Planting system and method for manufacturing a planting system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a planting system (1) comprising a growing media element (10), the growing media element (10) having a solid form, the system (19 comprises a planting opening (11) provided to the growing media element (10) and a protecting cover (20) arranged on the growing media element (10). The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a planting system.

Description

[0001] PLANTING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A PLANTING

[0002] SYSTEM

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a planting system and more particularly to a planting system according to the preamble of claim 1. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a planting system and more particularly to a method according to preamble of claim 13.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Gardening and growing of different kind, for example flowers and herbs at home is popular. Houseplants are known to have beneficial effects to living environment and life. Besides, the plants can be used as food. Growing plants at home is regarded a way to reduce a carbon footprint. Planting typically, involves several steps and could be messy to perform indoors. Planting systems known in prior art are complicated to manufacture. Thus, there is still need for a planting system so that natural resources are utilized efficiently, the planting system is simple to manufacture and use, and so that planting system promotes wellbeing of the plants in the planting system.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a planting system and a method for manufacturing a planting system so as to solve or at least alleviate the prior art problems.

[0009] The objects of the invention are achieved by a planting system which is characterized by what is stated in independent claim 1. The objects of the invention are further achieved by a method for manufacturing a planting system which is characterized by what is stated in independent claim 13.

[0010] The preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0011] The invention is based on the idea of providing a planting system comprises a removable growing media element comprising growing material, the growing media element having a solid form, a planting opening provided to the growing media element, and a protecting cover arranged on the growing media element.

[0012] In certain embodiments, a planting system being removable. Thus, the planting system may be moved when it provides benefits for plant wellbeing or due to other reasons.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the growing media element having a top surface, a bottom surface and one or more side surfaces, the one or more side surfaces are arranged to extend between the top surface and the bottom surface, the planting opening is arranged to extend from the top surface towards the bottom surface.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the growing media element having a top surface, a bottom surface and one or more side surfaces, the one or more side surfaces are arranged to extend between the top surface and the bottom surface, the planting opening is arranged to extend from the top surface towards the bottom surface, the growing media element comprises a growing media element bottom portion between the bottom surface and the planting opening.

[0015] The growing media element bottom portion increases growing material where roots of a planted plant may enter and thus, wellbeing of the plants.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the growing media element having a top surface, a bottom surface and one or more side surfaces, the one or more side surfaces are arranged to extend between the top surface and the bottom surface, the planting opening is arranged to extend from the top surface towards the bottom surface, the growing media element comprises a growing media element bottom portion between the bottom surface and the planting opening, the planting opening is provided with a compatible counter form with a root part of the plant to be planted into the planting opening.

[0017] The planting opening is provided with a compatible counter form with a root part of the plant to be planted into the planting opening means that the root part of the plant to be planted is arranged to be positioned and supported into the planting opening without an additional loose soil or other material.

[0018] In other words, the compatible counter form means that the root part of the plant to be planted is arranged to be positioned and supported into the planting opening without an additional loose soil or other material. In other words, the plant to be planted comprises the roots and soil to fulfil the planting opening.

[0019] This means that the root part of the plant is arranged to be positioned in contact with the growing media element.

[0020] This further means that the roots of the plant are arranged to reach the growing media element without an addition of a loose material.

[0021] In other words, the roots of the plant are arranged to reach the growing media element without adding any material into the planting opening.

[0022] This provides fast planting without mess as the root part fit with the planting opening. Thus, there is no need for any loose soil for planting the plant.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the moisture content of the growing media element is between 10 % and 60 % by weight.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the moisture content of the growing media element is between 10 % and 40 % by weight; or

[0025] In certain embodiments, the moisture content of the growing media element is 40 % or less by weight, or 60 % or less by weight.

[0026] The low moisture content of the growing media element prevents deformation of the protecting cover before planting a plant.

[0027] In certain embodiments, a growing media element comprising growing material having a tensile strength 0,5 N / mm2 or more.

[0028] In certain embodiments, a growing media element comprising growing material having a tensile strength 1 N / mm2 or more.

[0029] In certain embodiments, a growing media element comprising growing material having a tensile strength 5 N / mm2 or more.

[0030] In certain embodiments, a growing media element comprising growing material having a tensile strength in the range of 1 N / mm2 and 20 N / mm2 or in the range of 5 N / mm2 and 20 N / mm2.

[0031] The tensile strength enables remaining the solid form of growing media element when the system is transferred or moved.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the growing material having a capability to lose strength and expand. In certain embodiments, the growing material having a capability to lose strength.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the growing material having a capability to expand.

[0034] The growing material having a capability to expand provides reliable contact between roots of the planted plant and the growing media element.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the growing material having a capability to lose strength and expand with increased moisture content.

[0036] The growing material having a capability to lose strength promotes roots to enter the growing media element.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the growing media element comprises nutrients.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the growing material comprises nutrients.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the growing media element having a capability to receive nutrients.

[0040] In certain embodiments the growing material comprises partially decomposed organic matter.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the growing material comprises partially decomposed organic matter and a water-soluble strengthening agent.

[0042] In certain embodiments the growing material comprises peat.

[0043] In certain embodiments the growing media element is made of peat.

[0044] In certain embodiments the growing media element is made of dried peat.

[0045] In some embodiments, the growing material comprises peat comprising water 10 % - 40 % by weight. In other words, peat is dried. In certain embodiments the growing material comprises dried peat.

[0046] Peat may be provided to have a solid form by drying. The volume of the dried peat increasing and the strength decreasing when the dried peat is irrigated.

[0047] In this context, irrigate means providing water to the growing material and / or to the root part of the plant.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the growing material is material existing in or derived from nature. In certain embodiments, the growing material comprises material existing in or derived from nature and a binder, and the growing material is biodegradable or compostable.

[0049] In certain embodiments, the growing material is made of material existing in or derived from nature, and the growing material is biodegradable or compostable.

[0050] In certain embodiments, the growing material is made of material existing in or derived from nature, and the growing material comprises an organic binder and the growing material is biodegradable or compostable.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the organic binder comprises any one or any combination of the following: natural resins, gums made of boiled plants, and gums made of boiled hooves, bones and skins of animal.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the growing material comprises material existing in or derived from nature, the growing material is made of material losing strength when irrigated and the growing material is biodegradable or compostable.

[0053] This means that roots of the plant to be planted penetrates into the wet growing material with less force compared to the dry growing material.

[0054] In certain embodiments, the binder of the growing material is water- soluble.

[0055] This means that roots of the plant to be planted penetrates into the wet growing material with less force compared to the dry growing material.

[0056] In other words, the strength of the dry growing material is greater than the strength of the wet growing material.

[0057] In certain embodiment, the system comprises one planting opening provided concentrically to the top surface.

[0058] In certain embodiment, the system comprises two or more planting openings arranged to form a row.

[0059] In certain embodiment, the system comprises three or more planting openings arranged to form a row.

[0060] In certain embodiment, the system comprises three or more evenly spaced planting openings arranged to form a row.

[0061] Above mentioned positions of the planting opening and openings ease planting a plant in correct position in the system. In certain embodiments, the protecting cover is arranged to cover the bottom surface and at least partly the one or more side surfaces.

[0062] This enables irrigating the system so that the water remains in the system.

[0063] In certain embodiments, the protecting cover is arranged to receive the growing media element.

[0064] This enables irrigating the system so that the water remains in the system.

[0065] In certain embodiments, the bottom surface and the one or more side surfaces and the protecting cover are arranged to define a compatible counter form with an elongated balcony flowerpot.

[0066] In certain embodiments, the protecting cover is arranged to define a compatible counter form with an elongated balcony flowerpot.

[0067] In certain embodiments, the bottom surface and the one or more side surfaces and the protecting cover are arranged to define a compatible counter form with a flowerpot.

[0068] In certain embodiments, the protecting cover is arranged to define a compatible counter form with a flowerpot.

[0069] This enables easily install and remove the growing media element into an elongated balcony flowerpot so that there is no need for any loose soil which may cause a mess.

[0070] In certain embodiment, the planting system further comprises an expansion gap between the one or more side surfaces of the growing media element and the protecting cover.

[0071] In certain embodiment, the planting system further comprises an expansion gap between the one or more side surfaces of the growing media element and the protecting cover, and an attachment arrangement arranged to attach the growing media element to the protecting cover.

[0072] The expansion gap promotes use of expandable material as the growing material which improves contact between the root part of a plant and the growing material.

[0073] In certain embodiments, the protecting cover is made of biodegradable or compostable material. In certain embodiments, the protecting cover, the growing media element and the attachment arrangement are made of biodegradable or compostable material.

[0074] In certain embodiment, the system is made of biodegradable or compostable material.

[0075] Biodegradable or compostable material are natural friendly and easy to dispose.

[0076] In certain embodiment, the system further comprises a detachable top cover arranged to cover the top surface.

[0077] The detachable top cover protects the growing material and the growing media element before use of the system.

[0078] In certain embodiment, the system further comprises an encapsulating sheet arranged to encapsulate the growing media element and the protecting cover.

[0079] The encapsulating sheet provides a protection against rain or other moisture to the growing material and the growing media element before use of the system.

[0080] In certain embodiments, the system further comprises a detachable top cover arranged to cover the top surface, and the system further comprises an encapsulating sheet arranged to encapsulate the detachable top cover, the growing media element, and the protecting cover.

[0081] The invention is further based on the idea of providing a method for manufacturing a planting system, the method comprises:

[0082] - providing the growing material,

[0083] - forming a growing media element from the growing material,

[0084] - providing a planting opening to the growing material, and

[0085] - providing a protecting cover on the growing media element (10).

[0086] In certain embodiments, the step of providing a planting opening to the growing material is carried out together with the step of forming a growing media element from the growing material.

[0087] This increases efficiency of the method. In certain embodiments, the step of providing a planting opening to the growing material is carried after the step of forming a growing media element from the growing material.

[0088] In certain embodiments, the planting system manufactured by the method being any above disclosed embodiment of the planting system.

[0089] An advantage of the planting system according to the present invention is that planting is easy because a root part of a plant is installed into a prefabricated planting opening. Thus, the plant is installed in a correct position. The planting opening remains when the planting system is moved as the growing media element having a solid form. Furthermore, the roots may easily enter into the growing media as the planting opening is provided to the growing media. The planting opening is simple to manufacture as it is provided as a solid form of the growing media element. The planting system according to the present invention reduces waste of plants such as herbs because the plants may be easily planted in a kitchen without mess. Furthermore, the planting system may comprise or consists of biodegradable or compostable materials which reduces harmful waste. Furthermore, used plants may be easily disposed without any mess as the growing media element being covered.

[0090] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0091] The invention is described in detail by means of specific embodiments with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which:

[0092] Figures 1 - 3 show schematically a side views of different embodiments a planting system according to the present invention.

[0093] Figures 4 - 6 show schematically a side views of different embodiments a planting system according to the present invention.

[0094] Figures 1 - 10 show schematically a top view of different embodiments a growing media element of the present invention. Figure 11a show schematically a top view of one embodiment a planting of the present invention.

[0095] Figures lib shows schematically a side view of the planting system shown in figure 11a.

[0096] Figure 12 shows schematically one embodiment of a protecting cover of the present invention.

[0097] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0098] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and for fully convey the scope of the invention to a skilled person. Although individual features may be included in different embodiments, these may possibly be combined in other ways, and the inclusion in different embodiments does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. In the context of the present invention, the terms "a", "an" does not preclude a plurality.

[0099] As used herein, the term "comprising" includes the broader meanings of "including", "containing", and "comprehending", as well as the narrower expressions "consisting of" and "consisting only of".

[0100] Figure 1 shows schematically a side view of one embodiment a planting system according to the present invention.

[0101] The planting system 1 comprises a removable growing media element 10 comprising growing material.

[0102] In the context of this application removable means that a human being is able to carry item without need to use any lifting device.

[0103] In the context of this application growing material means material which: provides physical support for the plant; facilitates root growth and delivers nutrients, water, and air to the plant through its roots. The growing media element 10 having a solid form. In other words, the growing media element 10 having a structural rigidity. Thus, growing material having resistance to changes of shape.

[0104] The planting system 1 further comprises a planting opening 11 provided to the growing media element 10. In other words, the shape of planting opening 11 remains as the growing material having resistance to changes of shape.

[0105] The planting system 1 further comprises a protecting cover 20 arranged on the growing media element 10.

[0106] In some embodiments, the protecting cover 20 is made of biodegradable or compostable material.

[0107] In some embodiments, the system 1 is made of biodegradable or compostable material.

[0108] In some embodiments, the protecting cover 20 is made of film or membrane material.

[0109] In the context of this application term "biodegradable" means that material or substance can be mostly or completely converted into water, CO2, and organic material through the action of microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria. The biodegradability is described by tests and assessment method in standards. One test of biodegradability is the controlled composting test according to ISO 14855. In the context of this application biodegradable or compostable material fulfils requirements for biodegradable or compostable material according to one or more of the following standards: ISO 17088:2012, ISO 14855-1:2012, ISO 14855-2 :2018, ISO 16929:2021, 15020200:2015, EN 13432:200, ASTM D5338 and ASTM D6400.

[0110] In some embodiments, the growing media element 10 having a top surface 12, a bottom surface 13 and one or more side surfaces 14, the one or more side surfaces 14 are arranged to extend between the top surface 12 and the bottom surface 13, the planting opening 11 is arranged to extend from the top surface 12 towards the bottom surface 13.

[0111] In some embodiments, a distance between the top surface 12 and the bottom surface 13 being in the range of 5 cm - 50 cm.

[0112] In some embodiments, in a horizontal direction a diameter of the bottom surface 13 being in the range of 5 cm - 150 cm. In some embodiments, a distance between opposite side surfaces 14 being in the range of 5 cm - 150 cm.

[0113] In some embodiments, a weight of the growing media element 10 being in the range of 100 g - 20 kg.

[0114] In some embodiments, the growing media element 10 comprises a growing media element bottom portion 15 between the bottom surface 13 and the planting opening 11.

[0115] In other words, the planting opening 11 being a recess provided to the top surface 12.

[0116] In some embodiments, the planting opening 11 being a cavity.

[0117] In some embodiments, the moisture content of the growing media element 10 is between 10 % and 60 % by weight.

[0118] In some embodiments, the moisture content of the growing media element 10 is between 10 % and 40 % by weight.

[0119] In some embodiments the moisture content of the growing media element 10 is 40 % or less by weight, or 60 % or less by weight.

[0120] In some embodiments, a growing media element 10 comprising growing material having a tensile strength 0,5 N / mm2 or more.

[0121] In some embodiments, a growing media element 10 comprising growing material having a tensile strength 1 N / mm2 or more.

[0122] In some embodiments, a growing media element 10 comprising growing material having a tensile strength 5 N / mm2 or more.

[0123] In some embodiments, a growing media element 10 comprising growing material having a tensile strength in the range of 1 N / mm2 and 20 N / mm2 or in the range of 5 N / mm2 and 20 N / mm2.

[0124] In the context of this application, the tensile strength means the maximum stress that a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled before breaking. In other words, the tensile strength means the ultimate tensile strength.

[0125] In some embodiments, the growing material having a capability to expand.

[0126] In other words, volume of the growing material is arranged to be expandable. Thus, the volume of the growing media element 10 is arranged to be expandable. In some embodiments, the growing material having a capability to lose strength. In other words, the strength of the growing material is arranged to be weakened. Thus, the growing media element 10 is arranged to have a capability to lose strength.

[0127] In some embodiments, the growing material having a capability to lose strength and expand with increased moisture content.

[0128] In other words, the growing material having a capability to lose strength and expand during or after irrigation.

[0129] In other words, the tensile strength of the growing material having the moisture content 40 % by weight being greater compared to the tensile strength of the growing material having the moisture content 80 % by weight.

[0130] In other words, the tensile strength of the growing media element 10 comprising the growing material having the moisture content 40 % by weight being greater compared to the tensile strength of the growing media element 10 comprising the growing material having the moisture content 80 % by weight.

[0131] In other words, the volume of the growing material having the moisture content 80 % by weight being greater compared to the volume of the growing material having the moisture content 40 % by weight.

[0132] In other words, the volume of the growing media element 10 comprising the growing material having the moisture content 80 % by weight being greater compared to the volume of the growing media element 10 comprising the growing material having the moisture content 40 % by weight.

[0133] In some embodiments, the system 1 comprises a plant 60. The plant comprises a root part 61.

[0134] In some embodiments, the root part 61 comprises a root part growing material. The root part growing material may be covered with root part covering material. For instance, the root part covering material may be fabric with a loose open weave or soluble material.

[0135] In some embodiments, the root part 61 is provided to have a shape of cuboid or cylinder or cone.

[0136] A cuboid is a hexahedron, a six-faced solid. These faces form a convex polyhedron. The faces of the cuboid can be any quadrilateral. The most common cuboids are the rectangular cuboids. They are made from 6 rectangles that are placed at right angles to each other. A cuboid that uses all square faces is a cube. A cylinder is three-dimensional solid, one of the most basic of curvilinear geometric shapes. In elementary geometry, it is considered a prism with a circle as its base.

[0137] Cone is a three-dimensional geometric shape that tapers smoothly from a flat base (frequently, though not necessarily, circular) to a point called the apex or vertex.

[0138] In some embodiments, the growing media element 10 comprises nutrients.

[0139] In other words, nutrients are provided to the growing media element 10.

[0140] In some embodiments, the growing material comprises nutrients.

[0141] In other words, the growing material being material comprising nutrients.

[0142] In some embodiments, the growing media element 10 having a capability to receive nutrients.

[0143] In other words, irrigation water may comprise nutrients.

[0144] In some embodiments, the growing material comprises partially decomposed organic matter.

[0145] In some embodiments, the growing material comprises partially decomposed organic matter and a water-soluble strengthening agent.

[0146] In other words, the growing material comprises soil and a water- soluble strengthening agent. The water-soluble strengthening agent may be for instance sugar or fertilizer. The water-soluble strengthening agent provides a solid form to the growing media element 10.

[0147] In some embodiments, the growing material comprises peat.

[0148] In some embodiments, the growing media element 10 is made of peat.

[0149] In some embodiments, the growing media element 10 is made of peat comprising fibres.

[0150] Peat forms when plant material, usually in marshy areas, is inhibited from decaying fully by acidic and anaerobic conditions. It is composed mainly of marshland vegetation: trees, grasses, fungi, as well as other types of organic remains, such as insects, and animal remains. Under certain conditions, the decomposition of the latter (in the absence of oxygen) is inhibited. In nature peat comprises water 70 % - 80 % by weight. In the context of this application moisture content means water content by weight % based on total weight of the composition.

[0151] In some embodiments, the growing media element 10 is made of dried peat comprising water 25 % - 40 % by weight or dried peat comprising water 40 % or less by weight.

[0152] In some embodiments, the system 1 comprises one planting opening 11 provided concentrically to the top surface 12.

[0153] In some embodiments, the system 1 comprises two or more planting openings 11 arranged to form a row.

[0154] The growing media element 10 and the planting opening 11 may be provided in different shapes and different combinations of shapes as shown in figures 7 - 10. The shapes may be selected for instance from the following oval, rectangular and circular. Furthermore, the planting opening 11 may taper towards the bottom surface 13. Furthermore, the growing media element 10 may taper.

[0155] In some embodiments, the growing media element 10 is arranged to taper towards the bottom surface 13.

[0156] In some embodiments, the protecting cover 20 is arranged to cover the bottom surface 13 and at least partly the one or more side surfaces 14.

[0157] In some embodiments, the protecting cover 20 is arranged to receive the growing media element 10.

[0158] In other words, the protecting cover 20 comprises a recess and the growing media element 10 is positioned in the recess.

[0159] In some embodiments, the planting system 1 further comprises an expansion gap 30 between the one or more side surfaces 14 of the growing media element 1 and the protecting cover 20.

[0160] In some embodiments, the planting system 1 further comprises an attachment arrangement 31 arranged to attach the growing media element 10 to the protecting cover 20.

[0161] In some embodiments, the attachment arrangement 31 being an adhesive. For instance, the adhesive may be melting glue. In some embodiments, the attachment arrangement 31 comprises one or more spikes provided to the protecting cover 20.

[0162] In some embodiments, the attachment arrangement 31 comprises material provided between the protecting cover 20 and the growing media element 10 as shown figure 2.

[0163] It should be noted that any embodiment shown in any of figures 1 and 3 - 12 may comprise any feature disclosed in figure 2.

[0164] In some embodiments, the system 1 further comprises a detachable top cover 40 arranged to cover the top surface 12.

[0165] In some embodiments, the detachable top cover 40 comprises a member or film provided on the top surface 12.

[0166] In some embodiments, the detachable top cover 40 comprises a lid arranged on the top surface 12. For instance, the lid may comprise folded material.

[0167] In some embodiments, the detachable top cover 40 is removably attached to the protecting cover 20.

[0168] In some embodiments, the system 1 comprises three or more planting openings 11, lib, 11c arranged to form a row as shown in figure 11a and li b.

[0169] In some embodiments, the system 1 comprises three or more evenly spaced planting openings 11, lib, 11c arranged to form a row.

[0170] In other words, a distance between each adjacent planting openings 11, lib, 11c being equal.

[0171] It should be noted that the system 1 shown in figure 11a and lib may comprise any feature disclosed in any of figures 1 - 10 and 12.

[0172] Figure 3 shows schematically a side view of one embodiment of planting system according to the present invention.

[0173] In some embodiments, the system 1 further comprises an encapsulating sheet 50 arranged to encapsulate the detachable top cover 40, the growing media element 20 and the protecting cover 20.

[0174] In some embodiments, the system 1 further comprises an encapsulating sheet 50 arranged to encapsulate the growing media element 20 and the protecting cover 20.

[0175] In some embodiments, the encapsulating sheet 50 is made of paper, board or polymer material. It should be noted that any embodiment of the system 1 shown in any of figures 1 - 12 may comprise any above disclosed embodiment of encapsulating sheet 50.

[0176] Figures 4 and 5 show schematically a side view of one embodiment of planting system according to the present invention.

[0177] In some embodiments, the growing media element 10 is made of dried peat. The system 1 further comprises a plant 60 having a root part 61. The root part 61 is arranged to be positioned into the planting opening 11.

[0178] In some embodiments, the growing media element 10 is made of dried peat. The volume of the growing media element 10 is arranged to be increased with irrigation water. This squeezes the growing media element 10 against the root part 61 as shown figure 5. Thus, wellbeing of the plant is increased.

[0179] Figure 6 shows schematically a side view of one planting system according to the present invention.

[0180] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a holding covering 70. The holding covering is made of a durable material for instance metal, polymer, or ceramics.

[0181] The holding covering 70 is arranged to receive the growing media element 10 and the protecting cover 20.

[0182] The holding covering 70 comprises one or more holding covering side wall 72 and a holding covering bottom wall 73 defining a holding covering space 74 arranged to receive the growing media element 10 and the protecting cover 20.

[0183] The holding covering 70 enables a long-period use of the growing media element 10 so that the protecting cover 20 is made biodegradable or compostable material. It should be noted that any embodiment of the system 1 shown in any of figures 1 - 12 may comprise any above disclosed embodiment of the holding covering 70.

[0184] Figures 11a and lib show schematically one embodiment planting system of the present invention.

[0185] In some embodiments, the system 1 comprises three or more planting openings 11, lib, 11c arranged to form a row as shown in figure 11a and li b.

[0186] In some embodiments, the system 1 comprises three or more evenly spaced planting openings 11, lib, 11c arranged to form a row. In other words, a distance between each adjacent planting openings 11, lib, 11c being equal.

[0187] In some embodiments, the holding covering 70 being a flowerpot.

[0188] In some embodiments, the holding covering 70 being an elongated balcony flowerpot. A longitudinal direction of the balcony flowerpot is arranged to be positioned to extend in a horizontal direction.

[0189] In the context of this application the horizontal direction means a direction having an angle in the range of - 20 to + 20 degrees to the ground level.

[0190] In some embodiments, the balcony flowerpot having a bottom wall and four side walls. The walls of the balcony flowerpot having a quadrilateral shape.

[0191] In some embodiments, the bottom surface 13 and the one or more side surfaces 14 are arranged to define a compatible counter form to the elongated balcony flowerpot.

[0192] In some embodiments, the protecting cover 20 and the bottom surface 13 and the one or more side surfaces 14 of the growing media element 10 are arranged to define a compatible counter form with the elongated balcony flowerpot and the protecting cover 20 and the growing media element 10 are arranged be positioned inside.

[0193] In some embodiments, the protecting cover 20 is arranged to define a compatible counter form with an elongated balcony flowerpot.

[0194] In some embodiments, the bottom surface 13, the top surface 12, and the one or more side surfaces 14 are arranged to define a cuboid to be positioned into an elongated balcony flowerpot.

[0195] In some embodiments, the protecting cover 20 and the bottom surface 13 and the one or more side surfaces 14 of the growing media element 10 are arranged to define a compatible counter form with the flowerpot and the protecting cover 20 and the growing media element 10 are arranged be positioned inside.

[0196] In some embodiments, the protecting cover 20 is arranged to define a compatible counter form with a flowerpot.

[0197] In some embodiments, the holding covering 70 being a flowerpot or an elongated balcony flowerpot. In other words, the protecting cover 20 is arranged to define a compatible counter form with the inner surfaces of one or more holding covering side walls 72.

[0198] In some embodiments, the bottom surface 13, the top surface 12, and the one or more side surfaces 14 are arranged to define a cuboid to be positioned into the flowerpot.

[0199] In some embodiments, the compatible counter forms comprise a gap in the range of 0 mm - 2 cm. Preferably, the compatible counter forms comprise a gap in the range of 1 mm - 1,5 cm. Preferably, the compatible counter forms comprise a gap in the range of 3 mm - 1,0 cm. The gap of the counter forms is provided between the inner surfaces of one or more holding covering side walls 72 and the protecting covering 20. The inner surfaces of one or more holding covering side walls 72 face towards the growing media element 10.

[0200] It should be noted that the system 1 shown in figure 11a and lib may comprise any feature disclosed in any of figures 1 - 10 and 12.

[0201] Figure 12 shows schematically one embodiment of a protecting cover of the present invention.

[0202] In some embodiments, the protecting cover 20 is made of sheet.

[0203] In some embodiments, the protecting cover 20 is formed by folding a sheet along folding lines 21.

[0204] In some embodiments, the protecting cover 20 comprises a folded sheet 2000, the adjacent side walls 22 of the protecting cover 20 are connected together with a folded connecting portion 200 of the sheet 2000, the folding lines 21 comprises bottom folding lines 210, and the side walls 22 are connected to the bottom wall 23 of with a folding along the bottom folding lines 210. In some embodiments, the protecting cover 20 comprises a folded sheet 2000, the folded sheet 2000 is folded along the folding lines 21.

[0205] In some embodiments, the protecting cover 20 comprises a folded sheet 2000, the folded sheet 2000 is folded along the folding lines 21, and the sheet 2000 comprises a paper or cardboard material.

[0206] In some embodiments, the folded sheet 2000 is arranged to extend uniformly over the folding lines 21. In other words, the folded sheet 2000 is waterproof at the folding lines

[0207] 21.

[0208] In some embodiments, the protecting cover 20 is made of sheet 2000 comprising paper or cardboard.

[0209] In some embodiments, the protecting cover 20 is formed by casting.

[0210] In some embodiments, side walls 22 of the protecting cover 20 and a bottom wall 23 of the protecting cover 20 are arranged to form a uniform waterproof container.

[0211] In some embodiments, the protecting cover 20 comprises one or more first mounting elements 24 and one or more second mounting elements 25 arranged to mount adjacent side walls 22 together.

[0212] In some embodiments, the one or more first mounting elements 24 are openings, the one or more second mounting elements 25 are foldable portion of the folded sheet 2000, and the one or more second mounting elements 25 are arranged to be folded through the one or more first mounting elements 24.

[0213] It should be noted that any embodiment of the system 1 shown in any of figures 1 - 11 may comprise any above disclosed embodiment of the protecting cover 20.

[0214] In present invention further relates to for manufacturing a planting system.

[0215] The method comprises:

[0216] - providing the growing material,

[0217] - forming a growing media element 10 from the growing material,

[0218] - providing a planting opening 11 to the growing material, and

[0219] - providing a protecting cover 20 on the growing media element 10.

[0220] In some embodiments, the step of providing a planting opening 11 to the growing material is carried out together with the step of forming a growing media element 10 from the growing material.

[0221] In other words, the step of providing a planting opening 11 to the growing material is carried out together with the step of forming a growing media element 10 from the growing material comprising forming the growing media element 10 and the planting opening 11 from wet peat. The method further comprises a step of drying the growing media element 10 and the planting opening 11 formed from wet peat.

[0222] In some embodiments, the method further comprises a step of attaching the growing media element 10 and the protecting cover 20 together.

[0223] In some embodiments, the step of providing a planting opening 11 to the growing material is carried after the step of forming a growing media element 10 from the growing material. In other words, method comprises a step of the milling or drilling the planting opening 11 to the growing media element 10

[0224] The method may be a method for manufacturing any above disclosed embodiment of a planting system.

[0225] The exemplary embodiments of the invention presented in this text are not interpreted to pose limitations to the applicability of the appended claims. The features recited in the dependent claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0226] The exemplary embodiments presented in this text and their advantages relate by applicable parts to the planting system as well as the method for manufacturing the planting system according to the invention, even thought this is not always separately mentioned.

Claims

Claims1. A planting system (1), characterized in that the system (1) comprises:- a removable growing media element (10) comprising growing material, the growing media element (10) having a solid form,- a planting opening (11) provided to the growing media element (10), and- a protecting cover (20) arranged on the growing media element (10).

2. A planting system (1) according to any one of claims 1, characterized in that:- the growing media element (10) having a top surface (12), a bottom surface (13) and one or more side surfaces (14), the one or more side surfaces (14) are arranged to extend between the top surface (12) and the bottom surface (13), the planting opening (11) is arranged to extend from the top surface (12) towards the bottom surface (13); or- the growing media element (10) having a top surface (12), a bottom surface (13) and one or more side surfaces (14), the one or more side surfaces (14) are arranged to extend between the top surface (12) and the bottom surface (13), the planting opening (11) is arranged to extend from the top surface (12) towards the bottom surface (13), the growing media element (10) comprises a growing media element bottom portion (15) between the bottom surface (13) and the planting opening (11); or- the growing media element (10) having a top surface (12), a bottom surface (13) and one or more side surfaces (14), the one or more side surfaces (14) are arranged to extend between the top surface (12) and the bottom surface (13), the planting opening (11) is arranged to extend from the top surface (12) towards the bottom surface (13), the growing media element (10) comprises a growing media element bottom portion (15) between the bottom surface (13) and the planting opening (11), the planting opening (11) is provided with a compatible counter form with a root part (61) of the plant (60) to be planted into the planting opening (11).

3. A planting system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that:- the moisture content of the growing media element (10) is between 10 % and 60 % by weight; or- the moisture content of the growing media element (10) is between 10 % and 40 % by weight; or- the moisture content of the growing media element (10) is 40 % or less by weight, or 60 % or less by weight.

4. A planting system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that:- a growing media element (10) comprising growing material having a tensile strength 0,5 N / mm2 or more; or- a growing media element (10) comprising growing material having a tensile strength 1 N / mm2 or more; or- a growing media element (10) comprising growing material having a tensile strength 5 N / mm2 or more; or- a growing media element (10) comprising growing material having a tensile strength in the range of 1 N / mm2 and 20 N / mm2 or in the range of 5 N / mm2 and 20 N / mm2.

5. A planting system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that:- the growing material having a capability to lose strength and expand; or- the growing material having a capability to lose strength; or- the growing material having a capability to expand; or- the growing material having a capability to lose strength and expand with increased moisture content.

6. A planting system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that:- the growing media element (10) comprises nutrients; or- the growing material comprises nutrients; or- the growing media element (10) having a capability to receive nutrients.

7. A planting system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that:- the growing material comprises partially decomposed organic matter; or- the growing material comprises partially decomposed organic matter and a water-soluble strengthening agent; or- the growing material comprises peat; or- the growing media element (10) is made of dried peat.

8. A planting system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that:- the system (1) comprises one planting opening (11) provided concentrically to the top surface (12); or- the system (1) comprises two or more planting openings (11) arranged to form a row; or- the system (1) comprises three or more planting openings (11, lib, 11c) arranged to form a row; or- the system (1) comprises three or more evenly spaced planting openings (11, lib, 11c) arranged to form a row.

9. A planting system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that:- the protecting cover (20) is arranged to cover the bottom surface (13) and at least partly the one or more side surfaces (14); or- the protecting cover (20) is arranged to receive the growing media element (10); or- the bottom surface (13) and the one or more side surfaces (14) and the protecting cover (20) are arranged to define a compatible counter form with an elongated balcony flowerpot; or- the protecting cover (20) is arranged to define a compatible counter form with an elongated balcony flowerpot; orthe bottom surface (13) and the one or more side surfaces (14) and the protecting cover (20) are arranged to define a compatible counter form with a flowerpot; or- the protecting cover (20) is arranged to define a compatible counter form with a flowerpot.

10. A planting system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that:- the planting system (1) further comprises an expansion gap (30) between the one or more side surfaces (14) of the growing media element (10) and the protecting cover (20); or- the planting system (1) further comprises an expansion gap (30) between the one or more side surfaces (14) of the growing media element (10) and the protecting cover (20), and an attachment arrangement (31) arranged to attach the growing media element (10) to the protecting cover (20).

11. A planting system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that:- the protecting cover (20) is made of biodegradable or compostable material; or- the system (1) is made of biodegradable or compostable material.

12. A planting system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that:- the system (1) further comprises a detachable top cover (40) arranged to cover the top surface (12); or- the system (1) further comprises an encapsulating sheet (50) arranged to encapsulate the growing media element (10) and the protecting cover (20); or- the system (1) further comprises a detachable top cover (40) arranged to cover the top surface (12), and the system (1) further comprises an encapsulating sheet (50) arranged to encapsulate the detachable top cover (40), the growing media element (10) and the protecting cover (20).

13. A method for manufacturing a planting system (1), characterized in that the method comprises:- providing the growing material,- forming a growing media element (10) from the growing material,- providing a planting opening (11) to the growing material, and- providing a protecting cover (20) on the growing media element (10).

14. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that:- the step of providing a planting opening (11) to the growing material is carried out together with the step of forming a growing media element (10) from the growing material; or- the step of providing a planting opening (11) to the growing material is carried after the step of forming a growing media element (10) from the growing material.

15. A method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the method comprises:- the planting system (1) is a planting system (1) to any one of claims1 to 12.

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