the closed position to the open position, releasing the first batch of seeds from the tank to the pump, direct the water source valve to move from the closed position, releasing water from the water source to the pump, and direct the pump to move the first batch of seeds to the pod line and the water from the water source to the pod line. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the disclosure. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which: 
         FIG. 1  schematically depicts a germination hub in communication with multiple assembly line grow pods, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 2  schematically depicts an enlarged view of the germination hub of  FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 3  schematically depicts a top view of a tank of the germination hub of  FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 4  schematically depicts a valve diagram of the germination hub of  FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 5  schematically depicts the valve diagram of  FIG. 4  moving water to an initial tank and a secondary tank of the germination hub, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 6  schematically depicts the valve diagram of  FIG. 4  draining water from the initial tank and the secondary tank of the germination hub, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 7  schematically depicts the valve diagram of  FIG. 4  pumping seeds from the secondary tank, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 8  schematically depicts the germination hub of  FIG. 1  in fluid communication with a seeder assembly of an assembly line grow pod of  FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 9  schematically depicts a gantry of the seeder assembly of  FIG. 8  positioned over carts of the assembly line grow pod, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 10  schematically a computing device of a controller of the germination hub and the seeder assembly of  FIG. 9 , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 11  schematically depicts a flowchart of an example method for germinating a seed within the germination hub of  FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 12  schematically depicts a flowchart of an example method for managing the movement of wetted seeds from a tank is schematically depicted, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and 
         FIG. 13  schematically depicts a flowchart of an example method for moving wetted seeds is schematically depicted, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to germination systems for assembly line grow pods. In particular, the germination process in conventional controlled environment growing systems may be time consuming and may reduce the efficiency of conventional controlled environment growing systems. Embodiments described herein are directed to methods and systems for germinating seeds for use within multiple assembly line grow pods. Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of methods and systems for germinating seeds, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
     As used herein, the term “longitudinal direction” refers to the forward-rearward direction of components of the grow pod system (i.e., in the +/−Y-direction depicted in  FIG. 1 ). The term “lateral direction” refers to the cross-wise direction of components of the grow pod system (i.e., in the +/−X-direction depicted in  FIG. 1 ), and is transverse to the longitudinal direction. The term “vertical direction” refers to the upward-downward direction of components of the grow pod system (i.e., in the +/−Z-direction depicted in  FIG. 1 ). 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a grow pod system  10  is schematically depicted. The grow pod system  10  generally includes a germination hub  100  in fluid communication with one or more assembly line grow pods  200 . More particularly, the germination hub  100  may be connected to the one or more assembly line grow pods  200  via one or more associated pod lines  102 . As described in greater detail herein, germinated seeds may be moved from the germination hub  100  to the one or more assembly line grow pods  200  through the pod lines  102 . While the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1  shows the germination hub  100  connected to four assembly line grow pods  200 , it should be understood that the germination hub  100  may be connected to any suitable number of assembly line grow pods  200  and may, in some embodiments, be connected to a single assembly line grow pod  200 . 
     In embodiments, each assembly line grow pod  200  may a track  203  that is configured to allow one or more carts to travel along the track  203 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , each of the assembly line grow pods  200  includes an ascending portion  202   a , a descending portion  202   b , and a connection portion  202   c  positioned between the ascending portion  202   a  and the descending portion  202   b . The track  203  at the ascending portion  202   a  moves upward in a vertical direction (i.e., in the +Z-direction as depicted in the coordinate axes of  FIG. 1 ), such that carts moving along the track  203  move upward in the vertical direction as they travel along the ascending portion  202   a . The track  203  at the ascending portion  202   a  may include curvature as depicted in  FIG. 2 , and may wrap around a first axis that is generally parallel to the Z-axis depicted in the coordinate axes of  FIG. 1 , forming a spiral shape around the first axis. The connection portion  202   c  is positioned between the ascending portion  202   a  and the descending portion  202   b , and may be relatively level as compared to the ascending portion  202   a  and the descending portion  202   b , such that the track  203  generally does not move upward or downward in the vertical direction at the connection portion  202   c . The track  203  at the descending portion  202   b  moves downward in the vertical direction (i.e., in the −Z-direction as depicted in the coordinate axes of  FIG. 1 ), such that carts moving along the track  203  move downward in the vertical direction as they travel along descending portion  202   b . The track  203  at the descending portion  202   b  may be curved, and may wrap around a second axis that is generally parallel to the Z-axis depicted in the coordinate axes of  FIG. 1 , forming a spiral shape around the second axis. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the ascending portion  202   a  and the descending portion  202   b  may generally form symmetric shapes and may be mirror-images of one another. In other embodiments, the ascending portion  202   a  and the descending portion  202   b  may include different shapes that ascend and descend in the vertical direction, respectively. The ascending portion  202   a  and the descending portion  202   b  may allow the track  203  to extend a relatively long distance while occupying a comparatively small footprint evaluated in the Y-direction and the X-direction as depicted in the coordinate axes of  FIG. 1 , as compared to assembly line grow pods that do not include an ascending portion  202   a  and a descending portion  202   b . Minimizing the footprint of the assembly line grow pod  200  may be advantageous in certain applications, such as when the assembly line grow pod  200  is positioned in a crowded urban center or in other locations in which space is limited. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , an enlarged view of the germination hub  100  is schematically depicted. In embodiments, the grow pod system  10  includes a seed silo  103  in selective fluid communication with the germination hub  100 , and a water source  120  in selective fluid communication with the germination hub  100 . More particularly, in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the seed silo  103  is in selective fluid communication with the germination hub  100  via a silo valve  104  positioned between the seed silo  103  and the germination hub  100 . The silo valve  104  is repositionable between an open position, in which the seed silo  103  is in fluid communication with the germination hub  100 , and a closed position, in which the seed silo  103  is not in fluid communication with the germination hub  100 . In operation, dry seeds may be positioned within the seed silo  103 , and the dry seeds may be moved to the one or more tanks  110  of the germination hub  100  for germination, as described in greater detail herein. While a single seed silo  103  is depicted in  FIG. 2 , it should be understood that multiple seed silos may be in selective fluid communication with the germination hub  100 . For example, in some embodiments, different types of seeds may be germinated within the same germination hub  100 , and different seed silos may hold different types of dry seeds to be provided to the germination hub  100 . Furthermore, in some embodiments, the germination hub  100  may include a silo in selective fluid communication with the secondary tank  114 . For example, some seeds may require a comparatively short germination time, and may accordingly be introduced to the germination hub at the secondary tank  114  without initially being germinated in the initial tank  112 . 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the water source  120  includes a reservoir configured to hold a volume of water. In some embodiments, water source  120  may be an external water line, such as a municipal water line, and/or may be a reservoir in fluid communication with an external water line. In embodiments, the water source  120  is in selective fluid communication with the one or more tanks  110 . More particularly, in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the water source  120  is in fluid communication with the one or more tanks  110  via a water source valve  122  positioned between the water source  120  and the one or more tanks  110 . The water source valve  122  is repositionable between an open position, in which the water source  120  is in fluid communication with the germination hub  100 , and a closed position, in which the water source  120  is not in fluid communication with the germination hub  100 . 
     In embodiments, the germination hub  100  includes a pump  130  in selective fluid communication with the one or more tanks  110  and the water source  120 . In embodiments, the pump  130  may generally include a pump suitable for moving water and/or seeds, as described in greater detail herein. More particularly, the pump  130  may include a centrifugal pump, a diaphragm pump, a gear pump, a peristaltic pump, a lobe pump, a piston pump, or the like. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the one or more tanks  110  includes an initial tank  112  and a secondary tank  114  in selective fluid communication with the in initial tank  112 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the initial tank  112  is positioned above the secondary tank  114  in the vertical direction. The initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114  are generally configured to hold seeds and water, and may be formed of a material suitable for holding seed and water, such as stainless steel or the like. As described in greater detail herein, seeds may be germinated in the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114 , and more particularly, a batch of seeds may start germinating in the initial tank  112 , and may subsequently be moved to the secondary tank  114  to continue germinating. By separating the germination process between discrete tanks, variation in the germination of seeds in the batch may be minimized. For example and without being bound by theory, germination may initiate once water contacts a seed, and tanks holding comparatively large volumes of seeds, it may be impractical for water to simultaneously contact all of the seeds as water is introduced into the tank. Instead, water will generally contact the seeds closest to the one or more locations where water is introduced to the tank, and will subsequently contact the rest of the seeds in the batch as the tank is filled with water. In comparatively large tanks, the time between when water contacts a first seed of the batch and contact the last seed of the batch may be significant, leading to significant differences in the progress of germination of the seeds within the batch. By contrast, by utilizing comparatively small tanks connected to one another (e.g., the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114 ) the germination hub  100  may continuously germinate seeds without incurring significant variation in the germination of the seeds. 
     The germination hub  100  includes a tank outlet valve  116  positioned between the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114 , and a tank outlet valve  118  positioned below the secondary tank  114 . In embodiments, the tank outlet valve  116  between the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114  selectively connects the initial tank  112  to the secondary tank  114 . More particularly, the tank outlet valve  116  is repositionable between an open position, in which the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114  are in fluid communication with one another, and a closed position, in which the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114  are not in fluid communication with one another. Similarly, the tank outlet valve  118  connected to the secondary tank  114  selectively connects the secondary tank  114  to a pipe in fluid communication with the pump  130 . More particularly, the tank outlet valve  118  is repositionable between an open position, in which the secondary tank  114  is in fluid communication with the pump  130 , and a closed position, in which the secondary tank  114  is not in fluid communication with the pump  130 . By selectively moving the tank outlet valve  118  between the closed position and the open position, the tank outlet valve  118  may selectively release seeds from the secondary tank  114 , as described in greater detail herein. 
     In embodiments, the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114  are in selective fluid communication with the pump  130  and the water source  120  through tank water valves  124 ,  126 , respectively. The tank water valve  124  is repositionable between an open position, in which the initial tank  112  is in fluid communication with the pump  130  and the water source  120 , and a closed position, in which the initial tank  112  is not in fluid communication with the pump  130  and the water source  120 . Similarly, the tank water valve  126  is repositionable between an open position, in which the secondary tank  114  is in fluid communication with the pump  130  and the water source  120 , and a closed position, in which the secondary tank  114  is not in fluid communication with the pump  130  and the water source  120 . By repositioning the tank water valves  124 ,  126  between the open and closed positions and through activation of the pump  130 , water may be directed to the initial and secondary tanks  112 ,  114 , and water may be drained from the initial and secondary tanks  112 ,  114 , as described in greater detail herein. In embodiments, filters or screens may be positioned between the initial and secondary tanks  112 ,  114  and the tank water valves  124 ,  126  to prevent seed from passing through the tank water valves  124 ,  126 . 
     In embodiments, the tank water valves  124 ,  126  are positioned at a lower portion of the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114 , such that water directed to the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114  is introduced at the lower portion of the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114 . As water is introduced to the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114  through the tank water valves  124 ,  126 , respectively, the water moves the seeds upward in the vertical direction. For example and without being bound by theory, seeds may generally be buoyant and may move upward in the vertical direction as water is introduced through the lower portion of the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114 . The seeds may move upward as a result of hydrostatic forces acting on the seeds as the water level within the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114  increases. By introducing water to the seed through the lower portion of the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114 , the rising water may mix and agitate the seeds, reducing the clumping of seeds together and/or clumping of seed on sides of the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114 , as compared to configurations in which water is introduced from the top of the tanks. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the germination hub  100  may further include at least one tank level sensor  140 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the germination hub  100  includes a tank level sensor  140  configured to detect a level of material within the initial tank  112 , and another tank level sensor  140  configured to detect a level of material within the secondary tank  114 . For example, in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , a tank level sensor  140  is engaged with the initial tank  112  and is configured to detect a level of water and/or seed positioned within the initial tank  112 , and another tank level sensor  140  is engaged with the secondary tank  114  and configured to detect a level of water and/or seed positioned within the secondary tank  114 . In embodiments, the tank level sensors  140  may include any suitable sensor to detect the level of water and/or seed within the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114 , for example and without limitation, ultrasonic sensors, laser sensors, continuous float level sensors, or the like. 
     In embodiments, the germination hub  100  further includes one or more agitation devices  150 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the germination hub  100  includes an agitation device  150  engaged with the initial tank  112 , and another agitation device  150  engaged with the secondary tank  114 . The one or more agitation devices  150  include devices that are positionable in an activated state, in which the agitation device  150  agitates seeds positioned within the tanks  112 ,  114 , and a deactivated state, in which the agitation device  150  is at rest. For example, in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the one or more agitation devices  150  includes a vibration device  152  coupled to the initial tank  112 , and a vibration device  152  coupled to the secondary tank  114 . In the activated state, the vibration device  152  coupled to the initial tank  112  vibrates the initial tank  112 , and the vibration device  152  coupled to the secondary tank  114  vibrates the secondary tank  114  in the activated state. By vibrating the initial tank  112  and/or the secondary tank  114 , the vibration devices  152  may assist in agitating seeds positioned within the initial tank  112  and/or the secondary tank  114 . By agitating the seeds positioned within the initial tank  112  and/or the secondary tank  114 , the vibration devices  152  may assist in moving seeds out of the initial tank  112  and/or the secondary tank  114 , as described in greater detail herein. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , an example top view of the initial tank  112  is schematically depicted. While reference is made herein to the initial tank  112 , it should be understood that secondary tank  114  may include a substantially similar construction. In some embodiments, the agitation device  150  includes an engagement member  154  positioned within the initial tank  112  and/or the secondary tank  114 . For example, in some embodiments, the engagement member  154  moves within the initial tank  112  and/or the secondary tank  114  in the activated state. More particularly, the engagement member  154  may include a paddle that rotates about a center of the initial tank  112  and/or the secondary tank  114  in the activated state. By rotating about the center of the initial tank  112  and/or the secondary tank  114 , the engagement member  154  may assist in moving seeds out of the initial tank  112  and/or the secondary tank  114 , as described in greater detail herein. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a schematic valve control diagram of the germination hub  100  is schematically depicted. As described above, the germination hub  100  includes a tank outlet valve  116  positioned between the initial tank  112 , and a tank outlet valve  118  positioned below the secondary tank  114 . The germination hub  100  further includes the tank water valve  126  that selectively connects the secondary tank  114  to the water source  120  and the pump  130 , and the tank water valve  124  that selectively connects the initial tank  112  to the water source  120  and the pump  130 . Furthermore, the water source  120  is shown in selective fluid communication with the initial tank  112 , the secondary tank  114 , and the pump  130  via the water source valve  122 . As noted above, the grow pod system  10  further includes the seed silo  103  that is in selective fluid communication with the germination hub  100  via the silo valve  104 . 
     In embodiments, the germination hub  100  further includes a pump inlet valve  128 , and a pump outlet valve  127  that are in fluid communication with the pump  130 . The pump inlet valve  128  is repositionable between an open position, in which water and/or seeds may flow into the pump  130  through the pump inlet valve  128 , and a closed position, in which water and/or seeds are restricted from flowing into the pump  130  through the pump inlet valve  128 . The pump outlet valve  127  may selectively direct water and/or seeds from the pump  130  to the pod line  102 , and may selectively direct water from the pump  130  to the water source  120 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 , the germination hub  100  further includes a pod line valve  129  that selectively directs water and/or seeds from the pump  130  to the pod line  102 , and may selectively direct water from the pump  130  to the initial tank  112  and/or the secondary tank  114 . 
     In embodiments, the grow pod system  10  further includes a controller  170  that is communicatively coupled to the pump  130 , the pod line valve  129 , the pump outlet valve  127 , the pump inlet valve  128 , the tank water valves  124 ,  126 , the water source valve  122 , and the silo valve  104 . As described in greater detail herein, the controller  170  may selectively direct the pump  130 , the pod line valve  129 , the pump outlet valve  127 , the pump inlet valve  128 , the tank water valves  124 ,  126 , the water source valve  122 , and the silo valve  104  to move water and seeds through the germination hub  100 . 
     For example and referring to  FIG. 5 , a valve diagram of the grow pod system  10  is depicted showing water being pumped to the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114 . Initially, a batch of seeds may be positioned in the initial tank  112 . More particularly, the controller  170  may direct the silo valve  104  to move from the closed position to the open position, releasing dry seed from the seed silo  103  to the initial tank  112 , thereby positioning the batch of seeds within the initial tank  112 . In embodiments, batches of seeds may initially be deposited in the initial tank  112  and may then be moved to the secondary tank  114 , as described in greater detail herein. Upon moving a batch of seeds from the initial tank  112  to the secondary tank  114 , another batch of dry seeds may be released from the seed silo  103  for germination. 
     Water from the water source  120  may be directed to the initial tank  112  to wet the batch of seeds within the initial tank  112  and to initiate germination of the batch of seeds. In some embodiments, the water from the water source  120  is directed to the initial tank  112  after the batch of seeds are positioned within the initial tank  112 . In some embodiments, water from the water source  120  is directed to the initial tank  112  prior to the positioning of the batch of seeds within the initial tank  112 . 
     To direct water from the water source  120  to the initial tank  112 , the controller  170  directs the water source valve  122  and the pump inlet valve  128  to reposition from the closed position to the open position. With the water source valve  122  and the pump inlet valve  128  in the open position, the water source  120  is in fluid communication with the pump  130 . 
     The controller  170  further directs the pump  130  to move water from the water source  120 . The controller  170  further directs the pump outlet valve  127  and the pod line valve  129  to direct water moved by the pump  130  to the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114 . The controller  170  further directs the tank water valve  124  to reposition from the closed position to the open position, such that water from the water source  120  is pumped by the pump  130  to the initial tank  112 . In some embodiments, such as embodiments in which it is desirable to direct water to the secondary tank  114  (either alone or simultaneously with the direction of water to the initial tank  112 ), the controller  170  directs the tank water valve  126  to reposition from the closed position to the open position, such that water from the water source  120  is pumped by the pump  130  to the secondary tank  114 . 
     In embodiments, the initial tank  112  and/or the secondary tank  114  may be filled with water until a desired amount of water is positioned within the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114 . In some embodiments, the controller  170  is communicatively coupled to the tank level sensors  140  ( FIG. 2 ), which send signals to the controller  170  indicative of the level of water and/or seeds positioned within the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114 . Without being bound by theory, to initiate the germination process of the batch of seeds positioned within the initial tank  112 , it is desirable to submerge the seeds within the initial tank  112  under water. Likewise, to continue a germination process of seeds positioned within the secondary tank  114 , it is desirable to submerge the seeds within the secondary tank  114 . Accordingly, in embodiments, the pump  130  may continue to pump water from the water source  120  to the initial tank  112  until the tank level sensor  140  ( FIG. 2 ) associated with the initial tank  112  detects a level of water and seeds within the initial tank  112  that indicates the batch of seeds is submerged. Likewise, the pump  130  may continue to pump water from the water source  120  to the secondary tank  114  until the tank level sensor  140  ( FIG. 2 ) associated with the secondary tank  114  detects a level of water and seeds within the secondary tank  114  that indicates the batch of seeds is submerged. 
     Once the tank level sensor  140  ( FIG. 2 ) associated with the initial tank  112  detects a level of water and seeds within the initial tank  112  that indicates the batch of seeds is submerged, the controller  170  may direct the tank water valve  124  associated with the initial tank  112  to reposition to the closed position to restrict the flow of more water to the initial tank  112 . Similarly, once the tank level sensor  140  ( FIG. 2 ) associated with the secondary tank  114  detect a level of water and seeds within the secondary tank  114  that indicates that seeds within the secondary tank  114  are submerged, the controller  170  may direct the tank water valve  126  to reposition to the closed position to restrict the flow of more water to the secondary tank  114 . Once the tank level sensors  140  ( FIG. 2 ) associated with both the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114  detect a level of water and seeds within the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114  indicating that the seeds within the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114  are submerged, the controller  170  directs the pump  130  to cease pumping and directs the water source valve  122  to close. 
     The batch of seeds may remain submerged within the initial tank  112  for a predetermined submersion time. As the batch of seeds is submerged in water, the batch of seeds undergoes a germination process. It is generally desirable in the germination process to drain the water submerging the batch of seeds, such that the seeds may dry and be exposed to oxygen to continue the germination process. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , to drain water from the initial tank  112  and/or the secondary tank  114 , the controller  170  directs the tank water valve  124  associated with the initial tank  112  to reposition from the closed position to the open position. The controller  170  may further direct the tank water valve  126  associated with the secondary tank  114  to reposition from the closed position to the open position. 
     The controller  170  further directs the pod line valve  129  to direct water drained from the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114  to the pump inlet valve  128 , and the controller  170  directs the pump inlet valve  128  to reposition from the closed position to the open position. With the pump inlet valve  128  in the open position, water drained from the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114  moves through the tank water valve  124  and the tank water valve  126 , respectively, through the pump inlet valve  128 , to the pump  130 . 
     The controller  170  directs the pump  130  to pump the water drained from the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114  back to the water source  120 . More particularly, the controller  170  directs the water source valve  122  to reposition from the closed position to the open position, and the pump  130  moves water drained from the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114  to the water source  120 . In some embodiments, the water source  120  includes a filter  121  that filters water returning to the water source  120  from the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114 . The filter  121  may include one or more particulate filters, such as screens or the like, that prevent particulate matter from flowing into the water source  120  from the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114 . In some embodiments, the filter  121  may include components that reduce waterborne microorganisms in the water returning to the water source  120 , such as an ultraviolet (UV) filter or the like. 
     In embodiments, the pump  130  may continue to pump water from the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114  until substantially all of the water in the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114  are pumped out of the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114 . In some embodiments, the pump  130  includes one or more devices that detect the output of the pump  130 , and the controller  170  may determine that substantially all of the water in the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114  has been pumped out by detecting a decreased output of the pump  130 . For example, in some embodiments, the pump  130  may be driven by an electric motor including or communicatively coupled to a variable frequency drive (VFD). In these embodiments, the VFD may detect power drawn by the pump  130 , which generally corresponds to water and/or seeds pumped by the pump  130 . When draining water from the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114 , when the power drawn by the pump  130  drops below a predetermined power value, the controller  170  may determine that substantially all of the water has been pumped out of the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114 . 
     Upon determining that substantially all of the water has been pumped out of the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114 , in embodiments, the controller  170  directs the pump  130  to cease pumping. The controller  170  further directs the tank water valves  124 ,  126  to reposition from the open position to the closed position, and directs the water source valve  122  to move from the open position to the closed position. 
     With the water drained from the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114 , the batch of seeds residing in the initial tank  112  may remain for a predetermined breathing time. After the predetermined breathing time, water from the water source  120  may again be directed to the initial tank  112  and/or the secondary tank  114  to wet the batch of seeds, as described above with respect to  FIG. 6 . 
     In embodiments, water may be selectively directed to and pumped out of the initial tank  112  as described above to wet the batch of seeds and allow the batch of seeds to breathe. After a predetermined initial time, the batch of seeds within the initial tank  112  are moved to the secondary tank  114  to continue germinating, and another batch of dry seeds are positioned in the initial tank  112  to begin the germination process. 
     In particular and referring to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , after the predetermined initial time, the controller  170  directs the tank outlet valve  116  positioned between the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114  to reposition from the closed position to the open position such that the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114  are in fluid communication with one another. In embodiments, the initial tank  112  is positioned above the secondary tank  114  in the vertical direction, such that the batch of seeds within the initial tank  112  may move to the secondary tank  114  under the force of gravity. 
     In embodiments, the tank level sensor  140  associated with the initial tank  112  may confirm that substantially all of the seed positioned in the initial tank  112  successfully move to the secondary tank  114 . More particularly, in embodiments, the tank level sensor  140  associated with the initial tank  112  sends a signal to the controller  170  indicative of a level of seeds remaining in the initial tank  112 . The controller  170  may then determine whether the received signal from the tank level sensor  140  indicates a level of seeds remaining in the initial tank  112  is greater than a predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, the predetermined threshold represents a volume of seeds remaining in the tank. For example, the predetermined threshold may be about 19 liters of seeds remaining in the initial tank  112 . In some embodiments, the predetermined threshold may be selected to be a percentage of the seeds initially positioned in the initial tank  112 . For example, in some embodiments, the predetermined threshold may be 15% of batch of seeds initially positioned in the initial tank  112 . 
     Upon determining that the level of seeds remaining in the initial tank  112  is greater than the predetermined threshold, the controller  170  may direct the pump  130  to move water from the water source  120  to the initial tank  112 , as described above with respect to  FIG. 5 . The water from the water source  120  may act to dislodge seeds within the initial tank  112 , such that the seeds may move to the secondary tank  114 . 
     In some embodiments, in response to determining that the level of seeds remaining in the initial tank  112  is greater than the predetermined threshold, the controller  170  may direct the agitation device  150  coupled to the initial tank  112  to activate. In embodiments in which the agitation device  150  includes the vibration device  152 , the agitation device  150  vibrates the initial tank  112  when activated. In embodiments in which the agitation device  150  includes the engagement member  154  ( FIG. 3 ) including the paddle positioned within the initial tank  112 , the controller  170  directs the engagement member  154  to rotate within the initial tank  112  to dislodge the remaining seeds in the initial tank  112 . 
     After directing water to the initial tank  112  to dislodge seeds within the initial tank  112  and/or after activating the agitation device  150 , the tank level sensor  140  associated with the initial tank  112  may again detect the level of seeds remaining in the initial tank  112 , and sends a second signal to the controller  170  indicative of the level of seeds remaining in the initial tank  112 . In embodiments, the controller  170  determines whether the second signal from the tank level sensor  140  indicates that the level of seeds remaining in the initial tank  112  is still greater than the predetermined threshold. Upon determining that the detected level of seeds remaining in the initial tank  112  is still greater than the predetermined threshold, the controller  170  may send an alarm signal to a user computing device, as described in greater detail herein. 
     With the batch of seeds positioned in the secondary tank  114 , the batch of seeds may remain in the secondary tank  114  for a predetermined secondary time to continue to germinate the batch of seeds. Further, with the initial tank  112  vacated, the controller  170  may direct the tank outlet valve  116  to reposition from the open position to the closed position, and may direct the silo valve  104  to reposition from the closed position to the open position to release a second batch of dry seeds from the seed silo  103  to the initial tank  112 . 
     As the batch of seeds resides in the secondary tank  114 , water may be selectively moved to the secondary tank  114  and pumped out of the secondary tank  114  as described above with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6  to wet the batch of seeds and allow the batch of seeds to breathe. 
     Once the batch of seeds has resided in the secondary tank  114  for the predetermined secondary time, the batch of seeds may be pumped to the pod line  102 . In particular and referring to  FIG. 7 , once the batch of seeds has resided in the secondary tank  114  for the predetermined secondary time, in embodiments, the controller  170  directs the tank outlet valve  118  associated with the secondary tank  114  to reposition from the closed position to the open position. The controller  170  further directs the water source valve  122  and the pump inlet valve  128  to reposition from the closed position to the open position. With the water source valve  122 , the pump inlet valve  128 , and the tank outlet valve  118  associated with the secondary tank  114  in the open position, the secondary tank  114  and the water source  120  are in fluid communication with the pump  130 . 
     With the secondary tank  114  and the water source  120  in fluid communication with the pump  130 , the controller  170 , in embodiments, directs the pump  130  move water and seed from the water source  120  and the secondary tank  114  to the pod line  102 . In particular, in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7 , the controller  170  directs the pump outlet valve  127  and the pod line valve  129  to direct water and seed pumped by the pump  130  to the pod line  102 . 
     In embodiments, it is generally desirable to maintain a minimum ratio of water to seeds passing through the pump  130 . For example, in embodiments in which the pump  130  includes a centrifugal pump, the pump  130  may be selected such that individual seeds may pass between the impeller of the pump  130  and a housing of the pump  130  and/or between impeller blades of the pump  130 . By maintaining a relatively high ratio of water to seeds passing through the pump  130 , contact between the seeds and the impeller and/or housing of the pump  130  may be minimized, thereby reducing and/or minimizing damage to the seed as it passes through the pump  130 . By contrast, if a comparatively low ratio of water to seeds passes through the pump  130 , the seeds may contact the impeller and/or the housing of the pump  130 , which may cause damage to the seeds and may in some instances render the seeds unusable. In embodiments, the ratio of water to seeds provided to the pump  130  from the secondary tank  114  and the water source  120  is about 4:1. In some embodiments, the ratio of water to seeds provided to the pump  130  from the secondary tank  114  and the water source  120  is about 5:1. In still other embodiments, the ratio of water to seeds provided to the pump  130  from the secondary tank  114  and the water source  120  is about 6:1. 
     In embodiments, the ratio of water to seeds provided to the pump  130  may be monitored and adjusted. For example, the tank level sensor  140  ( FIG. 2 ) associated with the secondary tank  114  may detect a change in the level of the seeds released from the secondary tank  114 , the level of seeds released correlating to a volume of seeds released from the secondary tank  114 . The controller  170  is communicatively coupled to the tank level sensor  140  ( FIG. 2 ) associated with the secondary tank  114 , and may receive a signal from the tank level sensor  140  indicative of the volume of seeds released from the secondary tank  114 . In embodiments, the controller  170  determines whether the volume of seeds released from the secondary tank  114  exceeds a predetermined threshold. In response to determining that the volume of seeds released from the secondary tank  114  is above the predetermined threshold, the controller  170  may direct one or more devices to increase a pressure of water at the water source  120 . For example, the controller  170  may direct a valve in communication with the water source  120  and a water line connected to the water source  120  to move to an open position, increasing the volume of water in the water source  120 , thereby increasing the pressure of the water at the water source  120 . In response to determining that the volume of seeds released from the secondary tank  114  is below the predetermined threshold, the controller  170  may direct one or more devices to decrease a pressure of water at the water source  120 . For example, the controller  170  may direct a valve in communication with the water source  120  to move to an open position, releasing water from the water source  120 , thereby decreasing the pressure of the water at the water source  120 . 
     Without being bound by theory, the ratio of water to seeds provided to the pump  130  by the water source  120  and the secondary tank  114  is influenced by the relative pressure of water at the water source  120  and the pressure of seeds at the secondary tank  114 . More particularly, by decreasing the relative pressure of the water at the water source  120  in relation to the pressure of the seeds at the secondary tank  114  may increase the release of seeds from the secondary tank  114 . By contrast, by increasing the relative pressure of water at the water source  120  in relation to the pressure of seeds at the secondary tank  114  may decrease the release of seed from the secondary tank  114 . In this way, by selectively increasing or decreasing the pressure of water at the water source  120  based on the detected volume of seeds released from the secondary tank  114 , the controller  170  may change the ratio of water to seeds that is provided to the pump  130 . 
     The pump  130  may pump the seeds and water through the pod line  102  to one or more assembly line grow pods  200  ( FIG. 1 ). More particularly and referring to  FIG. 8 , the pump  130  may pump the water and seeds through the pod line  102  to a seeder assembly  202  positioned at an assembly line grow pod  200 . While the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8  shows the pump  130  in fluid communication with one seeder assembly  202  through the pod line  102 , it should be understood that the pump  130  may be in fluid communication with multiple seeder assemblies  202 . Moreover, while a single seeder assembly  202  of one of the assembly line grow pods  200  is schematically depicted, it should be understood that other assembly line grow pods  200  in fluid communication with germination hub  100  may be substantially the same. 
     The seeder assembly  202  generally includes one or more tanks  210  in fluid communication with the pod line  102 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8 , the seeder assembly  202  generally includes a germination tank  212  that is in fluid communication with the pod line  102 , and a seeder tank  214  that is in selective fluid communication with the germination tank  212 . In embodiments, the germination tank  212  and the seeder tank  214  may be substantially similar to the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114  of the germination hub  100 . In particular, the germination tank  212  and the seeder tank  214  may be formed of a suitable material to hold seed and water, such as stainless steel or the like. Additionally, the germination tank  212  and the seeder tank  214  may include associated tank level sensors  140  to detect the level of seed and/or water positioned within the germination tank  212  and the seeder tank  214 . In some embodiments, the germination tank  212  and the seeder tank  214  further include associated agitation devices  150 , such as associated vibration devices  152  and/or engagement members  154  ( FIG. 3 ) positioned within the germination tank  212  and the seeder tank  214 . 
     In embodiments, the germination tank  212  defines an upper portion and a lower portion positioned below the upper portion in a vertical direction. The germination tank  212  comprises a tank water valve  222  positioned at the lower portion of the germination tank  212  and the pump  130  is connected to the germination tank  212  through the tank water valve  222 . Like the tank water valves  124 ,  126  of the germination hub  100 , by positioning the tank water valve  222  at the lower portion of the germination tank  212 , water introduced to the germination tank  212  through the tank water valve  222  may agitate seeds positioned within the germination tank  212 . 
     In embodiments, the germination tank  212  further comprises a water outlet  224  positioned at the upper portion of the germination tank  212 . The water outlet  224  is in fluid communication with the pump  130  and the water source  120 . In embodiments, as water and seeds are moved to the germination tank  212  via the pod line  102  the seeds may generally settle to the lower portion of the germination tank  212 . Excess water positioned within the germination tank  212  may flow out of the germination tank  212  via the water outlet  224 . 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8 , the seeder tank  214  is positioned below the germination tank  212  in the vertical direction. The germination tank  212  is connected to the seeder tank  214  through a tank outlet valve  216 . The tank outlet valve  216  is repositionable between an open position, in which the germination tank  212  is in fluid communication with the seeder tank  214 , and a closed position, in which the germination tank  212  is not in fluid communication with the seeder tank  214 . In embodiments, the tank outlet valve  216  is communicatively coupled to the controller  170 , which may selectively direct the tank outlet valve  216  to reposition between the open position and the closed position Like the tank outlet valve  116  between the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114 , seed in the germination tank  212  may be moved to the seeder tank  214  by selectively opening the tank outlet valve  216 . 
     As noted above, in embodiments, seeds and water are moved to the germination tank  212  via the pod line  102 . The seeds remain in the germination tank  212  for a predetermined amount of time, and continue germinating. Similar to the initial tank  112  and the secondary tank  114  as described above with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the pump  130  may selectively direct water to and drain water from the germination tank  212  via the selective actuation of the pump  130  and the tank water valve  222 . 
     Once the seeds have resided in the germination tank  212  for the predetermined amount of time, the controller  170  may direct the tank outlet valve  216  to release the seeds to the seeder tank  214 . 
     In embodiments, the seeder assembly  202  includes a metering device  220  in fluid communication with the seeder tank  214 . In embodiments, the metering device  220  is communicatively coupled to the controller  170  and may operate to controllably release the seeds from the seeder tank  214  to a gantry  226  positioned below the metering device  220 . The metering device  220  may include any suitable device for releasing seeds from the seeder tank  214 , for example and without limitation, a rotary vane pump or the like. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8 , the seeder assembly  202  includes a receptacle  228  positioned below the gantry  226  and the metering device  220 . The receptacle  228  is in fluid communication with the water source  120  and may collect water runoff from the gantry  226  as seeds are deposited on the gantry  226 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the gantry  226  is schematically depicted over a cart  305  of the assembly line grow pod  200 . In embodiments, the gantry  226  and the metering device  220  ( FIG. 8 ) are positioned over the cart or carts  305  of the assembly line grow pod  200 . The gantry  226  is configured dispense seeds to one or more carts  305  as the carts  305  pass through a seeding region of the assembly line grow pod  200 . While a single assembly line grow pod  200  is schematically depicted in  FIG. 9 , it should be understood that all of the assembly line grow pods  200  in fluid communication with the germination hub  100  may be substantially the same and may include carts  305  including substantially the same features. 
     In some embodiments, each of the carts  305  includes a single section tray for receiving a plurality of seeds. In other embodiments one or more of the carts  305  may include a multiple section tray for receiving individual seeds in each section. In the embodiments with a single section tray, upon a cart  305  entering the seeding region, the gantry  226  may begin laying seed across an area of the single section tray. The seeds may be laid out according to various criteria, such as a desired depth of seed, a desired number of seeds, a desired surface area of seeds, or the like. In the embodiments where a multiple section tray is utilized with one or more of the carts  305 , the gantry  226  may be configured to individually insert seeds into one or more of the sections of the tray. Again, the seeds may be distributed on the tray according to a desired number of seeds, a desired area the seeds should cover, a desired depth of seeds, etc. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 9 , a plurality of carts  305  is depicted moving through the seeding region. The carts  305  include weight sensors  310  that are configured to detect a weight of seeds held within the trays of the carts  305 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9 , the weight sensors  310  are positioned in the trays of the separate carts  305 , and each of the carts  305  include multiple weight sensors  310 . In embodiments in which the carts  305  include multiple weight sensors  310 , the weight sensors  310  may be positioned at different positions within the tray, such that each of the weight sensors  310  may detect the weight of seeds at different positions within the tray. In some applications, it may be desirable to grow different types of plant matter within a single tray, such as in instances where the trays include different and discrete sections. In these applications, the different weight sensors  310  may be configured to detect the weights of the different types of plant matter at different positions within the tray. While the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9  shows carts  305  including multiple weight sensors  310 , it should be understood that each of the carts  305  may include a single weight sensor  310 , or may optionally not include any weight sensors  310 . 
     In some embodiments, each of the carts  305  further includes a cart computing device  312 . The cart computing devices  312  may be communicatively coupled to the weight sensors  310  and are configured to receive signals indicative of a detected weight from the weight sensors  310 . The cart computing devices  312  may also be communicatively coupled to the controller  170  through a network  850 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more weight sensors  311  may be placed on or beneath the track  203 . The weight sensors  311  are configured to measure the weights of the carts  305  on the track  203  and transmit signals indicative of a detected weight to the controller  170 . In embodiments, the controller  170  may determine the weight of seeds on a cart  305  based on a detected weight from the weight sensors  311  and a known weight of the cart  305  (i.e., the weight of the cart  305  without plant matter). 
     Referring collectively to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , in embodiments, the weight sensors  311 , the weight sensors  310 , the metering device  220 , and or a tank level sensor  140  associated with the seeder tank  214  may monitor the amount of seeds released from the seeder tank  214 . In operation, the metering device  220  controllably releases seeds to the gantry  226  for deposition within a tray of a cart  305 , such that a predetermined amount of seeds are deposited within each cart  305 . As the metering device  220  releases seeds from the seeder tank  214 , a tank level sensor  140  associated with the seeder tank  214  may detect the amount of seed leaving the seeder tank  214 . If the rate of change of the level of seed in the seeder tank  214  exceeds a predetermined desired rate, the controller  170  may direct the metering device  220  to slow the rate of the release of seeds from the seeder tank  214 . If the rate of change of the level of seed in the seeder tank  214  is below the predetermined desired rate, the controller  170  may direct the metering device  220  to increase the rate of the release of seeds from the seeder tank  214 . In some embodiments, the controller  170  may direct the metering device  220  to cease releasing seed to the gantry  226 , for example, in response to detecting that the volume of seeds released from the seeder tank  214  exceeds the desired amount of seeds in the cart  305 . 
     In embodiments, the weight sensors  311  in the track  203  and/or the weight sensors  310  in the carts  305  may detect the weight of seeds deposited in the cart  305  and the controller  170  may direct the metering device  220  to increase or decrease the release of seeds from the seeder tank  214  in response to a detected weight of seed within the cart  305  from the weight sensors  311  in the track  203  and/or the weight sensors  310  of the carts  305 . 
     In this way, the release of seeds from the seeder tank  214  may be selectively increased or decreased to ensure that the predetermined amount of seeds is deposited within each cart  305 . In some embodiments, the release of seeds from the seeder tank  214  may be selectively increased or decreased to ensure that the seeder tank  214  is emptied within a predetermined amount of time. For example, to ensure that seeds within the seeder tank  214  and the germination tank  212  germinate for an appropriate amount of time and do not over or under germinate before deposition into the carts  305 , it is desirable to vacate the seeder tank  214  within a predetermined amount of time so that seeds from the germination tank  212  may be moved to the seeder tank  214  for deposition into the carts  305 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, the controller  170  may direct the metering device  220  to increase or decrease the release of seeds from the seeder tank  214  in response to determining that the seeder tank  214  will not be emptied at the predetermined amount of time based on the detected rate of change of the volume of seed in the seeder tank  214  as detected by the tank level sensor  140 . Similarly, in some embodiments, the controller  170  may direct the metering device  220  to increase or decrease the release of seeds from the seeder tank  214  in response to determining that the seeder tank  214  will not be emptied at the predetermined amount of time based on the detected weight of seed deposited in the carts  305  as detected by the weight sensors  311  in the track  203  and/or the weight sensors  310  in the carts  305 . 
     The controller  170  may include a computing device  172 . The computing device  172  may include a memory component  840 , which stores systems logic  844   a  and plant logic  844   b . As described in more detail below, the systems logic  844   a  may monitor and control operations of one or more of the components of the assembly line grow pod  200  and/or the germination hub  100  ( FIG. 2 ). The plant logic  844   b  may be configured to determine and/or receive a stored recipe for plant growth and may facilitate implementation of the recipe via the systems logic  844   a . The controller  170  is coupled to a network  850 . The network  850  may include the internet or other wide area network, a local network, such as a local area network, a near field network, such as Bluetooth or a near field communication (NFC) network. The network  850  is also coupled to a user computing device  852  and/or a remote computing device  854 . The user computing device  852  may include a personal computer, laptop, mobile device, tablet, phablet, mobile device, or the like and may be utilized as an interface with a user. As an example, a detected weight of seeds within each of the carts  305  may be transmitted to the user computing device  852 , and a display of the user computing device  852  may display the weight for each of the carts  305 . The user computing device  852  may also receive input from a user, for example, the user computing device  852  may receive an input indicative of a type of seeds to be placed in the carts  305  by the gantry  226 . 
     Similarly, the remote computing device  854  may include a server, personal computer, tablet, phablet, mobile device, server, or the like, and may be utilized for machine to machine communications. As an example, if the controller  170  determines a type of seeds being used (and/or other information, such as ambient conditions), the controller  170  may communicate with the remote computing device  854  to retrieve a previously stored recipe (i.e., predetermined preferred growing conditions, such as water/nutrient requirements, lighting requirements, temperature requirements, humidity requirements, or the like). As such, some embodiments may utilize an application program interface (API) to facilitate this or other computer-to-computer communications. 
       FIG. 10  depicts the computing device  172  of the controller  170 , according to embodiments described herein. As illustrated, the computing device  172  includes a processor  930 , input/output hardware  932 , the network interface hardware  934 , a data storage component  936  (which stores systems data  938   a , plant data  938   b , and/or other data), and the memory component  840 . The memory component  840  may be configured as volatile and/or nonvolatile memory and as such, may include random access memory (including SRAM, DRAM, and/or other types of RAM), flash memory, secure digital (SD) memory, registers, compact discs (CD), digital versatile discs (DVD), bernoulli cartridges, and/or other types of non-transitory computer-readable mediums. Depending on the particular embodiment, these non-transitory computer-readable mediums may reside within the computing device  172  and/or external to the computing device  172 . 
     The memory component  840  may store operating logic  942 , the systems logic  844   a , and the plant logic  844   b . The systems logic  844   a  and the plant logic  844   b  may each include a plurality of different pieces of logic, each of which may be embodied as a computer program, firmware, and/or hardware, as an example. The computing device  172  further includes a local interface  946  that may be implemented as a bus or other communication interface to facilitate communication among the components of the computing device  172 . 
     The processor  930  may include any processing component operable to receive and execute instructions (such as from a data storage component  936  and/or the memory component  840 ). The input/output hardware  932  may include and/or be configured to interface with microphones, speakers, a display, and/or other hardware. 
     The network interface hardware  934  may include and/or be configured for communicating with any wired or wireless networking hardware, including an antenna, a modem, LAN port, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) card, WiMax card, ZigBee card, Bluetooth chip, USB card, mobile communications hardware, and/or other hardware for communicating with other networks and/or devices. From this connection, communication may be facilitated between the computing device  172  and other computing devices, such as the user computing device  852  and/or remote computing device  854 . 
     The operating logic  942  may include an operating system and/or other software for managing components of the computing device  172 . As also discussed above, systems logic  844   a  and the plant logic  844   b  may reside in the memory component  840  and may be configured to perform the functionality, as described herein. 
     It should be understood that while the components in  FIG. 10  are illustrated as residing within the computing device  172 , this is merely an example. In some embodiments, one or more of the components may reside external to the computing device  172 . It should also be understood that, while the computing device  172  is illustrated as a single device, this is also merely an example. In some embodiments, the systems logic  844   a  and the plant logic  844   b  may reside on different computing devices. As an example, one or more of the functionalities and/or components described herein may be provided by the user computing device  852  and/or remote computing device  854 . 
     Additionally, while the computing device  172  is illustrated with the systems logic  844   a  and the plant logic  844   b  as separate logical components, this is also an example. In some embodiments, a single piece of logic (and/or or several linked modules) may cause the computing device  172  to provide the described functionality. 
     Referring collectively to  FIGS. 4, 8, 9, and 11 , a method for germinating seeds is schematically depicted. In a first block  1102 , a first batch of seeds is positioned within the initial tank  112 . At block  1104 , water from the water source  120  is directed to the initial tank  112 . At block  1106 , the first batch of seeds is wetted within the initial tank  112  with the water from the water source  120 , initiating germination of the first batch of seeds. At block  1108 , the first batch of seeds are moved from the initial tank  112  to the secondary tank  114  in fluid communication with the initial tank  112  after a predetermined initial time. At block  1110 , subsequent to moving the first batch of seeds from the initial tank  112 , a second batch of seeds are positioned within the initial tank  112 . At block  1112  water from the water source  120  is directed to the initial tank  112 . At block  1114 , the second batch of seeds within the initial tank  112  are wetted with the water from the water source  120 , initiating germination of the second batch of seeds. At block  1116 , the first batch of seeds from the secondary tank  114  are moved to the pod line  102  that is in fluid communication with an assembly line grow pod  200  after a predetermined secondary time. At block  1118 , the first batch of seeds is positioned in one or more carts  305  of the assembly line grow pod  200 . 
     As described above, blocks  1102 - 1118  may be performed by the controller  170  in conjunction with components communicatively coupled to the controller  170 . 
     Referring collectively to  FIGS. 4, 8, 9, and 12 , a method for managing the movement of wetted seeds from a tank is schematically depicted. In a first block  1202 , a first batch of seeds is positioned within a tank (the initial tank  112  or the secondary tank  114 ). At block  1204 , water from a water source  120  is directed to the tank  112 ,  114 . At block  1206 , the first batch of seeds within the tank  112 ,  114  is wetted with the water from the water source  120 , initiating germination of the first batch of seeds. At block  1206 , the first batch of seeds is released from the tank  112 ,  114  to a pod line  102  in fluid communication with an assembly line grow pod  200  after a predetermined tie. At block  1210 , subsequent to releasing the first batch of seeds from the tank  112 ,  114 , a level of seeds remaining in the tank  112 ,  114  is detected. As described above, blocks  1202 - 1210  may be performed by the controller  170  in conjunction with components communicatively coupled to the controller  170 . 
     Referring collectively to  FIGS. 4, 8, 9, and 13 , a method for moving wetted seeds is schematically depicted. In a first block  1302 , seeds are germinated within a tank (the initial tank  112  or the secondary tank  114 ). At block  1304 , the seeds from the tank  112 ,  114  are released to a pipe in fluid communication with the tank  112 ,  114  and in fluid communication with the pump  130 . At block  1306 , water from the water source  120  is moved to the pipe in fluid communication with the pump  130 . At block  1308 , the seeds released from the tank  112 ,  114  are combined with the water from the water source  120  in the pipe. At block  1310 , the combination of the seeds released from the tank  112 ,  114  and the water from the water source  120  are pumped to the grow pod line  102  in fluid communication with the pump  130 . At block  1312 , the seeds from the grow pod line  102  are moved to one or more carts  305  of the assembly line grow pod  200 . As described above, blocks  1202 - 1210  may be performed by the controller  170  in conjunction with components communicatively coupled to the controller  170 . 
     It should be now understood that embodiments described herein are directed to systems and methods for germinating seeds for assembly line grow pods. By initiating the germination process at a germination hub, the time required to produce mature plants at the assembly line grow pod may be reduced. 
     Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. 
     Directional terms as used herein—for example up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom—are made only with reference to the figures as drawn and are not intended to imply absolute orientation. 
     Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order, nor that with any apparatus specific orientations be required. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps, or that any apparatus claim does not actually recite an order or orientation to individual components, or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or description that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, or that a specific order or orientation to components of an apparatus is not recited, it is in no way intended that an order or orientation be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps, operational flow, order of components, or orientation of components; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, and; the number or type of embodiments described in the specification. 
     As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a” component includes aspects having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Thus it is intended that the specification cover the modifications and variations of the various embodiments described herein provided such modification and variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.