Hydroponic Growing System

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hydroponic growing system comprising a gutter and a tape, the gutter being open at the top and having a fluid tray extending along the length of the gutter, the tape being secured to the gutter in an upright position along the length of the gutter and partially extending beyond the top opening, the tape being for holding or supporting propagation material. The propagation material may include, for example, seeds, germinated seeds, seedlings, plantlets, or cuttings. In use, the tape contacts the fluid in the tray to wick the fluid through the tape. In a preferred embodiment, the tape has at least two layers that are partially held together, but preferably not held together in the portion that extends beyond the top opening of the gutter. The present invention further relates to a method of growing plants using the growing system.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydroponic growing system and method for growing plants hydroponically. [Background technology]

[0002] Hydroponics is a form of horticulture that involves growing plants, usually crops, without the use of soil. To grow, plants require water, light, and nutrients. In hydroponics, the necessary nutrients are provided by a mineral nutrient solution in an aqueous medium, especially water, rather than soil.

[0003] Hydroponics comes in many forms. Vegetable growers often use gutter systems, also known as Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) systems, for growing plants hydroponically on a large scale. The use of gutters allows for the growing of large numbers of plants in a fully or semi-automated system. Irrigation is done through a central system that supplies water to each gutter. Usually, one end of the gutter is slightly angled relative to the other so that the water flows from one end of the gutter to the other.

[0004] The plants may be grown with the roots exposed to the nutrient solution, or alternatively the roots may be physically supported by an inert growing medium such as perlite, gravel, or other inert loose substrate, or the plants are grown in substrate units in contact with the nutrient solution, such as compressed peat blocks, peat / turf / perlite / mixed substrate filled plastic, paper, polyurethane cups, rock mineral walls, polyurethane foam, oases, etc.

[0005] A problem with some of these systems, especially when growing plants at high densities, is that the gutter fills with growing medium and growing roots during growth. As a result, water flow becomes blocked towards the end of the growth cycle. This can affect plant growth. Also, moisture from the growing medium may not be distributed evenly throughout the gutter, resulting in less uniform plant growth.

[0006] Other problems associated with using growing media in gutter systems are that the growing media can contaminate the growing system, contaminate the plants with residues from the substrate, and may pose a phytosanitary risk depending on the type of substrate.

[0007] Further problems associated with the use of growing medium in hydroponic systems are the logistical activities required to transport large quantities of growing medium to the grower, which impact the environment, and disposal of the growing medium after the growing cycle; the growing medium is generally relatively expensive for the desired product.

[0008] Since it is not possible to place seeds or small plants in gutters without some form of support, it is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative to the inert growing media currently used. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention thus relates to a hydroponic growing system comprising a gutter and a tape, the gutter being open at the top and having a fluid receiving tray extending along the length of the gutter, and a tape secured to the gutter in an upright position along the length of the gutter and partially extending beyond the top opening, the tape being for holding and / or supporting propagation material.

[0010] The gutter can have various shapes. The cross section of the gutter can be circular, square, rectangular, triangular, diamond, house-shaped, or a combination thereof. In a triangular gutter, the base of the triangle can be at the bottom or at the top of the gutter. The width of the gutter should be such that sufficient nutrient fluid can reach all the plants in the gutter, even after the root system has formed. Usually, these gutters are not permanently filled with water, but a flow of nutrient solution is intermittently provided to the gutter from one side. The gutter is slightly inclined so that the water flows downward along the tape and the developing roots. To facilitate this flow, a wide shape at the bottom is preferred. How far into the gutter the root system will extend after germination and whether it may block the gutter also depends on the type of crop and the development stage of the plant.

[0011] After germination, the developing roots may have a tendency to grow outside the tape. In the early stages of development, the roots are not long enough to reach the nutrient solution and rely on the tape to provide the fluids necessary for growth, so growth outside the tape may result in drying of the root tip or the entire root, resulting in damage to the plant that affects growth. If the root dries out completely, the seedling may even die. To guide the roots of the germinated seeds, the gutter may be provided with a guide element, preferably located along the length of the gutter, extending from one side of the top opening to the inside of the gutter and preferably forming an angle with the wall of the gutter. This angle may be any angle deviated from perpendicular to the bottom of the gutter, but is preferably between 10 and 80°, more preferably between 20 and 70°, even more preferably between 30 and 70°, and most preferably about 45 to 55°.

[0012] The tape is suitable as a support for various types of propagation material, in particular for seeds, germinated seeds, seedlings, plantlets or cuttings. The term "tape" is used herein to indicate a support that is elongated in shape and much longer than it is wide. The term "tape" is used herein in the same or similar sense as seed tape, although according to the present invention, not all such tapes actually need to contain seeds. Thus, the term "tape" is also used in the context of a support configured to form a platform as described herein.

[0013] The tape has at least two layers that are partially held together but preferably not held together in the portion that extends beyond the top opening of the gutter.

[0014] The layers are preferably made of a material that has wicking properties, and the tape as a whole has sufficient tensile strength to preferably remain intact when pulled into and / or through the gutter, even when wet. Alternatively, the tape may be placed in the gutter by forcing the tape into the top opening.

[0015] Preferably, the tape is biodegradable, but must also be durable enough to remain in place while the seeds are in the process of germinating and have not yet fully established themselves in the gutter: once the seedlings have established themselves in the gutter and are able to independently maintain their position, the tape is no longer needed and can decompose.

[0016] The tape has at least two layers that are partially held together but preferably not held together in the portion that extends beyond the top opening of the gutter.

[0017] The held together portion of tape contains the plant material, in this manner the plant material, specifically the seeds, is held in place.

[0018] Holding the at least two layers together can be accomplished by a variety of means, such as gluing the layers together, sewing the layers together, heat fusing the layers together, folding, clamping, or any other means.

[0019] The two layers of tape need not be separate, but may be formed by folding a wider strip of tape material along its length, preferably in half. The fold is at the base of the portion of the tape that contacts the fluid. In one embodiment, the tape is folded to form a seed tray. Such a configuration may have a partial cut that is folded to contact the nutrient solution. Alternatively, the tape may be folded such that the seed is clamped between the layers.

[0020] The opposite end of the tape may extend beyond the top opening and be folded back. Other fold arrangements are also contemplated.

[0021] The means for holding the layers together should be such that the germinated seeds and the developing plants can penetrate the holding means and reach the nutrient solution and the outside of the gutter. The layers are held together, for example, so that the roots and cotyledons of the germinated seeds can emerge between the layers. The adhesive, stitches, fusion patterns, folds, or clamps should therefore be arranged so that various parts of the germinated seeds can penetrate them or the space surrounding them. The adhesive can for example be applied in an intermittent pattern so that the roots and plants can penetrate between the discontinuous adhesive patches. Alternatively, an adhesive that dissolves gradually, i.e. can be degraded by root exudates, can be used. If the tape material is heat sealed, the seal is preferably not continuous, and is preferably interrupted near the location of the seeds. The size of the stitches can be such that they are spaced apart enough to allow the roots and plants to pass through. The folds should not prevent passage to the outside of the gutter. The clamps are preferably soft and slightly spaced apart to allow the plants to grow between the clamps.

[0022] Typically, the portion of the tape containing the seeds is located in the gutter. However, in some embodiments, it is preferred that the seeds are located outside the gutter, i.e. beyond the top opening, for example when the tape is clamped. In that case, the portion of the tape that is held together also extends beyond the top opening, so that the plants are not blocked by the clamping means. This is the portion that contains the seeds.

[0023] In one embodiment, the tape is a seed tape, which comprises a number of seeds arranged along its length, preferably at a predetermined distance from each other. The seeds are preferably arranged between at least two layers, where the layers are brought together. Alternatively, the tape may consist of only one layer, with the seeds fixed, for example, by an adhesive.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment, the tape forms a platform for receiving the seeds or germinated seeds. In this embodiment, the seeds are not integrated in the tape but are placed on a sowing platform formed by the tape. The grower can determine the desired distance between the seeds depending on the density of the growth. The platform is constructed so that the seeds do not fall or fall out. In practice, this means that the parts of the layers forming the tape are held together or fixed at their surface parts. The means of holding the layers together are similar to those described above. Holding the layers together is done in the parts that do not form the platform. The held together parts of the tape guide the nutrient solution from the saucer to the platform and into contact with the seeds. The roots of the germinated seeds and the developing seedlings, plantlets or cuttings can reach the nutrient solution and come into direct contact with it. They either penetrate between the held together layers or grow outside these layers. The latter is not preferred as it can lead to drying of the roots.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the tape has pockets for receiving the seedlings, plantlets or cuttings. The pockets can be discontinuous or the tape is provided with a series of pockets along the length of the tape in which the seedlings, plantlets or cuttings are placed at desired intervals from one another.

[0026] In use, the tape contacts the fluid in the tray to wick the fluid through the tape and deliver the fluid to the plant material. The tape extends partially inside the gutter and partially outside the gutter. The inside portion of the gutter is for wicking water from the tray to the plant material. The outside portion of the gutter, i.e. the portion extending beyond the top opening of the gutter, is preferably used to secure the tape to the gutter.

[0027] In one embodiment, the tape is secured to the gutter by clamping means located at the top opening along the length of the gutter. The portion of the tape extending beyond the top is then clamped to hold the tape in place in the gutter. Preferably, the clamping means is soft to prevent damage to growing plants and to allow seedlings to pass through the top opening of the gutter. For example, foam rubber or similar material in elongated form is well suited to form the clamping means. Preferably, the seeds in the seed tape are located slightly above the foam rubber so as not to interfere with the growing plants. In this latter configuration, the gathered portion of the tape may also extend partially above the top opening of the gutter. Preferably, the seeds are placed on the tape at a distance of less than about 0.5 cm from the edge of the gutter that forms the top opening.

[0028] In another embodiment, the tape is secured to the gutter by attachment of at least two layers that extend beyond the top opening and form arms of a T on the outside of the gutter. In this embodiment, no additional securing means are required. The wet tape is secured to the gutter by capillary action. This type of securing has been found to work without additional means and is sufficient to hold the tape in place.

[0029] Preferably, at least two layers of the tape are T-shaped in cross section. In this T-shape, the portion of the tape that extends outside the gutter is essentially horizontally arranged to form the arms of the T. The portion of the tape that is fixed in an upright position inside the gutter forms the stem of the T. In embodiments where the arms of the T form a platform, the layers are held together in such a way that the seeds located on the support platform cannot fall out. In embodiments where the tape has pockets, the pockets are configured in the stem of the T. In all embodiments, the arms of the T can be essentially horizontally arranged in use, but can also be folded back, i.e. folded down, depending on the configuration of the gutter.

[0030] In another embodiment, the arms of the T are further folded to form an inverted W or M shape. This shape is particularly suited to gutters with sloping walls, such as a triangle or house shape. The seed is in the center of the shape and the arms are for securing the tape to the outer gutter walls.

[0031] The material of the tape should be capable of wicking water from the tray to the seed or plant, and in some embodiments, the portion that extends beyond the top of the gutter is adapted to adhere to the gutter. The tape may be made of, for example, paper, woven or non-woven fabric, polymer, plastic film, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the tape is biodegradable, yet durable enough during plant cultivation. The seedlings or plantlets should preferably be supported by the tape until they are large enough to be held by the top opening of the gutter.

[0032] The material should preferably be one that is difficult for algae to grow on. Preferably the tape material is algae resistant.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the gutter tape is not a continuous tape: discontinuous pieces of tape, each holding one or a few plants or seeds, can be placed side by side in the gutter, the advantage being that less tape material is required.

[0034] According to the invention, the seeds can be attached to the tape, i.e. sown directly between or on top of the tape. When sowing directly between or on top of the tape, the seeds are not integral with the seed tape but are separate. Thus, the producer can choose which tape to use.

[0035] The invention is suitable for all kinds of crops, in particular vegetable crops, more particularly leafy vegetables. Moreover, the invention can also be used in the field of ornamental plants.

[0036] The present invention is particularly useful for lettuce, especially in some stages of lettuce. Lettuce harvested at the so-called "baby stage" can be sown directly in the gutter and does not need to be transplanted to grow to a harvestable stage. Baby lettuce is at a stage where the leaves have not yet formed a head and the plant weighs 8-40 g. The harvest stage of baby lettuce is usually between 20-30 days, specifically around 24 days. The present invention is also suitable for the well-known baby leaf lettuce, which is smaller than baby lettuce. Another category is teen lettuce. This stage is a little larger than baby lettuce. The space between lettuce plants intended for harvesting of teen lettuce is wider than baby lettuce. Teen lettuce can also be grown in the hydroponic system of the present invention, but to grow to teen lettuce, the plants require more space. To still use the system of the present invention, the tape on which the lettuce seeds germinate can preferably be cut into separate pieces, each containing one seedling. These tape pieces are placed in the gutter with wider spaces between the seedlings.

[0037] If the seed tape contains an adhesive, this may be drawn up through the tape by the water, for example by chromatographic action, helping to secure the tape to the outside of the gutter.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the seed tape may be pre-germinated prior to placement in the gutter. A particularly useful method of pre-germinating the seed tape is to place the rolled or folded seed tape in a container of water and cover the container to provide favorable germination conditions. A method of pre-germination is shown in FIG.

[0039] In this germination method, layers or spacers can be provided between the different turns or folds of the roll to prevent the developing roots from penetrating from one part of the seed tape to the other, the layers or spacers being preferably impermeable to the roots.

[0040] The seed tape must have sufficient tensile strength to be able to be placed in the gutter without damage or rupture after germination is complete.

[0041] In a further embodiment, portions of the seed tape containing one or a few plants can be cut off and placed separately in the gutter, so that the desired spacing between the developing plants can be maintained from an early stage.

[0042] The invention further relates to a method of growing a plant, the method comprising providing plant propagation material to the growing system described above and allowing the propagation material to develop into a plant, preferably until harvest time.

[0043] The present invention also relates to a method of growing a plant, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing propagation material held or supported by tape disposed in an upright position in a gutter having an upper opening, the tape having at least two layers extending partially beyond the upper opening, the tape being secured to said gutter by attachment of at least two layers of the portions of the tape extending beyond the upper opening to an exterior of the gutter; b) growing the propagation material into a harvestable plant; Equipped with.

[0044] The growing system of the present invention solves the problems encountered when using the types of substrates usually applied in hydroponics: the tape is small, does not block gutters and has little effect on water flow; contamination is prevented; the material is inexpensive, resulting in reduced waste, environmental impact, costs and complexities of logistical activities. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0045] The present invention is further described in the following figures and examples, which are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

[0046] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hydroponic system of the present invention having a seed tape. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seed tape of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is an embodiment of a hydroponic system of the present invention having a seeding platform and a guide element. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] 2A-2C are alternative cross-sectional views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with different gutter shapes. [Figure 6] 2A-2C are alternative cross-sectional views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with different gutter shapes. [Figure 7] 2A-2C are alternative cross-sectional views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with different gutter shapes. [Figure 8] 2A-2C are alternative cross-sectional views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with different gutter shapes. [Figure 9] 2A-2C are alternative cross-sectional views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with different gutter shapes. [Figure 10] 2A-2C are alternative cross-sectional views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with different gutter shapes. [Figure 11] 2A-2C are alternative cross-sectional views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with different gutter shapes. [Figure 12] 2A-2C are alternative cross-sectional views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with different gutter shapes. [Figure 13]2A-2C are alternative cross-sectional views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with different gutter shapes. [Figure 14] 2A-2C are alternative cross-sectional views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with different gutter shapes. [Figure 15] 4 is an alternative cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 with a different gutter shape. [Figure 16] 4 is an alternative cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 with a different gutter shape. [Figure 17] 4 is an alternative cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 with a different gutter shape. [Figure 18] 4 is an alternative cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 with a different gutter shape. [Figure 19] 4 is an alternative cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 with a different gutter shape. [Figure 20] 1 shows cross-sectional views of various configurations of the tape. [Figure 21] 1 shows cross-sectional views of various configurations of the tape. [Figure 22] 1 shows cross-sectional views of various configurations of the tape. [Figure 23] 1 shows cross-sectional views of various configurations of the tape. [Figure 24] 1 shows various alternatives for holding the bottom of the tape together to support the seeds. [Diagram 25] 1 shows various alternatives for holding the bottom of the tape together to support the seeds. [Figure 26] 1 shows various alternatives for holding the bottom of the tape together to support the seeds. [Figure 27] 1 shows various alternatives for holding the bottom of the tape together to support the seeds. [Figure 28] 1 shows various alternatives for holding the bottom of the tape together to support the seeds. [Figure 29] 1 shows various alternatives for holding the bottom of the tape together to support the seeds. [Figure 30A] An overview of experiments using the growth system to germinate seeds in a hydroponic system is provided. [Figure 30B] An overview of experiments using the growth system to germinate seeds in a hydroponic system is provided. [Diagram 31] 1 illustrates an alternative method of preparing a seed tape for use in the growing system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] Figure 1 shows a triangular gutter 1 forming a receptacle 2 for a nutrient medium 3. The gutter has an upper opening 4. A seed tape 5 containing seeds 6 is placed in the gutter in an upright position and in contact with the nutrient solution. The seed tape 4 has two layers 7, 8 brought together at the bottom and loose in the part that extends beyond the upper opening 4. These parts 9, 10 are folded back at the edges 11, 12 of the gutter 1 and are attached to them by capillary action. The seeds are placed between the layers.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a seed tape 5 showing seeds 6 spaced at predetermined intervals.

[0049] FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment in which the tape 13 forms a platform 14 for the seeds 15. The lower part 16 of the tape is gathered so as to prevent the seeds 15 from falling out. This part 16 is in contact with the nutrient solution 23. The two upper layers 17, 18 of the tape are not gathered and are folded back on the side walls 19, 20 of the house-shaped gutter 21. The layers 17, 18 are attached to the outer walls 19, 20 of the gutter 21 by capillary action. The gutter 21 further has an inclined guide element 22 which extends into the interior of the gutter 21 and guides the lower part 16 of the tape. This configuration makes it possible to guide the developing roots along the tape and prevent them from drying out. In this configuration, the tape 13 is not arranged essentially perpendicular to the bottom 24 of the gutter 21, but is slightly inclined.

[0050] The embodiment of FIG. 3 is shown in cross section in FIG.

[0051] The embodiment shown in figures 3 and 4 has the advantage that the part of the tape that extends beyond the top opening is guided downwards along the sloping side walls of the gutter, so that it receives less light than a more horizontal wall and is therefore less susceptible to algae formation. Also, because of the sloping walls, the first leaves after germination do not come into contact with the wet tape. Furthermore, because of the sloping configuration of the top of the gutter, there is sufficient space between the plant and the gutter for the leaves to be cut off, so the plant is more easily harvested. The rectangular bottom of the gutter allows easy access and passage of the nutrient solution. Furthermore, the rectangular bottom allows for placement in existing gutter systems.

[0052] The embodiment shown in Figure 5 is similar to that of Figure 1. A further triangular gutter is shown in Figure 6. In the embodiments shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9, the cross section of the gutter is circular, lying oval or standing oval. Figure 10 shows a square cross section, Figure 11 a house shape and Figure 12 a diamond shape. In Figures 13 and 14 the top of the gutter defining the top opening is curved and the bottom is at a right angle.

[0053] Figure 15 is similar to the embodiment of Figure 3 but with a seed tape instead of a seeding platform. An alternative configuration of the platform is shown in Figure 16. Figures 17-19 show an alternative embodiment of the gutter with a platform tape.

[0054] Figures 20 to 24 show different configurations of the tape in cross section. In Figure 20 it is T-shaped with a seed 25 fixed between two layers 26, 27. In Figure 21 the tape is folded in half and the seed is located approximately halfway between the bundle. In Figure 22 the tape is also folded in half but the seed is clamped between the V-shaped side walls 28, 29. In Figure 23 the tape forms a platform and the seed 25 is placed on its top 30. In Figure 24 a seam 31 prevents the seed from falling out.

[0055] 26 and 27 show cross-sectional and perspective views, respectively, of a folded tape having cutouts 32 folded down to contact the nutrient solution.

[0056] Figure 25 shows the two layers held together by a seam large enough for the roots developing between them to grow down to the nutrient solution. In Figures 28 and 29 the two layers are sealed. The seal 33 is not continuous but has individually sealed patches.

[0057] Figures 30A and 30B show the invention in practice. The upper panel of Figure 30A shows a gutter with a seed tape placed in an upright position. The part extending beyond the gutter is folded back on both sides and rests on the gutter. By wetting the tape from bottom to top or spraying the folded parts, the tape is attached to the gutter and held in place. The seed tape contains lettuce seeds at a predetermined distance from each other. The lower panel of Figure 30A shows the tape after the seeds have germinated and developed into seedlings. The upper panel of Figure 30B shows a lettuce plant in the so-called infant stage while the lettuce is still located in the gutter. The lower panel of Figure 30B shows the tape with the plant after it has been removed from the gutter, showing a well-developed root system.

[0058] FIG. 31 shows an alternative method of preparing the seed tape prior to placement in the gutter. The tape containing the seeds is rolled and placed in a container. The tape is moistened before or after placement in the container and the seeds are allowed to germinate in the container. The container may be covered during the germination process. After the seeds have developed into seedlings of the desired size, the tape may be placed in the container, for example, by pulling the tape through the gutter from one side of the gutter.

Claims

1. 1. A hydroponic growing system comprising a gutter and a tape, the gutter being open at the top and having a fluid tray extending along the length of the gutter, the tape being secured to the gutter in an upright position along the length of the gutter and extending partially beyond the top opening, the tape being for holding or supporting propagation material.

2. The propagation material comprises seeds, germinated seeds, seedlings, plantlets, or cuttings; The growth system of claim 1 .

3. In use, the tape contacts the fluid in the tray to wick the fluid through the tape. A growth system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the tape has at least two layers that are partially held together but preferably not held together in a portion that extends beyond the top opening of the gutter; The growth system of claim 3.

5. The at least two layers are held together by gluing the layers together, sewing the layers together, heat fusing the layers together, folding, or clamping. The growth system of claim 4.

6. The tape is a seed tape containing a number of seeds arranged along its length, preferably at predetermined intervals from one another; A growth system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The tape has at least two layers that are partially gathered but preferably not gathered in the portion extending beyond the upper opening of the gutter, and the seeds are placed between the at least two layers at the position where the layers are gathered. The growing system of claim 6.

8. The layers are held together so that the seeds, once germinated, can emerge between the layers. The growth system of claim 7.

9. The tape forms a platform for supporting the seeds or germinated seeds. A growth system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. the tape having pockets for holding seedlings, plantlets, or cuttings; A growth system according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The tape is secured to the gutter by clamping means located at the top opening. A growth system according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The tape has at least two layers that are partially gathered but preferably not gathered in the portion extending beyond the upper opening of the gutter, and the tape is secured to the gutter by the at least two layers that extend beyond the upper opening of the tray adhering to the gutter. A growth system according to claim 1 or 2.

13. the gutter is provided with a guide element extending from one side of the upper opening into the interior of the gutter along the length of the gutter; A growth system according to claim 1 or 2.

14. The propagation material comprises seeds, germinated seeds, seedlings, plantlets or cuttings of vegetables, particularly leafy vegetables, more particularly lettuce; A growth system according to claim 1 or 2.

15. 3. A method of growing plants, comprising providing plant propagation material in a growing system according to claim 1 or 2, and allowing said propagation material to develop into plants, preferably to harvest time.

16. a) providing propagation material held or supported by tape placed in an upright position in a gutter having an upper opening, the tape having at least two layers extending partially beyond the upper opening, the tape being secured to the gutter by attachment of the at least two layers of the tape extending beyond the upper opening to the outside of the gutter; b) growing the propagation material into a harvestable plant; The method of claim 15, comprising:

17. The plant is a vegetable plant.

16. The method of claim 15.

18. The vegetable plant is a leafy vegetable plant.

18. The method of claim 17.

19. The leafy vegetable plant is a lettuce plant.

20. The method of claim 18.

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