A growing media and process of fabrication therefore
The described process for fabricating growing media using wool addresses issues of biodegradation and moisture retention by shaping and structuring wool fibers through molding, wetting, compressing, agitating, and needling, resulting in media that retains shape and absorbs water effectively for plant growth.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FLEECEGROW LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Conventional growing media face challenges such as rapid biodegradation, inconsistent water-to-air ratio, and difficulty in shaping for specific applications, particularly when using wool as a growing medium.
A process involving molding, wetting, compressing, agitating, and needling wool fibers to promote felting and create structured growing media, with controlled needling properties to determine density and shape retention.
The process produces biodegradable growing media that maintains shape and water absorption properties, suitable for plant growth, addressing the challenges of rapid degradation and inconsistent moisture retention.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
[0001] A Growing Media and Process of Fabrication Therefore
[0002] Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to improvements in respect of wettable media, such as growing media, and processes of fabricating these.
[0004] Background of the Invention
[0005] Various conventional wettable media are used for growing plants. Typically, these absorb water so that seeds and / or plants deposited on the media are provided with moisture to promote growth. These may be referred to as media for growing plants, or growing media.
[0006] A growing media consist of mixtures of components that provide water, air, nutrients and support to plants. The media provide plant support, while the nutrients are provided by added fertilizers.
[0007] One challenge faced by industries using growing media is to use media that is biodegradable.
[0008] Another challenge is to use media that does not biodegrade too rapidly to be suitable for use in growing plants.
[0009] Another challenge is to provide growing media which is consistent in the water to air ratio, being neither too waterlogged nor too quick to drain.
[0010] One growing material that potentially has desirable qualities in terms of biodegradability is wool.
[0011] A challenge with using wool as a growing media is to fabricate items in shapes suited to specific growing applications and industrial uses.
[0012] Another challenge with using wool is to fabricate items of growing media that are able to retain their shape as they absorb water.
[0013] It would therefore be advantageous to have an item of wettable media that addresses one or more of the challenges above, or at least provides the public with a useful choice.
[0014] It would therefore be advantageous to have an item of growing media that addresses one or more of the challenges above, or at least provides the public with a useful choice. It would also therefore be advantageous to have a process of fabricating items of wettable media that addresses one or more of the challenges above, or at least provides the public with a useful choice.
[0015] Disclosure of the Invention
[0016] In one aspect the invention provides a process of fabricating a growing media, process comprising: providing a mould, the mould defining a shape; depositing a defined amount of media into the mould; wetting the media; compressing the media in the mould; agitating the media while compressed; needling the media while wet so as to promote felting and create structure; and drying the media.
[0017] In one aspect the invention provides a process of fabricating a composite item of growing media, process comprising: providing a mould, the mould defining a shape for a component of the composite item; depositing a defined amount of feltable media into the mould, the media having a defined characteristic; wetting the media with water; pressing the media while wet to compress it into the mould; agitating the media while compressed; and needling the media while wet so as to promote felting, wherein the needling is applied with a defined property which determines the density of wool in the component when felted. Wetting the media may comprise wetting the media with hot water.
[0018] Wetting the media may comprise wetting the media with water above a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius.
[0019] Wetting the media may comprise wetting the media with water in a temperature range of 40-100 degrees Celsius.
[0020] The media may be feltable. Feltable may be capable of felting. The media may be wool.
[0021] The media may be wool of a defined category. This category will be defined by a setting of a cutting machine used to produce the wool fibre component. The setting may define a maximum length of cut wool.
[0022] The wool may be strong wool. The wool may have been commercially scoured.
[0023] The wool may be wetted at a temperature above 40 degrees Celsius.
[0024] The process may comprise iterating the process of any paragraph above to provide another component for the item of growing media.
[0025] The process may comprise iterating the steps of providing the mould, pressing the wool, agitating the wool and needling the wool to add another component of the composite item.
[0026] The process may comprise iterating the steps with a fabricated component provided in the mould to which the media is deposited in the iterated process.
[0027] The process may comprise iterating the steps with a fabricated component provided in the mould after reorientation relative to the mould.
[0028] The process may comprise iterating the steps with one or more of the mould, amount of wool, the wool property, the needling property being determined for the additional component.
[0029] The process may comprise iterating the steps with one or more of the mould, amount of wool, the wool property, the needling property being determined by a defined specification. The process may comprise iterating the steps with one or more of the mould, amount of wool, the wool property, the needling property being selected for each component.
[0030] The item of media may be an item of growing media. The growing media may be suitable to absorb water to provide a medium for growing plants. The growing media may be suitable to absorb water to provide a medium for growing plants from seeds.
[0031] The defined needling property may be density of needles.
[0032] The defined needling property may be duration of needling.
[0033] The defined needling property may be a shape of the needles used for needing.
[0034] The defined needling property may be a gauge of the needles used for needing.
[0035] The defined needling property may be the area over which needling is applied.
[0036] The amount of wool, the wool property, and the needling property may be determined by a specification for the composite item.
[0037] The media may be scoured wool.
[0038] The needling may be adapted to promote felting of fibres of the media.
[0039] The iteration may be performed using a second mould. This may fabricate a second layer of the composite item with a second geometry.
[0040] The iteration may be performed with a different category of wool fibre component. This may fabricate a second layer of the composite item with a second thickness.
[0041] The iteration may be performed with a different category of wool fibre component. This may fabricate a second layer of the composite item with a second defined property.
[0042] The iteration may be performed after reorienting the item to add a second layer to a side or end of the item. In one aspect the invention provides a process of fabricating an item of growing media, the process comprising: providing a mould, the mould defining a shape for the item; depositing a defined amount of selected growing media into the mould; pressing the media into the mould; agitating the pressed media; and needling the media.
[0043] Pressing the media may be so as to compress the media.
[0044] Agitating the media may be so as to promote felting of the media.
[0045] Needling may be so as to promote felting of the media.
[0046] Needling may be so as to hold the structure of the media.
[0047] Needling may be so as to condition the media to maintain structure
[0048] The needling may be performed after the step of agitating the media.
[0049] The agitating the media may be performed after pressing the media.
[0050] The agitating the media may be performed during pressing.
[0051] The process may comprise drying the media. The drying the media may be performed after needling.
[0052] The process may comprise wetting the media.
[0053] The process may comprise wetting the media with hot water.
[0054] The hot water may be in a range of temperatures of 10 degrees Celsius to 100 degrees Celsius.
[0055] The hot water may be in a range of temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius to 100 degrees Celsius.
[0056] Wetting the media may comprise adding water to the mould.
[0057] Wetting the media may be performed before applying a press. The step of needling the media may comprise needling over a region defined to conform to the mould.
[0058] The step of needling the media may comprise needling over a region defined to conform a cross-section of the mould.
[0059] Agitation may be so as to promote felting of the media.
[0060] Agitation may be so as to promote felting.
[0061] Agitation may be vibration.
[0062] Agitation may be vibration.
[0063] The media may be wool.
[0064] The media may be a category of wool fibre component.
[0065] The category of wool fibre component may be categorised by length.
[0066] A category of wool may define a maximum length of wool fibres.
[0067] A category of wool may define a length that wool fibres have been cut to.
[0068] The wool may be categorised wool of a category selected for water-related properties.
[0069] The categorised wool may be of a category selected for water-related properties imparted to a layer of the item.
[0070] The process may comprise selecting categorised wool using a data carrying information on defined water absorption property for one or classes of wool fibre component.
[0071] The process may comprise selecting categorised wool using a data carrying information on one or more defined mechanical property of classes of wool fibre component. The mechanical property may be a defined ability to retain shape when wet.
[0072] The process may be iterated.
[0073] The process may be iterated to fabricate two or more layers of two or more different categories of wool fibre component. The process may be iterated to fabricate two or more layers of two or more different defined water absorption properties. This may fabricate a composite item with composite layers of varying water absorption properties.
[0074] The process may be iterated to fabricate two or more layers of two or more different defined mechanical properties. This may fabricate a composite item with composite layers of varying mechanical properties.
[0075] The process may be iterated to fabricate two or more layers of two or more different defined mechanical properties. This may fabricate a composite item with composite layers of varying geometries.
[0076] The amount of media deposited may be defined to provide a defined thickness of media for the item after the process.
[0077] The amount of media deposited may be defined by weight.
[0078] The amount of media deposited may be defined by volume.
[0079] The amount of media deposited may be defined by thickness before the step of pressing.
[0080] The amount of media deposited may be defined by thickness after the step of pressing.
[0081] The amount of media deposited may be defined by thickness after steps of pressing and actuation of the press.
[0082] The category of wool fibre component may be selected for characteristic water absorption properties of the layer.
[0083] The process may be iterated to provide an item comprising two or more of the layers.
[0084] The process may comprise iterating the process after reorienting an unfinished item.
[0085] The process may comprise iterating the process to add layers of the item.
[0086] The process may comprise iterating the process to add components of the item. The process may comprise iterating the process to add parts of the item.
[0087] The defined layers may be defined by geometry.
[0088] The media may be wool or wool fibres.
[0089] The defined layers may have a geometry providing a defined thickness to a cross-section of a shape defined for a composite.
[0090] The process may comprise iterating the steps with a second mould.
[0091] According to another aspect the invention provides a product fabricated by any one of the paragraphs above.
[0092] An iterated process may fabricate a composite item comprising layers with selected properties and / or geometries.
[0093] As used herein the term felting and similar refers to a process which causes the interlocking, or matting, of fibres possessing felting properties.
[0094] As used herein shape is used broadly to cover dimensions that define a shape.
[0095] As used herein the terms iterated, iterating or similar refer broadly to repeating the process to add parts, components or layers with apparatus, properties or parameters that may be adjusted from a previous iteration.
[0096] As used herein the term composite refers broadly to being made up of various components, which may be parts, elements or layers.
[0097] The item of media may be an item of growing media. The growing media may be suitable to absorb water to provide a medium for growing plants.
[0098] The growing media may be suitable to absorb water to provide a medium for growing plants from seeds.
[0099] Brief description of the drawings
[0100] Additional and further aspects of the present invention will be apparent to the reader from the following description of embodiments, given in by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0101] Figure 1 shows an item of growing media according to an embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a process for fabricating an item of growing media according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0102] Figures 3 to 7 depict steps of the process of Figure 2 and tools and apparatus used to perform the steps;
[0103] Figures 8 to 10 depict selected properties of fabricated components of an item of growing media according to various embodiments of the invention; and
[0104] Figures 11 to 19 depict various items of growing media according various alternative embodiments of the present invention.
[0105] Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which is given by way of example only of particular embodiments.
[0106] Best modes for carrying out the invention
[0107] Figure 1 depicts an item 1 of growing media according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0108] In use, the item 1 absorbs water to provide a medium for plants to grow and allows excess water to drain. Figure 2 shows the item after absorbing water. Typically, the item 1 according to this embodiment does not expand after absorbing water.
[0109] In this specific embodiment the item is formed from wool. Figure 1 shows the item having parts. These parts may be referred to as components. The item may be referred to as a composite item. In this embodiment the parts are layers.
[0110] In this embodiment the parts of the item are formed as felted wool.
[0111] Figure 1 shows the item having defined shape and geometry. The item 1 has a shape which includes a main body 2 and feet 3. In this example the main body is an elongate square prism, though other embodiments have alternative shapes and geometries.
[0112] The item 1 has components or parts which provide selected properties to the item. The item shown in Figure 1 has a component 4 formed as a horizontal layer, as shown, extending over the horizontal cross-section of the item 1. A second component is formed as a second horizontal layer 5. The layers 4 and 4 are separated by another component formed as a layer 6 between layers 4 and 5. In this embodiment the layers 4 and 5 are formed of fibres formed to have a first density and layer 6 is formed with a second density. The density of the layers is used to select, or engineer, water absorption properties for the layer to impart to the item 1.
[0113] Figure 1 shows a number of layers such as 7 and 8 that are vertically aligned, as shown that are located under layers 4 to 6. In this embodiment the layers 7 and 8 have differing densities, such as the first density of layers 4 and 5 for layer 7 and the second density of layer 6 for the layer 8.
[0114] Figures 2 to 7 depict a process of fabricating a component, such as a layer, of an item of growing media according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0115] Specifically, Figure is a process diagram. In step S-l a mould 10 is provided. The mould has shape or geometry to mould a layer of media to be formed.
[0116] In step S-2 media 11 is deposited into the mould 10. In this example the media is deposited by being blown into the mould 10. In this embodiment the media is a fibrous media. Specifically in this embodiment fibrous media that can be felted is used.
[0117] In step S-3 the media is wetted. In this embodiment the media is wetted with hot water. Typically, the media is wetted until soaked. In this example the hot water is at a temperature between 40 to 100 degrees Celsius. In this particular example, the hot water is sprayed onto the media. More specifically for this particular embodiment the media is wool, and more specifically strong wool. A wetting nozzle 12 is shown.
[0118] The wetting of the fibre with hot water opens the natural barbs of the wool fibre for improved ability to felt. Wetting of the water above 55 degrees Celsius also kills any moth larvae. Wetting of the water at higher temperatures, such as close to or at 100 degrees can also kill bacteria.
[0119] In step S-4 the wool is pressed, to compress the media. In this embodiment the pressing is performed with a press 14 which moves towards the mould 10 to compress the media 11 in the mould 10. The press 14 of this example is shaped to the shape of the mould 10 and, specifically in this example, the horizontal cross-section of the mould. In the same step S-4 the pressed media is agitated. Arrows 15 depict movement of the press 14 for agitation of the media. In this example, agitation is provided by agitation the press relative to the mould. This is by vibrating the press 15 in this example.
[0120] The pressing and agitation encourage felting of the wool fibres using the natural barbs of the wool fibre for entanglement of the wool fibres. In this embodiment the agitation is lateral, or side-to-side, in the mould.
[0121] In step S-5 the media is needled to promote felting of fibres in the media. The degree of needling is determined by properties specified for the layer. The needling in this embodiment is performed by a needle felting tool 16 which provides needling over the horizontal cross-section of the mould 10. In this example the needling tool 16 moves from one end of an elongate mould 10 to the other end as depicted by arrows 17. Arrows 18 depict movement of the needles, vertically as shown.
[0122] In this embodiment the felt needle uses barbs to catch on the scales of the fibres and push them together. A felt needle at or as close to 90 degree angle to the mat of fibre gives depth of felt for firmness.
[0123] The needle felting tool uses multiple needles set at a spacing to enter deeply into the wool. In this embodiment 36ga needles are set 2 cm apart.
[0124] The needle felting is used to both create the layers and connect the layers at the same time.
[0125] Figure 6 shows blocks 19 that can be placed into the mould 10 to provide relief features in the layer being formed. In this example the relief features are bores to provide holes for seeds of plants to be grown on the media item 1. In these examples the needling tool performs needling over the shape of the mould excluding the blocks.
[0126] In steps S-6 the formed layer is dried. Figure 7 depicts this step. Various drying parameters may be selected for the drying step. These may be the temperature, humidity, time or a combination of these. In one example the layer is heated to between 40 to 70 degrees for a number of hours. In one example this may be overnight. In another example the media layer may be heated to 150 degrees for a time of up to an hour. Drying the growing media at a higher temperature increases the ability to hold the structure when absorbing water by increasing the brittleness of the wool fibre and reducing its flexibility. In various embodiments the drying temperature is selected and / or iterated when forming a given component of the growing media.
[0127] Steps S-l to S-6 fabricate a component of the item, such as a layer, which has taken the shape of the mould. The component holds the shape of the mould once dried.
[0128] In step S-7 the process of steps S-l to S-6 is iterated. This may be the same process as S-l to S-6 with one of the characteristics or properties altered. For example, the media, apparatus, orientation of media may be selected to provide a different property for a second component to be fabricated.
[0129] In one example, the process of steps S-l to S-6 are iterated with a second maximum length of fibre deposited in step S-2 to select a second water absorption property for an additional layer. In another example, the item, such as it is formed, is reorientated and placed in the mould for the addition of another component, such as another horizontal layer to allow wetness at the top of the growing media while providing improved drainage at the bottom in the vertical layers. In one example this is a layer 7 added to an end the partially formed item of growing media. In another example a layer may be added to the side. In other examples the process is iterated by using a second mould. In another example the process is iterated with felting needling applied for a longer time, higher frequency or with more densely distributed needles, to fabricate a layer with a second density.
[0130] Figures 8 to 10 depict different properties that may be selected for components, such as layers, of the items according to alternative embodiments of the invention to that shown in Figure 1. Figure 8 depicts a normal density component 20. Figure 9 depicts a high-density component 21. Figure 10 depicts a component 22 with short cut fibre to absorb more water than the components 20 and 21. In this example, the properties are first, or normal, density and second, higher, density of fabricated components and shorter maximum length of fibre to provide higher absorption in, typically, thinner layers that can then be bound with longer fibres or held within prefabricated holes. The item of Figure 1 is a product of a process according to another embodiment of the invention depicted in Figures 2 to 7 and illustrated herein with reference to these Figures.
[0131] Figures 11 to 19 show various embodiments of a composite item of the present invention. These figures show various arrangements of components, such as layers, of varying selected properties depicted as layers with different hatching or dots patterns.
[0132] Figure 11 shows an item lb of growing media formed with a horizontal component arranged as a top layer of normal density with vertical layers underneath of alternating normal density and high absorbency.
[0133] Figure 12 shows an item lc of growing media formed with a horizontal component of normal density, then high absorbency then a component of high density under neath with vertical layers underneath of alternating normal density and high absorbency underneath the horizontal layers.
[0134] Figure 13 shows an item Id of growing media formed with two horizontal components arranged as a top layers of normal density separated by ayers of high absorbency with vertical layers underneath of alternating normal density and high absorbency.
[0135] Figure 14 shows an item le of growing media formed with two horizontal components arranged as a top layers of normal density separated by a layer of high absorbency with vertical layers underneath of alternating normal density and high absorbency. In addition feet are formed as components below the vertical layers.
[0136] Figure 15 shows an item If of growing media formed with two horizontal components arranged as a top layers of normal density separated by a layer of high absorbency with three vertical layers underneath of alternating normal density and high absorbency. In this example, the vertical layers are elongate and extend the length of the item If.
[0137] Figure 16 shows an item le of growing media formed with two horizontal components arranged as a top layers of normal density separated by a layer of high absorbency with five vertical layers underneath of alternating normal density and high absorbency. In this example, the vertical layers are elongate and extend the length of the item If. Figure 17 shows an item If of growing media formed with two horizontal components arranged as a top layers of normal density separated by a layer of high absorbency with five vertical layers underneath of alternating normal density and high absorbency. In this example, the vertical layers are elongate and extend the length of the item If.
[0138] Figure 18 shows an item lg of growing media formed with eight horizontal components of normal density. In this example, the horizontal layers are elongate and extend the length of the item If.
[0139] Figure 19 shows an item lh of growing media formed with eight horizontal components where one of the horizontal layers is formed from a high- density media while the remaining layers are formed of normal density layers. In this example, the horizontal layers are elongate and extend the length of the item If.
[0140] Further and additional embodiments will now be illustrated.
[0141] It will be apparent to the reader by comparing Figures 11 to 19, for example, that embodiments of the invention provide a process that fabricates a composite item with various properties or characteristics described herein selected to allow given components to impart selected properties or characteristics to the composite item.
[0142] In alternative embodiments the characteristics may be maintained the same for one or more iterations after SI to S6, for example. For example, these embodiments may form two or more layers with the same properties as a way to form a thicker or deeper layer.
[0143] Alternative embodiments are formed from alternatives to wool known to the reader to be suitable for use in growing media include but not limited to fur, hair, plant fibres that are able to be felted.
[0144] Alternative embodiments are formed from alternative materials which absorb fluids other than water.
[0145] Alternative embodiments are formed from alternative materials which absorb non-polar solvents.
[0146] Alternative embodiments to that shown in Figure 1 have layers, such as 4 to 6, which have fibres selected by the cutting process applied to the fibres. For example, the fibres may have been through a process which cuts the fibres to not exceed an maximum length. The fibres selected by the cutting process can be selected to trade-off properties of aqua philia of interior of the fibres which are exposed at cut ends and aquaphobia of outside surfaces of the fibres.
[0147] The selection of fibre by cutting process may also be selected for the thickness of layers to be formed. In various embodiments the selection of wool may be by process in which the maximum length after cutting is the thickness of the layer formed plus a tolerance to connect to the layer below. The tolerance may be selected to promote binding to a specification. In some embodiments media with fibres selected have been processed to cut to a maximum length of the thickness of the layer plus a tolerance of 0.5 cm.
[0148] In other embodiments the tolerance may be 1cm. In other embodiments any tolerance known by the reader as suitable for given specifications or applications can be used.
[0149] In various embodiments an item may have multiple components, such as layers, with third, fourth or any number of densities.
[0150] In various embodiments an item may have multiple components, such as layers, formed of fibres provided by various cutting processes that provide any of various maximum lengths of fibre. The fibres selected for cutting process and corresponding maximum length of various embodiments are selected for water absorption properties. The fibres selected for cutting process and corresponding maximum length of various embodiments are selected to trade-off aquaphobic properties of the exterior of fibres and aquaphilic properties of the interior of fibres.
[0151] Alternative aspects and / or embodiments of the invention provide an item formed of media for purposes other than growing media. These may include, but are not limited to, items used for transporting, wicking and absorbing various fluids.
[0152] In alternative embodiments media is deposited in a mould by alternative methods to blowing. Any method known to the reader to be suitable for given applications may be used in various embodiments including, but not limited to dropping, placing and conveying. In alternative embodiments the media is wetted by water at alternative temperatures including and temperatures known to the reader to be suitable such over 100 degrees Celsius, over 150 degrees Celcius, between 100 and 200 degrees Celsius.
[0153] In alternative embodiments, alternative fluids to water are used in alternative embodiments to the process illustrated herein, including but not limited to polar or non-polar solvents, acid solutions, or alkaline solutions.
[0154] In alternative embodiments alternative agitation to vibration may be applied. Any agitation known as suitable to the reader may be applied in various embodiments, such as but not limited to rotating the press, mould or both; moving the press, mould or both slowly; or applying a rolling press to the media.
[0155] In various embodiments agitation may be into the mould, transverse to the mould or a combination of these.
[0156] In various embodiments the degree of needling is standardised for fabrication of given layers or sequences of layers.
[0157] In various embodiments the needling tool is a device or an apparatus or vice versa.
[0158] In various embodiments needling may be applied from above the mould or from below the mould or a combination of these.
[0159] In various alternative embodiments the item may be dried after two or more components, such as layers, have been formed. In some embodiments the item may be dried only when all of the components have been fabricated.
[0160] In various alternative embodiments the wool fibre or completed product may be treated to beams in a plasma field.
[0161] Embodiments of the invention provide growing media that has a shape determined by a mould.
[0162] Embodiments of the invention provide growing media that is able to retain shape after absorbing water.
[0163] Embodiments of the invention provide growing media that is able to retain shape after repeated wetting and drying cycles. Embodiments of the invention provide growing media that are able to be formed in defined shapes.
[0164] Embodiments of the invention provide growing media that utilise biodegradable characteristics of fibres and is able to retain shape after absorbing water.
[0165] Embodiments of the invention provide growing media that utilise biodegradable characteristics of wool fibres and is able to retain shape after absorbing water.
[0166] Embodiments of the invention provide growing media that utilise defined properties of fibres added in layers, parts or components to add defined properties to an item of growing media.
[0167] Embodiments of the invention provide growing media that is engineered.
[0168] Embodiments of the invention provide growing media formed of wool which is slowly biodegradable.
[0169] Embodiments of the invention provide growing media formed of wool which is slowly biodegradable, but nevertheless biodegradable.
[0170] As used herein the term engineered and similar is intended to refer broadly to fabrication according to a design that gives specific properties to meet a specification. Examples include, but are not limited, to engineering an item of component layers or parts to a specification for parts of or the whole item, where the specification defines water absorption, and / or shape retention and / or cycles of wetting and drying and / or other properties known to the reader.
[0171] As used herein the term 'layer' or similar refers broadly to layers across a whole cross-section of an item and also refers to layers across a partial cross-section of an item.
[0172] In the preceding description and the following claims the word "comprise" or equivalent variations thereof is used in an inclusive sense to specify the presence of the stated feature or features. This term does not preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and further and additional embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention will be apparent to the skilled reader from the examples illustrated with reference to the drawings. In particular, the invention may reside in any combination of features described herein, or may reside in alternative embodiments or combinations of these features with known equivalents to given features. Modifications and variations of the example embodiments of the invention discussed above will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departure of the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
What we claim is:
1. A process of fabricating a growing media, process comprising: providing a mould, the mould defining a shape; depositing a defined amount of media into the mould; wetting the media; compressing the media in the mould; agitating the media while compressed; needling the media so as to promote felting; and drying the media.
2. The process of claim 1, wherein the wetting the media comprises wetting the media with hot water.
3. The process of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the media is wool.
4. A process comprising iterating the process of any previous claim to provide an item of growing media having another component fabricated by the iteration of the process.
5. The process of claim 4 comprising iterating the process with an altered defined property for any one of: mould provided, orientation of mould provided, pressing the wool, agitating of the wool and needling the wool, wherein the process fabricates two or more components with a second component having a property differing from the first component.
6. The process of any previous claims wherein the growing media is suitable to absorb water to provide a medium for growing plants.
7. A product formed by the process of any previous claim.