Apparatus and method for selecting and growing living plants

Abstract

Apparatus for selecting and growing plants includes a housing, sensors and probes at least partially disposed within the housing for measuring at least one of climate and soil parameters. A rechargeable power source and a controller for at least receiving the climate and/or soil parameter measurement are provided. There is a device for communicating the at least one of such climate and soil parameter measurement to a remote device. A display may be provided within the housing for locally displaying such at least one of such climate and soil parameter measurement. A database member containing plant selections and a processing member may be further provided for locally displaying a suitable plant selection in response to the measured at least one of climate and soil parameter.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 616,547 filed Oct. 6, 2004.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates, in general, to an apparatus and method for selecting and growing living plants and, more particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus and method for selecting and growing living plants based on measuring soil and climate conditions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] As is generally well known successful gardening requires, among other factors, suitability of living plants to environmental conditions associated with a particular area in a particular climate zone designated for growing these plants. Such environmental conditions include soil and climate factors and, more particularly, they include moisture, nutrient content, temperature, sunlight and the like. A living plant, incorrectly selected for specific climate and soil conditions may ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for selecting and growing plants which is capable of locally and remotely communicating measured soil and climate parameters and suitable living plant selections.

[0020] Yet, a further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for selecting and growing plants which is economical to manufacture.

[0021] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a method for selecting and growing plants which improves conditions for locating and purchasing such plants.

Problems solved by technology

A living plant, incorrectly selected for specific climate and soil conditions may not survive after planting or may not properly grow.

The difficulty of properly selecting and growing plants is particularly troublesome to a beginner or a novice gardener who generally invests significant time and effort to research proper living plant selections utilizing publications and internet or receiving advice from local nurseries and other commercial entities selling such plants.

Furthermore, difficulty exists in maintaining proper soil conditions to achieve successful growth of the selected plants.

The electrical resistance formed between these probes is associated with a progressive loss, over a time interval, of moisture in the soil.

Disadvantages of such device are related to a need for continuous monitoring of the moisture levels, rudimentary annunciation method and lack of soil nutrient content and climate monitoring.

Disadvantages of such device are the need for an enclosed container and expense related to permanently installed sensors.

Additionally, both novice and seasoned gardeners experience difficulties in purchasing selected plants as available inventory varies for each commercial entity.

Therefore, various commercial entities must be visited or contacted in order to determine location of purchase for selected plants or some selections may not be purchased if not available locally within a reasonable driving distance.

Furthermore, personnel employed by such commercial entities at times are disadvantaged in knowing all available plant selections and easily finding them in the physical confines.

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