Patent ID: 6955008

Claim:
A base plate designed for placement within a conventional plant receptacle, wherein said plant receptacle is of the type having a substantially planar base and a sidewall that extends upwardly from said base, wherein said base plate is adapted to rest directly on said base and then be covered with soil whereby said base plate would function to improve ventilation and drainage of said soil, said base plate comprising: a top portion having a top surface, wherein a plurality of thru-holes extend through said top surface, and wherein said top portion has a perimeter portion; and a sidewall that extends downwardly from said perimeter portion of said top portion, wherein a plurality of openings extend through said base plate's sidewall and are sized to prevent any significant passage of said soil while still being capable of allowing fluid flow from a first area located adjacent and exterior to said sidewall of said base plate to a second area located beneath said top portion of said base plate.