Patent Publication Number: US-2013227883-A1

Title: Method, apparatus and system for increasing light to plants

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/605,425, which is entitled SUNBURST SYSTEM, filed Mar. 1, 2012 with inventor Pacilio D. Vassallo, and is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The disclosure relates to a method, apparatus and system for growing plants, and more specifically, a method, apparatus and system for increasing light to plants. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Plants need light to grow. Plants have cell walls with cellulose and characteristically obtain most of their energy from sunlight via photosynthesis using chlorophyll contained in chloroplasts. Plants are photosynthetic, which means that they manufacture their own food molecules using energy obtained from light. The primary mechanism plants have for capturing light energy is the pigmented chlorophyll. Photosynthesis is a process where plants use the energy and sunlight to convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, plus water, into simple sugars. The sugars are then used as building blocks and form the main structural component of the plant. Chlorophyll is essential to this process. Plants also rely on the soil for support and water, but also obtain compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and other elemental nutrients. Growth of plants is determined by many environmental factors, such as temperature, available water, available light, and available nutrients in the soil. Plants compete with other plants for space, water, light and nutrients. Plants also require proper temperature. Plants of all types, including crop plants and flowers, are commonly grown indoors. Indoor plants may need an artificial light source. 
     SUMMARY 
     A system, apparatus and method for providing increased light to at least one plant is disclosed. The system includes at least one bottom panel including at least one tile. The system includes one or more side panels operatively coupled to the at least one bottom panel and providing a first reflector to redirect light within the system. The system includes at least one container configured to house the at least one plant, be supported by the at least one bottom panel and providing a second reflector to redirect light within the system. 
     The apparatus includes at least one container configured to house at least one of a plurality of plants and a reflector to reflect light incident on the container. 
     The method includes increasing the reflection of the incident light on at least one of at least one bottom panel, one or more side panels, one or more end panels, and at least one container; the at least one bottom panel, the one or more side panels, and the one or more end panels forming a housing for the at least one container, the container configured to house the at least one of a plurality of plants. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Understanding of the present invention will be facilitated by consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying non-limiting drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a system for providing increased light in a growing environment; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a design of a panel support supporting a side or end panel; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a panel support having multiple different angled grooves; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a configuration of the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a depiction of side panel; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a depiction of the stand deployed in a system that may hold side panel in the proper position; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a depiction of a side view of a tile; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a top view of a bottom panel; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a depiction of a container that may be utilized in any of the systems described herein; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an internal cross-section of container of  FIG. 9  cut along line  10 - 10 ; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a depiction of a container that may be utilized in any of the systems described herein; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an internal cross-section of container of  FIG. 11  cut along line  12 - 12 ; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a depiction of a container that may be utilized in any of the system described herein; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates an internal cross-section of container of  FIG. 13  cut along line  14 - 14 ; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an internal cross-section of a container; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a depiction of a cover which may cover a container described herein; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a depiction of cover of  FIG. 16  partially opened; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a container including cover; and 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a method for providing additional light to a plurality of plants. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It is to be understood that in some aspects the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of embodiments of the present invention, while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity, many other elements found in greenhouses and other planting environments. Those of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that other elements and/or steps are desirable and/or required in implementing the embodiments. However, because such elements and steps are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements and steps is not provided herein. The disclosure herein is directed to all such variations and modifications to such elements and methods known to those skilled in the art. 
     In order to deliver additional light to plants or other organics, a bigger light source may be used. A bigger light source generally requires additional energy to operate. By coupling more of the light from a given light source to the plant or other organic, the benefits of additional light may be realized without the need for a bigger light source or increased energy use. 
     A system, apparatus and method for providing increased light to at least one of a plurality of plants is disclosed. The system includes at least one bottom panel including at least one tile, one or more side panels operably coupled to the at least one bottom panel to provide a first reflector to redirect light within the system. A bottom panel may be operably coupled at a first edge of the bottom panel. The one or more side panels may be substantially perpendicular to the at least one bottom panel. The system may include one or more end panels operably coupled to the at least one bottom panel. The one or more end panels may by substantially perpendicular to the at least one bottom panel. An end panels may be at a second edge of the bottom panel and substantially orthogonal to some of the one or more side panels and providing a second reflector to redirect light within the system. The system may include at least one container configured to house at least one plant and be supported by the at least one bottom panel. The at least one container may include a third reflector to redirect light within the system. The system may include one or more light sources producing light beneficial to at least one of the plants. The light incident upon the bottom panel, the one or more side panel(s), the one or more end panel(s), or the at least one container may reflect a portion of the incident light toward a plant(s) within the system when operably coupled. 
     The at least one tile increases reflection of the bottom panel. The at least one or more side panels and end panels include a pattern and/or reflector to increase the reflectivity of the panels to provide additional light incident on a plant housed in the container. 
     The system and apparatus may also include at least one cover for the at least one container, the cover including a first portion and a second portion that may be coupled via an attachment. The cover may include an opening to allow the plant to grow through. The cover may also include at least one of a curvature or slope to allow water incident on the cover to flow into the container via the opening. 
     The at least one cover and/or at least one container may include a pattern and/or reflector to increase the reflectivity of the cover to provide additional light incident on the plant housed in the container. 
     The method includes providing light from at least one light source to at least one plant, and increasing the reflection of the incident light on at least one of at least one bottom panel, one or more side panels, one or more end panels, and at least one container. The at least one bottom panel, one or more side panels, one or more end panels may form a housing for the at least one container. The at least one container may be configured to house a plant(s). 
     The method may include increasing the reflection of the incident light on at least one cover for the at least one container. In the method, increasing the reflection may include including a pattern on a surface of the cover to increase the reflectivity of the surface and/or a reflector. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a system  100  for providing increased light in a growing environment. System  100  includes a plurality of tiles  110 , a plurality of side panels  120 , a plurality of end panels  130 , a bottom panel  140 , which itself may be composed of a plurality of bottom panels  140 , and a plurality of containers  150 . System  100  is depicted as a square or rectilinear design, although any of a number of configurations may be designed. Some of these designs will be described herein, although the system includes each and every configuration as will be understood by those possessing an ordinary skill in the pertinent arts. 
     Bottom panel  140  may provide a bed on which any number of containers  150  may rest. Adjacent to the bottom panel  140  and, as shown, perpendicular thereto, are two side panels  120 , and orthogonal thereto are two end panels  130 . The bottom, side, end panels  140 ,  120 ,  130  form a five-sided enclosure, five sides of a cube, for example. 
     The geometry of side panels  120 , end panels  130  and bottom panels  140  may form a cube within which the container  150  is placed. The angles of the side panels  120 , end panels  130 , to the bottom panel  140  may be varied to produce increased light incident on the plant housed therein. The spacing of the side panels  120 , end panels  130 , to the bottom panel  140  may be varied to produce increased light incident on the plant housed therein. For example, the side panels  120  and end panels  130  may be placed substantially parallel to the normal of the bottom panel  140 , at a 30° to the normal of the bottom panel  140 , at a 45° to the normal of the bottom panel  140 , or any other suitable angle that operates to increase the light incident upon the plant. 
     Side panels  120  and end panels  130  may be designed so that the end panels  130  are supported by the side panels  120  and the side panels  120  are supported by the end panels  130 . That is, the sides and base of the system may be interconnected, or otherwise support the other sides and base to create a standing unit. Side panels  120  and end panels  130  may be supported by panel supports that connect or hold the panel and maintain the panel in a desired location as described further herein below. Such a support system may include connectors to connect one side panel (or end panel) to a side panel  120 , to an end panel  130 , to an external support structure, such as a wall, for example, and/or a foot-type support, by way of non-limiting examples only. 
     Tile  110  may be any shape and/or surface that provides additional light reflection, such as in a direction of an organic that benefits from such additional light reflection. Tile  110  may be of any size and shape. Tile  110  may be water resistant, such as a foam board or plastic, for example. Tile  110  may be placed underneath container  150 , adjacent to container  150 , or in a position to provide additional light reflection to an organic within container  150 . 
     Tile  110  may include mirrors, including flat, convex, or concave mirrors, for example, holograms, or any other reflector that is improvised or specialized to redirect light toward container(s)  150 . Tile  110  may include a pattern to direct or scatter light to container(s)  150 . 
     Side panel  120  may include any number of tiles  110 , and/or may include a pattern thereon that provides enhanced light reflection characteristics, as will be described herein below. 
     End panel  130  may include any number of tiles  110 , and/or may include a pattern thereon that provides enhanced light reflection characteristics, as will be described herein below. 
     Bottom panel  140  may include any number of tiles  110 , and/or may include a pattern thereon that provides enhanced light reflection characteristics, as will be described herein below. A tile may be integral with a bottom panel. 
     Container  150  may contain an organic, such as a plant, that benefits from being provided additional light. Container  150  may be any size and shape and may include therein flowers or other plants that are cultivated and displayed. Container  150  may be made from, but is not limited to, terracotta, plastic, wood, stones, and/or a biodegradable material, including, but not limited to, “Jiffy” pots. Container  150  may include holes in the bottom, to allow excess water to flow out, sometimes to a saucer that may be placed under the flowerpot. The plant can use this water with its roots, as needed. Container  150  may include an automatic watering system, such as by using a reservoir. Container  150  may enable the transporting of plants to new locations, starting seeds, patio and indoor cultivation of plants, and the growing of tender plants in colder regions indoors. Container  150  may include a rim and underneath the rim may be a shoulder or collar to aid in handling. 
     By way of example, the system  100  may provide increased light to at least one plant by including at least one bottom panel  140  including a plurality of tiles  110 . The system  100  may include one or more side panels  120  coupled substantially perpendicular to the at least one bottom panel  140  at a first edge of the bottom panel and providing a first reflector to redirect light within the system. The system  100  may include one or more end panels  130  coupled substantially perpendicular to the at least one bottom panel  140  at a second edge of the bottom panel and substantially orthogonal to at least one of the one or more side panels  120  and providing a second reflector to redirect light within the system. The system  100  may include at least one container  150  configured to house the at least one plant being supported by the at least one bottom panel  140  and providing a third reflector to redirect light within the system. The system  100  may include at least one light source producing light beneficial to the at least one plant in the system, the light incident upon the bottom panel  140 , the one or more side panels  120 , the one or more end panels  130 , and the at least one container  150 , the bottom panel  140 , one or more side panels  120 , one or more ends panels  130 , and the at least one container  150  each reflecting a portion of the incident light. 
     In another example, the system  100  includes at least one bottom panel  140  including at least one tile  110 , one or more side panels  120  operatively coupled to the at least one bottom panel  140  and providing a first reflector to redirect light within the system, and at least one container  150  configured to house the at least one plant being supported by the at least one bottom panel  140  and providing a second reflector to redirect light within the system. The system  100  may include one or more end panels  130  operatively coupled to the at least one bottom panel  140  and providing a third reflector to redirect light within the system. The system  100  may include at least one light source producing light beneficial to at least one plant, the light incident upon the bottom panel  140 , the one or more side panels  120 , and the at least one container  150 , the bottom panel  140 , one or more side panels  120 , and the at least one container  150  each reflecting a portion of the incident light. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a design of a panel support  160  supporting a side or end panel  120 ,  130 . Panel support  160  may include a groove  170 , such as a vertical groove  170 , for example. Panel  120 ,  130  may slidably enter panel support  160  and rest in groove  170  to maintain a vertical structure, for example. One or more panel supports  160  may be utilized to support a panel as necessary. 
     Panel support  160  is illustrated as a dome device with a groove  170  for insertion of the panel to hold. Panel support  160  may take the form of a stabilizing foot, leg assembly or other mechanical supporting mechanism that holds a wall or wall structure. Supporting structures that may be implemented as support  160  may be known to those who possess skill in the modular furniture arts. The panel support  160  shown in  FIG. 2  may provide a flat base. Panel support  160  may be made of a material that is able to support the weight of the panel to be held in the conditions that the panel will be placed. The groove  170  within panel support  160  may be designed to maintain the center of gravity of the panel being held over the base of the panel support  160  to thereby prevent tipping of the panel and panel support  160 . Groove  170  may be designed to be a depth to prevent swaying of the panel being held and sufficient to prevent tipping of the panel. Groove  170  may geometrically match the panel to be held in width so as to provide a snug fitting to the panel. Groove  170  may be lined with rubber or other gripping material so as to further aid in holding the panel. Groove  170  may also have mechanical devices that pressure the panel to one side of the groove  170  in panel support  160  in the fashion of a Christmas tree stand, for example. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a panel support  160  having multiple different angled grooves  170 . For example, panel support  160  may include a vertical groove  170   a , a 30° groove  170   b , and a 45° groove  170   c . For each of the grooves  170   a - c , a panel  120 ,  130  may slidably enter panel support  160  and rest in one of the grooves  170   a - c  to maintain a vertical, 30°, or 45° structure, for example. Angled grooves at any desired angle may be provided in a panel support  160 . 
     Groove  170   a  may provide the ability to hold a panel in a vertical manner. Groove  170   b  may provide the ability to hold a panel at a substantially 30° angle from vertical. Groove  170   c  may provide the ability to hold a panel at a substantially 45° angle from vertical. Other grooves and angles may be included in panel support  160  as would be understood by those possessing an ordinary skill in the art to achieve the holding of panels and angles desired to provide light to the contents of a container  150 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a configuration of system  400  that includes additional or alternate supports for the panels. System  400  provides reflection using stands. System  400  includes a plurality of tiles  110 , at least one side panel  120  (depicted with two side panels  120 ), at least one bottom panel  140  (depicted as a 2×4 grid of bottom panels  140 ), at least one container  150  (depicted as three containers  150 ), and a light source  410 . System  400 , and its components, may be positioned in a manner to maximize light disbursement from light source  410  and increase the amount of light that reaches container(s)  150 . 
     System  400  may include any one or more of side panel  120 , tile  110 , container  150 , and light source  410 . System  400  may be positioned in a manner that maximizes light dispersement and increases amounts of light absorbed by a plant positioned in system  400 . System  400  may contain one or more tiles  110 . System  400  may contain one or more containers  150 . Tile  110  may be positioned underneath one or more containers  150 . System  400  may contain one or more side panels  120 . Side panels  120  may be positioned on any side of container  150  in order to achieve a desired reflectivity to reflect incident light toward the plant. Light source  410  may be positioned in any location relative to system  400 . Light source  410  may be positioned above system  400 . Light source  410  may be positioned directly above tile  110 . Light source  410  may be the sun, for example, or any other light source, including natural and artificial lights and lamps, that produces light beneficial to plants. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a depiction of side panel  120 . Side panel  120  may be attached to end panel  130 . Side panel  120  may include a pattern  510 . Pattern  510  may be of any suitable shape. For example, pattern  510  may be a diamond shaped pattern. Pattern  510  may be raised, flat, indented or any combination thereof. Pattern  510  may be made of or coated with a reflective material. Pattern  510  may be made of or coated with mylar or a mylar-like material. 
     Pattern  510  may be a raised pattern. Side panel  120  may be any suitable material. Side panel  120  may be any water resistant material. Side panel  120  may be foam board. Side panel  120  may be plastic. 
     Pattern  510  may be of any suitable shape pattern. Pattern  510  may be a diamond-shaped pattern. Pattern  510  may be raised, flat, indented, or any combination thereof. Pattern  510  may be made of or coated with any reflective material. Pattern  510  may be made or coated with mylar or mylar-like reflective material. Pattern  510  may be made of or coated with any material that reflects light. Pattern  510  may be a raised pattern. Pattern  510  may be a raised pattern that scatters light. 
     Pattern  510  may take the form of a pattern cut into the panel that produces manipulates the light to certain areas upon reflection. Such a pattern may include a grating, for example. Other patterns  510  may include protrusions, such as saw-tooth protrusions that redirect the light upon reflection to certain locations. The areas and location would be the location of containers housing plants, for example. Pattern  510  may include increased reflectivity, such as by coating the surface or making the surface from materials that are known to have increased reflectivity. Pattern  510  may be an additional layer that is added, mechanically or otherwise, to the surface of a panel, or may be placed directly into, or on that surface. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a depiction of the stand  600  deployed in system  400  that may hold side panel  120  in the proper position. Stand  600  may include a stand support  610  and a tether  620 . The stand support  610  may support the side panel  120  or end panel  130 , or both. Panel  120 ,  130  may include a pattern  510  as described herein. Tether  620  may be adjustable. Tether  620  may be made of any suitable material, such as a chain, an elastic band, or a bungee cord. The tether  620  may connect stand support  610  to side panel  120  to allow the side panel  120  to be positioned to provide light towards container(s)  150 . Tether  620  may include one or more adjusters for lengthening or shortening tether  620 . Tether  620  may be sized to allow side panel  120  to move from approximately 90° angle relative to container  150  and much higher angle as the contents of the container  150  grow larger. This larger angle may include up to 180°. 
     End panel  130  may be free standing. Tether  620  may be of any suitable material. Tether  620  may be, but is not limited to a chain, an elastic band or a bungee cord. Tether  620  connects the end panel  130  and stand support  610  in a manner that allows the end panel  130  to be positioned for desired reflectivity toward a plant. Tether  620  may include adjuster(s) for lengthening or shortening the tether. Tether  620  may be formed in a manner that allows end panel  130  to move from a 90° angle relative to the plant, to a 180° angle relative to the plant as plant gets larger. 
     Stand support  610  may be any suitable material. Stand support  610  may be a water resistant material. Stand support  610  may be foam board. Stand support  610  may be plastic. Stand support  610  may provide the strength to maintain side panel  120 , or end panel  130 , in a given configuration, including but not limited to vertical, 30°, or 45°, for example. 
     Stand  600  may be used to hold up any of the panels described herein, including, but not limited to, side panels  120 , end panels  130 , and may be used to hold light source  410 . Tether  620  may be a cord, or fixture that anchors stand support  610  to side panel  120 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a depiction of a side view of a tile  110 . This depiction is a bottom panel  140  incorporating a tile  110  thereon. The tile may be arranged in a pattern  510 . 
     Tile  110  may be of any suitable shape. Tile  110  may be square or rectangular. Tile  110  may be any suitable material. Tile  110  may be a water resistant material. Tile  110  may be foam board. Tile  110  may be plastic. Tile  110  may be positioned underneath a container  150 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a top view of a bottom panel  140 . Bottom panel  140  may include pattern  510  thereon. Bottom panel  140  may include connectors  810  (shown as connectors  810   a - d ) and may include connectors  820  (shown as connectors  820   a - d ). 
     Pattern  510  may be of any suitable shape pattern. Pattern  510  may be designed to reflect or disperse light inward (i.e., toward a plant) and/or upward to increase the amount of light a plant above tile  110  receives. Pattern  510  may be raised, flat, indented, or any combination thereof. Pattern  510  may be a diamond-shaped pattern. Pattern  510  may be made of or coated with any reflective material. Pattern  510  may be made of a mylar or mylar-like reflective material. The reflective material may form pattern  510 , or may be positioned on a substrate having the terrain for pattern  510 . Pattern  510  may be a raised pattern. Pattern  510  may be a raised pattern that scatters light. 
     Each of connectors  810 ,  820  may be any suitable shape. An interlocking part may be a trapezoid. Connectors  810 ,  820  may be positioned such that each pairs with a space between interlocking parts from another tile  110  in order to secure the two together. Tile  110  may contain one or more interlocking parts. 
     Connectors  810  ( a - d ) may be designed to allow to connect to connectors  820  ( a - d ) in an interlocking manner to enable tiles  110  to be joined together to form a bottom panel  140 , for example. While the present description focuses on trapezoidal connectors  810 ,  820 , any suitable shape of design may be used to hold tiles  110  together to form bottom panel  140 . Tiles  110  may be joined simply by pushing the end of one tile  110  adjacent to another tile  110 , for example. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a depiction of a container  900  that may be utilized in any of the systems described herein. Container  900  includes a reflector  910  and contents  920 . 
     Container  900  may be a plant pot. Container  900  may be a container in which flowers and other plants may be cultivated and displayed. Container  900  may be, but is not limited to being, made from terracotta, plastic, wood, stone, and/or biodegradable material. Container  900  may include holes in the bottom, to allow excess water to flow out. Container  900  may be coupled to or interconnected with a saucer (not shown) under container  900 . The plant or other organic housed within container  900  may use the water captured in the saucer with its roots, as needed. Container  900  may be operably or directly connected to an automatic watering system, such as a reservoir. Container  900  may provide the ability to transport plants to new locations, starting seeds, patio and indoor cultivation of plants, and the growing of tender plants in colder regions indoors. The top of container  900  may provide a shoulder or collar underneath the rim to aid in handling container  900 . 
     Reflector  910  may be any coating or material that increases the reflectivity of a surface. Reflector may include light dispersion techniques that provide light in discrete units, as would be beneficial for quantized placement of the containers with plants. 
     Contents  920  may include any material contained within container  900  associated with the plant or organic material. Contents  920  may include dirt, soil, nutrients, the plant and its roots, fertilizer spikes, and other products necessary for the development of plants. Contents  920  may be mixed together or may be layered as needed. Container  900  may be empty. When empty, it could still be utilized to redirect light within the system for plants or other organics in other containers. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an internal cross-section of container  900  cut along line  10 - 10 . This cross-section illustrates container  900  with reflector  910  and contents  920 . Reflector  910  may be formed near the top of container  900  and may extend down to the contents  920 , or beyond. A reflector may be similarly positioned on the exterior of container  900 . Exterior reflectors may increase light directed to other containers, or through multiple reflections within the system, back onto a plant in container  900 . 
     Container  900  may be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to plastic. Container  900  may be any size. Container  900  is illustrated as a square when viewed from the top, but as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 ,  11 ,  13 , and  15 , a container may have any geometrical shape. Container  900  may be any four-sided pot. Container  900  may be a two inch by two inch cube. Container  900  may be a four inch by four inch cube. Reflector  910  may extend for a portion of or surround the upper inner portion of Container  900 . Reflector  910  may include any suitable material. Reflector  910  may be any material that reflects light. Reflector  910  and/or exterior reflectors may be a removable reflective strip. Removable reflective strip may be secured to the interior surface of container  900  by any suitable fixative. The fixative may be tension provided by the removable reflective strip around the interior. The fixative may be an adhesive. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a depiction of a container  1100  that may be utilized in any of the systems described herein. Container  1100  includes a reflector  1110  and contents  1120 . Container  1100  may be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to plastic. Container  1100  may be any size. Container  1100  is illustrated with a frusto-conical shape, but reference to  FIGS. 9 ,  11 ,  13 , and  15  shows that a reflective plant growth container may have any geometrical shape. Container  1100  may be any pot. Reflector  1110  may extend for a portion of or surround the upper inner portion of container  1100 . The container  1110  may include an exterior reflector. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an internal cross-section of container  1100  cut along line  12 - 12 . This cross-section illustrates container  1100  with reflector  1110  and contents  1120 . Reflector  1110  may be formed near the top of container  1100  and may extend down to the contents  1120 , or beyond. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a depiction of a container  1300  that may be utilized in any of the system described herein. Container  1300  includes a reflector  1310  and contents  1320 . Container  1300  may be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to plastic. Container  1300  may be any size. Container  1300  is illustrated as hexagonal as viewed from the top, but as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 ,  11 ,  13 , and  15 , a reflective plant growth container may have any geometrical shape. Container  1300  may be any multi-sided pot. Reflector  1310  may extend for a portion of or surround the upper inner portion of container  1300 . Container  1300  may have an exterior reflector. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates an internal cross-section of container  1300  cut along line  14 - 14 . This cross-section illustrates container  1300  with reflector  1310  and contents  1320 . Reflector  1310  may be formed near the top of container  1300  and may extend down to the contents  1320 , or beyond. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an internal cross-section of a container  1500 . Container  1500  includes a reflector  1510  and contents  1520 , as described with respect to the containers of other figures. Container  1500  includes a fill line  1530  and a lip  1540 . Container  1500  may be any pot with a lip  1540 . Reflector  1510  may extend for a portion of or surround the upper inner portion of container  1500 . Reflector  1510  may extend from fill line  1530  to the top of container  1500 , and may extend onto the lip  1540 . Container  1500  may have an exterior reflector. 
     Fill line  1530  may include a denotation on container  1500  to identify the top level that the contents  1520  may be filled within container  1500 . This may include any contents  1520  that are included within container  1500  or may be based on the type of contents  1520 . That is, solid contents  1520  may have one fill line  1530  that may be different from the fill line  1530  for liquid contents  1520 . 
     Lip  1540  may take the form of a flange that is an external or internal ridge, or rim (lip), for strength, and to provide additional light reflection. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a depiction of a cover  1600  which may cover a container in the system including any one of the containers described herein. Although illustrated as circular, the cover may have other shapes, and may or may not match the shape of the container it is covering. Cover  1600  includes a reflector  1610  in a similar fashion to the reflectors used on container described herein. Cover  1600  may include a first portion  1620  and a second portion  1630 . First portion  1620  and second portion  1630  may be interconnected by an attachment  1640 . Cover  1600  may include an opening  1650 . Opening  1650  may be in the center of cover  1600 , for example. Portion of opening  1650  may be included in first portion  1620  and the other portion may be included in second portion  1630 . 
     Cover  1600  may be plastic. Reflector  1610  may be formed from any material that reflects light. Reflector  1610  may have any suitable pattern. Reflector  1610  may have a diamond pattern. Reflector  1610  may be raised, flat, indented, or any combination thereof. Reflector  1610  may cover all or a part of cover  1600 . For example, reflector  1610  may cover the entire top surface of cover  1600 . Cover  1600  may include two portions, a first portion  1620  and a second portion  1630 . First portion  1620  may be attached to second portion  1630  by attachment  1640 . Attachment  1640  may be any suitable means of attachment including single and multiple attachments. Attachment  1640  may function as a hinge. Attachment  1640  may be a rivet. 
     Opening  1650  may be of any suitable size. Opening  1650  may be of any suitable shape. Opening  1650  may be large enough for a plant to extend through to the interior of container of  FIGS. 9 ,  11 ,  13 , and  15 , for example. Opening  1650  may have a 3 inch diameter. 
     Cover  1600  may be coupled to any of the containers described herein. Cover  1600  may be formed from the same material as the container, or may be any suitable material for promoting plant growth. Cover  1600  may include curvature, slope or a depression near the opening to aid in the capture and delivery of water to the contained plant. The cover may include curvature to allow water incident on the cover to flow into the container via the opening. That is, cover may be bowl-shaped allowing water captured in the cover  1600  to eventually enter container  1600  through opening  1650 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a depiction of cover  1600  partially opened. First and second portions  1620 ,  1630  may be actuated at a single attachment  1640  to spread apart as shown. Cover  1600  may open by separating first portion  1620  from second portion  1630 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a container  1800  including cover  1600 . As is shown in  FIG. 18 , cover  1600  includes a first portion  1620  and a second portion (not shown), coupled via an attachment  1640 . Container  1800  includes a plant  1810  growing through the opening  1650  (not shown) in cover  1600 . Cover  1600  may be placed on top of container  1800 . Container  1800  may be any container described herein. Cover  1600  may be attached to container  1800  by attachment  1640 , or another attachment, or may be placed on top of container  1800 . Attachment  1640  may be any suitable means of attachment. Attachment  1640  may be a rivet. Cover  1800  may be situated such that opening  1650  surrounds plant  1810  as the plant extends from container  1800 . 
     Plant  1810  may be but is not limited to any of the various photosynthetic, eukaryotic, multicellular organisms of the kingdom Plantae characteristically producing embryos, containing chloroplasts, having cellulose cell walls, and lacking the power of locomotion. Plant  1810  may be a microorganism. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a method  1900  for assembling a system to provide additional light to at least one plant. Method  1900  includes receiving light from at least one light source at step  1910 . Method  1900  includes increasing the reflection of the incident light on at least one of at least one bottom panel, one or more side panels, one or more end panels, and at least one container at step  1920 . The at least one bottom panel, one or more side panels, one or more end panels form a housing for the at least one container, the container configured to house the at least one plant. 
     The method  1900  may include increasing the reflection of the incident light on at least one cover for the at least one container. In the method  1900 , increasing the reflection may include a pattern to increase the reflectivity. 
     Embodiments herein include any container having a pot and a reflective surface. As used herein, “pot” and “container” means any vessel used to hold a plant. The reflective surface may include a separate reflective surface that is later affixed to the pot. The reflective surface may include a reflective strip with adhesive backing. A reflective surface may have reflective features as described for pattern  510 . 
     A container and/or system may be positioned in a manner that allows a plant to receive the maximum amount of light available. The desired reflectivity may be the maximum amount of light available. 
     Any container(s), pot(s), reflective strip(s), reflective cover(s), tile(s), or side panel(s) herein could be manufactured separately or in any combination. Any container(s), pot(s), reflective strip(s), reflective cover(s), tile(s) or side panel(s) herein could be packaged separately or in any combination as a system herein. 
     Although the invention has been described and pictured in an exemplary form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the exemplary form has been made by way of example, and that numerous changes in the details of construction and combination and arrangement of parts and steps may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims hereinafter.