System and method for growing plants

Abstract

Plant system (1), comprising at least a water reservoir (2) and a tray (3) for holding material (4) for growing plants (5) placed at least in part at a top of the water reservoir. The water reservoir has a water inlet (7) for connecting to a drain pipe and / or gutter or to an outlet of a further reservoir, and a water outlet (10) for connecting to a drain pipe or to a water inlet of a further reservoir. The water outlet has an entry end (11) inside the reservoir, and the water inlet has an exit end (12) inside the reservoir, the entry end being spaced apart from the exit end, positioned such that water passing out of the exit end will flow into the reservoir and can pass from the reservoir into the water outlet by overflowing the entry end of the water outlet. At least one wick (15) extends from the water reservoir into the tray, such that part of the wick is positioned at a level below the entry end of the water outlet, feeding water into the tray.

Description

[0001] P137561PC00

[0002] Title: System and method for growing plants

[0003] The invention relates to a plant growing system. The invention further relates to a plant growing arrangement, comprising such plant growing system or systems. The invention relates further to a method for providing a plant growing arrangement.

[0004] There is a growing need for plants, especially in urban environment, for example in order to improve climate and retain water and in general improve living quality. It is known to provide plants on or at different surfaces, including vertical walls, such as building facades. Plants provided at such facades are also referred to as vertical gardens. For such vertical gardens or similar plants at facades providing water for the plants is necessary.

[0005] CN211832077U discloses a plant growing assembly for providing plants against walls, like building facades. In this disclosure an arrangement is disclosed comprising a series of plant growing systems, each growing system comprising a rectangular container defined by a bottom and a peripheral wall. The container is provided with a vertical wall, parallel to a rear wall with which the container can be attached to a facade of a building. The vertical wall divides the interior of the container in a water storage tank between the rear wall and the facade, and a planting box. In the planting box a screen plate is provided parallel to the bottom, dividing the planting box in a plant area above the screen plate and an air chamber below said screen plate. The water storage tank is provided with an inlet at a first side wall and an outlet at an opposite second side, the inlet and the outlet being provided coaxially, diametrically opposite each other. A wick made of rockwool extends from the bottom of the water storage tank into the plant area above the screen plate, for wicking water from the water storage tank to plant material in the plant area above the screen plate. A first drain pipe is connected to the inlet of an upper one of the plant systems, and a second drain pipe is connected to the outlet of a lower most plant system. The systems are further interconnected by communicating pipes between adjacent plant systems.

[0006] This known plant growing system and arrangement is complicated in design and construction. Moreover such system and arrangement require relatively much space compared to the plant surface area obtained therewith.

[0007] There is a desire for an alternative plant growing system. There is a desire for a plant growing system easy to place, relatively compact and providing a desirable appearance.

[0008] In an aspect a plant system according to the disclosure comprises at least a water reservoir and a tray for holding a plant growing material for growing plants, wherein said tray is placed at least in part at a top of the water reservoir. The water reservoir has a water inlet for connecting to a drain pipe and / or gutter or to an outlet of a further reservoir, and a water outlet for connecting to a drain pipe or to a water inlet of a further reservoir. The water outlet has an entry end inside the reservoir, and the water inlet has an exit end inside the reservoir, the entry end being spaced apart from the exit end, positioned relative to each other such that water passing out of the exit end will flow into the reservoir and can pass from the reservoir into the water outlet by overflowing the entry end of the water outlet inside the reservoir. At least one wick extends from the water reservoir into the tray, such that part of the wick is positioned at a level below the entry end of the water outlet, for feeding water from the reservoir upward into the tray. Preferably the at least one wick extends to close to or on the bottom of the reservoir.

[0009] In a plant system of the disclosure the water reservoir is provided below the plant tray, wherein the plant system can be connected vertically between an upper portion of a drain pipe and a lower end of a drain pipe, or between a drain pipe portion and a further plant system or between two such plant systems. In preferred embodiments two plant systems as disclosed are interconnected without a communication pipe.

[0010] In embodiments the reservoir has a wall below the tray, wherein at least one overflow opening is provided in said wall, positioned at a level below the entry end of the water outlet and above a bottom end of the reservoir.

[0011] Through this at least one overflow opening water can flow out of the water reservoir before a surplus of water accumulated in the water reservoir will flow out through the entry end, for example into a tray of a lower plant system or into a drain or an external water reservoir.

[0012] In embodiments the wick extends partly over a bottom of the tray and extends downward from the tray into the reservoir. In such embodiments water can be transferred from the water reservoir to plant growing material provided in the tray, such that the growing material is wetted appropriately.

[0013] In advantageous embodiments the at least one wick element is formed by or comprises a textile or fabric, preferably a strip of such material.

[0014] In embodiments in a plant system of the disclosure the water outlet and the water inlet are positioned above eachother, such that at least an upper side of the water inlet and at least a lower side of the water outlet define a common axis. In such embodiments multiple similar systems of the disclosure can be positioned directly above each other, in a straight line, for example replacing part of a drain pipe. In alternative embodiments at least an upper side of the water inlet and at least a lower side of the water outlet are in side by side relationship when viewed in top view.

[0015] In embodiments the entry end is positioned relative to the outlet end such that part of water flowing out of the exit end will flow into the entry end without being accumulated in the water reservoir. In embodiments the tray and water reservoir are provided with at least one substantially flat side for mounting against a surface, such as a wall. Thus a plant system of the disclosure can easily be placed, for example directly below a drain pipe end extending from a gutter.

[0016] In embodiments the water reservoir has an internal volume below the level of the entry end, wherein the at least one wick has a lower end close to or in contact with a bottom of the water reservoir.

[0017] In such embodiments water can be accumulated in the internal volume, which can be fed to the tray by the wick substantially entirely.

[0018] The disclosure further relates to a plant growing arrangement, comprising at least one drain pipe, wherein a plant system according to any one of the preceding claims is provided in the at least one drain pipe. With such arrangement plants can grow in the at least one tray, wherein water can be fed from for example a gutter or roof, for watering the plants in said at least one tray.

[0019] In embodiments in addition to for example connecting to a gutter or roof, a system of the disclosure, especially an inlet of the plant system, can be connected to an alternative or further water supply, such as but not limited to a water mains, or a water reservoir, for example through appropriate piping, wherein a pump can be provided for supplying the water to the inlet.

[0020] In advantageous embodiments a series of plant systems according to the disclosure is provided in said rain pipe. In such arrangement water can be fed from a plant system into a lower plant system, wherein the plant systems form an integral part of the drain pipe, for draining water from for example a gutter or roof.

[0021] The disclosure further relates to a method for providing a plant growing arrangement, wherein a part of a drain pipe is removed. At least one plant growing system according to the disclosure is placed between a remaining upper portion of the drain pipe and a remaining lower portion of the drain pipe, replacing said part of the drain pipe removed, such that water can pass from the upper portion of the drain pipe and the lower portion of the drain pipe by passing through the at least one plant growing system.

[0022] It will be clear that one or more plant systems of the disclosure can be provided, wherein the plant systems can be coupled to each other, directly or by intermediate drain pipe portions.

[0023] For a better understanding of the disclosure embodiments of methods and systems according to the disclosure will hereafter be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. Therein shows schematically:

[0024] Fig. 1 a plant system of the disclosure, in frontal view;

[0025] Fig. 2 a plant system of fig. 1, in cross sectional frontal view;

[0026] Fig. 3 a plant system of the disclosure, showing part of a rear side;

[0027] Fig. 4 a series of interconnected plant systems of the disclosure;

[0028] Fig. 5 a plant system of the disclosure, slightly angled in top view;

[0029] Fig. 6 a plant growing arrangement, with plants growing in the plant systems, provided against a wall of a building;

[0030] Fig. 7 in cross sectional front view a series of plant systems of the disclosure;

[0031] Fig. 7A part of an alternative embodiment of an exit end of the water inlet and an entry end of the water outlet;

[0032] Fig. 8 a plant growing arrangement in an embodiment with an elongated tray;

[0033] Fig. 9 in cross sectional view an alternative plant system of the disclosure;

[0034] Fig. 10 in cross sectional view part of a further alternative embodiment of a system of the disclosure, showing alternative entry ends of outlets of two subsequent reservoirs; Fig. 11 in cross section a series of alternative embodiments of a plant system of the disclosure;

[0035] Fig. 12 in cross section an embodiment of a plant system, similar to that of fig. 11, in partly exploded view, with an alternative outlet; and

[0036] Fig. 13 in top view a system of fig. 11 or 12.

[0037] It should be noted that these drawings are schematic, not to scale and are provided for a better understanding of the disclosure. The embodiments shown in the drawings and described hereafter are shown only by way of example and should not be considered limiting the scope of the disclosure. In the description the same or similar reference signs will refer to the same or similar features.

[0038] With systems and methods as disclosed plants can grow, receiving water from a drain pipe. With a plant arrangement according to the disclosure a vertical garden can be provided, wherein practical use is made of water flowing through a drain pipe, for example from a gutter or roof. Water caught by a roof or gutter, such as drain, can advantageously be used for watering plants growing in the plant arrangement. A plant system according to the disclosure can be relatively compact, and can be mounted close to or against a wall. In this disclosure drain pipe has to be understood as including at least, but not limited to general drains or for example dewatering provisions or overflow provisions for buildings or other constructions and the like.

[0039] Fig. 1 - 3 show a plant system 1, comprising at least a water reservoir 2 and a tray 3 for holding a plant growing material 4 for growing plants 5. The plant growing material 4 can be any suitable material, such as for example soil, rockwool or glass wool, oasis or the like. The said tray 3 is placed at least in part at a top 6 of the water reservoir 2. The water reservoir 2 has a water inlet 7 for connecting to a drain pipe 8 and / or gutter 9 (see e.g. fig. 4, 6, 7, 8) or to an outlet of a further reservoir (see e.g. fig. 4, 6, 7, 8) and a water outlet 10 for connecting to a drain pipe 8 or to a water inlet 7 of a further reservoir 2,

[0040] The water outlet 10 has an entry end 11 inside the reservoir 2, and the water inlet 7 has an exit end 12 inside the reservoir 2. The entry end 11 is spaced apart from the exit end 12. The entry end 11 and the exit end 12 are positioned relative to each other such that water W passing out of the exit end 12 will flow into the reservoir 2 and can pass from the reservoir 2 into the water outlet 10 by overflowing the entry end 11 of the water outlet 10 inside the reservoir 2.

[0041] In fig. 2 flow of water W flowing out of the exit end 12 into the reservoir is shown by split arrow 13, in broken lines, as will be explained hereafter. In fig. 2 furthermore water W flowing out of the reservoir 2 is indicated by arrows 14 in broken lines.

[0042] At least one wick 15 extends from the water reservoir 2 into the tray 3, such that part 16 of the wick 15 is positioned at a level below the entry end 11 of the water outlet 10, for feeding water W from the reservoir 2 upward into the tray 3.

[0043] The tray 3 has a bottom 17 and a peripheral wall 18 extending upward from the bottom 17, providing a space 19 for receiving the plant growing material 4. The space 19 is open at the top side, so as to allow plants 5 to grow upward, and plants can also hang over the wall 18, as for example shown in fig. 6. The water reservoir 2 has a bottom 20 and a peripheral wall 21 extending upward from the bottom 20, and is connected to the tray 3, especially to the bottom 17 thereof. Preferably the tray 3 is removable from the reservoir 2, for allowing access to the reservoir, for example for cleaning. In the wall 21 of the reservoir at least one overflow opening 22 is provided allowing water from the reservoir 2 to flow out of the reservoir 2. In the embodiments shown multiple overflow openings 22 are provided around the reservoir 2. As can be seen in for example fig. 3 the overflow opening or openings 22 can be formed by tubes extending outward from the wall 21, such that water flowing from the overflow openings 22 will be prevented from flowing down along the outside of the wall 21. The water can thus spray plants 5 growing in a tray 3 below the system 1.

[0044] The or each overflow opening 22 is provided at a level O below the level L of the lowest side of the entry end 11 of the outlet 10. Thus water will flow out of the overflow openings 22 before water will flow from the reservoir 2 into the entry end 11.

[0045] In embodiments, as for example shown in fig. 2, the wick 15 is formed by a strip of material, which extends from the inner volume V of the reservoir 2 upward through the bottom 17, such that part of the wick 15 extends inside the space 19 of the tray 3. Fig. 5 shows a top view of a system 1, especially of a tray 3, with the inlet 7. As can be seen in this top view the wick 15 extends in part over the bottom 17 of the tray 3, such that the plant growing material 4 can be placed on the wick 15, in contact therewith, such that water can be transported from the reservoir to the plant growing material 4. The wick 15 can for example be textile, fabric, rockwool, glass wool or similar hydrophilic materials as known in the art.

[0046] The water outlet 10 and the water inlet 7 can be positioned above each other, such that at least an upper side of the water inlet 7 and at least a lower side of the water outlet 10 define a common axis X - X. Thus a straight drain pipe can easily be used for mounting the system 1. Alternatively an upper side of the water inlet 7 and at least a lower side of the water outlet 10 are in side by side relationship when viewed in top view.

[0047] In embodiments as shown the water outlet is formed by a pipe 23 extending from or through the bottom 20, in the direction of the tray 3. The upper end of the pipe 23 forms the entry end 11. The entry end 11 can be provided in a plane 24 extending at an angle a relative to the longitudinal axis Z - Z of the pipe 23. The angle a is for example between 30 and 90 degrees, such as for example between 30 and 60 degrees. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2 the said angle is about 30 degrees. As can be seen, water exiting the exit end 12 will be guided over a wall part 25 of the inclined part 26 of the pipe 23, into the internal volume V of the reservoir 2, especially a part of the volume V below the lowest point of the entry end 11 of the outlet 10. As is schematically shown in fig. 2 by arrow 13, a relatively small part or percentage 13A of the water coming from the exit end 12 can directly flow into the outlet 10, or at least into the pipe 23, to be fed into a reservoir 2 of a system 1 connected to the outlet 10, if provided for, as will be explained.

[0048] In alternative embodiments the outlet 10, especially the pipe 23, can be formed differently, as for example shown in fig. 9 or 10, wherein the pipe 23 is substantially straight, and has a closed upper end 23A guiding water W from the exit end into the reservoir. In the wall 23B of the pipe 23 openings 11A are formed, for example just below the closed end 23A, forming the entry end 11 of the outlet 10.

[0049] Fig. 7 shows in cross section a plant growing arrangement 100 comprising two plant systems 1, as for example disclosed in fig. 1 - 3, arranged between an upper part 107 of the drain pipe 8 and a lower end 104 of the drain pipe 8. As is indicated by vertical lines part 13A of the water flowing from the exit end 12 of the upper pipe 23 can flow directly into the entry end 11 of the lower pipe 23. By varying the angle a and / or the length of the angled upper end 23A of the pipe the portion or percentage of water 13 that can flow directly into the lower pipe 23 can be amended, in order to optimize distribution of water over the reservoirs 2.

[0050] Fig. 7A shows an alternative embodiment of an upper end 23A of a pipe 23. In this embodiment the upper end 23A is formed by or comprises a cone shape, with a top 23B facing upward, towards an outlet end 12 of a reservoir 2 above it or an upper portion of a drain pipe 8. In this cone shape openings 11A are provided, for forming an entry end 11 of the lower pipe 23. The cone shape efficiently prevents debris from accumulating at said entry end 11. Any debris potentially accumulating at said entry end will be flushed away by water flowing through the drain pipe 8. Fig. 10 shows schematically the upper ends of two pipes 23 in a further alternative embodiment, wherein an opening 26 is provided in the further closed upper end 23A of the pipe 23, for allowing water W to pas directly from the exit end 12 into the pipe 23. In the embodiment shown in fig. 10 a plug 27 is placed in the opening 26, with a bore 28 extending therethrough. In the embodiment shown the bore 28 in the plug 27 in the upper one of the two pipes 23 has a larger cross section Di than the cross section D2 of the bore 28 of the plug 27 in the lower pipe 23. Thus a larger percentage of the water W flowing into the upper system 1A, of which only the relevant upper end 23A of the pipe 23 is shown, can flow directly into the pipe 23 than in the lower second system IB, of which again only the relevant upper end 23A of the pipe 23 is shown. Thus water W flowing into the upper most system 1 in series of systems 1 coupled to form a plant growing arrangement 100, as for example shown in fig. 4, 6, 7 and 8, can be distributed more evenly over the series of reservoirs 2 of the coupled systems 1. When more than two such systems are coupled the cross section D of subsequent bores can gradually decrease in downward direction of the systems 1 for further optimizing the distribution of the water W over the systems 1.

[0051] A reservoir 2 of a system 1 of the disclosure has an internal volume V, which comprises an inner volume V 1 below the level L of the entry end 11 for retaining water inside the reservoir. If overflow openings are provided part of said water retained can be dispensed through said overflow openings. The or each wick has a lower end 15A close to or in contact with the bottom 20 of the water reservoir 2, such that virtually all water can be fed to the tray 3 of the relevant system 1, providing water of the plants 5 therein, even if for some time no water is added to the systems 1.

[0052] As can be seen in fig. 5, a tray 3 and if desired also a reservoir 2 of a system 1 of the disclosure can have at least one substantially flat side 29 for mounting against a surface 30, such as a wall, as shown e.g. in fig. 6. Fig. 11 - 13 show further alternative embodiments of a system 1 and arrangement 100 according to the disclosure. Fig. 11 shows in frontal view in cross section systems 1, stacked for forming an arrangement 100. In this embodiment the tray 3 is removably connected to the reservoir 2. The tray 3 can be a part separate from the reservoir 2, and can for example be placed on an upper edge of the reservoir, and can be removed again, for example for cleaning the reservoir 2 or handling plants 5. In this embodiment the tray 3 and reservoir 2 are substantially rectangular in cross section, and can for example be square, and tapering downward. In these embodiments a pipe 23 extends through the bottom 20 of the reservoir 2, with an upper end 23A inside the reservoir 2, defining an entry end 11 for the outlet 10. Below the bottom 20 the pipe 23 is bent, such that an outlet end 10A of the pipe 23 is displaced relative to a longitudinal axis X - X of the pipe 23, which can coincide with a central axis of the reservoir 2. In the embodiments shown the lower end of the pipe 23 comprises a bend 23C, opening away from an entry end 11 of the outlet, directing water W flowing through the pipe 23 towards a side wall 21 of the reservoir 2. Said water W will flow into the reservoir 2, until it reaches a level L of the entry end 12 of the pipe 23, after which a surplus of water W will flow through the pipe 23 into the reservoir 2 below it. Again in that reservoir, here indicated by reference sign 2A, water will accumulate until it reaches the level L of the entry end 11 of the pipe 23, whereas it will flow through the pipe 23 into again a lower reservoir 2 or into a lower part 104 of the drain pipe 8 or a rain container or the like, connected thereto.

[0053] Fig. 12 shows a system 1 comprising a tray 3 and a reservoir 2 with pipe 23, for example for use for forming an assembly 100 as shown in fig. 11. In this embodiment the lower end 23C of the pipe 23 is angled downward and outward, such that water W flowing out of said end will be directed down and outward, as indicated by the arrow W. The wicks 15 hang down from the bottom 17 of the tray 3 into the reservoir. The pipes 23 are preferably substantially free of obstructions and allow free flow of water through the pipes and reservoirs. Rubble, like leaves, needles, pollen and the like can be flushed through easily, without blockage.

[0054] Fig. 13 shows a top view of a tray 3 for use in a system or an assembly 100 according to the disclosure, preferably but not exclusively according to fig. 11 and 12, wherein the tray 3 has a substantially rectangular, such as substantially square cross section, wherein a back wall is formed by a substantially flat side 29. A recess 108 is provided in the tray 3, opening into the back wall and upper and lower side of the tray 3, which can extend around the pipe 23 extending from a reservoir above it or an upper portion 107 of a drain pipe 8. This allows the tray 3 to be placed and removed easily, for example by sliding and / or tilting.

[0055] In the embodiments of fig. 11 - 13 the water outlet 10 has a lower end 10A which is angled relative to the vertical axis X - X of the reservoir 2, which lower end 10A extends below the bottom 20 of the reservoir 2. The water inlet 7 is provided by at least an upper end 2B of the reservoir 2, such that when one plant growing system 11is provided above another plant growing system I2the lower end 10A of the outlet 10 of the upper one I1of said plant growing systems extends at least partly into the reservoir 2 of the lower one I2of said plant growing systems 1 through said water inlet 7. For an upper one I1of the plant systems a rain pipe or other water supply, or an outlet 10 of a further system 1 can extend towards or into the reservoir for supplying water into the reservoir 2. During use the exit end 12 of the water inlet 7 can be provided by said upper end 2 A of the reservoir or the like provision for allowing water to enter into the reservoir, such as the outlet 10A of a system I1or reservoir thereof above it or a rain pipe or the like water supply.

[0056] As shown and discussed, the tray 3 can have a recess 108 which can fit around at least part of a rain pipe 8 or outlet end 10, 10A of a plant system I2positioned on top of or above the plant growing system I1when the tray 3 is placed on the reservoir 2 of the plant growing system I2.

[0057] In arrangements as shown in fig. 11 - 13 at least two superimposed plant growing systems I1, I2are provided, wherein an outlet end 10A of an upper one I1of said at least two plant growing systems I1, I2extends through a recess 108 in a tray 3 of the lower one I2of the at least two plant growing systems I1, I2, at least partly into the reservoir 2 of the said lower one I2of the at least two plant growing systems I1, I2, through an inlet 2B,

[0058] 7 of the said reservoir 2, providing for an exit end 12 of the water inlet 7.

[0059] As indicated, systems 1 of the disclosure can be coupled to each other and / or to a drain pipe 8 and / or gutter 9 or similar systems for handling water, especially rain water, for forming a plant growing arrangement 100, as for example shown in fig. 4, 6, 7 and 8, wherein the systems 1 can be according to the disclosure, as for example shown in but not limited to fig. 1 - 3, 5, 9 and 11.

[0060] In a method for providing a plant growing arrangement 100, which can comprise one or more plant systems 1 as disclosed, a part of a drain pipe

[0061] 8 is removed, wherein at least one plant growing system 1 according to the disclosure is placed between a remaining upper portion 107 of the drain pipe 8 and a remaining lower portion 104 of the drain pipe 8. The one system 1 or combination of systems 1 are positioned for replacing said part of the drain pipe removed, such that water can pass from the upper portion 107 of the drain pipe 8 to the lower portion of the drain pipe 104 by passing through the one plant growing system 1 or series of plant systems 1 coupled therebetween. Obviously the step of removing part of an existing drain pipe can be omitted if the plant growing arrangement 100 is provided for while newly placing a drain pipe or similar system.

[0062] Instead of connecting the plant growing system or at least a lowest plant growing system 1 of a plant growing arrangement comprising multiple such systems 1 to a lower part 104 of a drain pipe, it can be connected to for example a rain container or be allowed to dispense water directly to the ground or open water or be used differently.

[0063] Fig. 8 shows an arrangement 100 of a plant growing system 1 connected to an upper portion 107 of a drain pipe 8 connected to a gutter 9. In this embodiment the outlet 10 is connected to a water container 110 for collecting water overflowing from the system 1. In this embodiment a tray 3 is shown, in cross section, having a length T which is significantly larger than the diameter or cross sectional size B of the reservoir, for example more than twice the cross section B, providing more space for plants. As schematically indicated by broken lines at the right hand side of fig. 8, a second reservoir 2 or series of such reservoirs 2 could be connected to the same tray 3, for increasing the capacity of the arrangement 100. In this embodiment the upper portion 107 of the drain pipe 8 is angled, slowing down water flowing through the drain pipe 8.

[0064] In fig. 8 schematically a water supply line 120 is shown, ending at or near an inlet 7 of at least one of the systems 1. Through such water supply an alternative and / or additional source for water is provided. The water supply line 120 can for example be connected to a water mains 121, for example comprising a valve 122 for opening and closing the water supply from the mains 121. In the same or other embodiments the water supply line 120 can be connected to a different water source, such as but not limited to a water container 110, surface water source of the like, wherein for example a pump 123 can be provided for forwarding the water through the supply line 120. With such supply of water it can be avoided that the plants are deprived of water when for example no rain water is provided over an extended period of time. In embodiments the valve 122 and / or the pump 123 can be controlled by a moisture sensor 124, such that when a water level in a reservoir 2 is below a set minimum, water is supplied through the water supply line 120. The invention is by no means limited to the embodiments of methods and systems as specifically shown in the drawings and described in the description with reference to said drawings. Many alternatives are possible within the disclosure or within the invention as defined by the appending claims.

[0065] For example combinations of features as disclosed are considered to have been disclosed as well. A drain pipe can be connected to a flat roof or angled roof directly, for example without a gutter. A reservoir of a system 1 of the disclosure can be designed having a different shape and in various dimensions, wherein in an arrangement of the disclosure a series of the same or different embodiments of a plant growing system of the disclosure can be combined. Plant growing systems according to the disclosure can be coupled to each other directly or by intermediate pipes. Especially when using intermediate pipes plant systems 1 can be positioned directly, in line with each other, above each other but can also be positioned staggered relative to each other. A reservoir of a plant growing system of the disclosure can be provided with an internal divider, like an internal overflow tray extending around the entry end, such that a first volume of water entering the reservoir will be received in said divider, which will overflow into the exit end as well as into the reservoir if more water enters into the relevant system, such that water is distributed over the reservoirs of the arrangement. Wicks can be provided differently, for example by other materials or designs or layouts or sizes, for example by a hydrophilic material filling a tube extending from the reservoir into the tray.

[0066] These and other embodiments are considered to also be within the disclosure.

Claims

Claims1. Plant system, comprising at least a water reservoir and a tray for holding a plant growing material for growing plants, wherein said tray is placed at least in part at a top of the water reservoir, wherein the water reservoir has a water inlet for connecting to a drain pipe and / or gutter or to an outlet of a further reservoir, and a water outlet for connecting to a drain pipe or to a water inlet of a further reservoir, wherein the water outlet has an entry end inside the reservoir, and the water inlet has an exit end inside the reservoir, the entry end being spaced apart from the exit end, positioned relative to each other such that water passing out of the exit end will flow into the reservoir and can pass from the reservoir into the water outlet by overflowing the entry end of the water outlet inside the reservoir, wherein at least one wick extends from the water reservoir into the tray, such that part of the wick is positioned at a level below the entry end of the water outlet, for feeding water from the reservoir upward into the tray.

2. Plant system according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir has a wall below the tray, wherein at least one overflow opening is provided in said wall, positioned at a level below the entry end of the water outlet and above a bottom end of the reservoir.

3. Plant system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one wick extends partly over a bottom of the tray and extends downward from the tray into the reservoir.

4. Plant system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wick is formed by or comprises a textile or fabric, preferably a strip of such material.

5. Plant system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water outlet and the water inlet are positioned above each other, such that: at least an upper side of the water inlet and at least a lower side of the water outlet define a common axis; or at least an upper side of the water inlet and at least a lower side of the water outlet are in side by side relationship when viewed in top view.

6. Plant system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet is formed by or comprises a pipe extending into the reservoir and comprising the entry end.

7. Plant system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the entry end is positioned relative to the outlet end such that part of water flowing out of the exit end will flow into the entry end without being accumulated in the water reservoir.

8. Plant system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the entry end is provided in a plane extending at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the pipe.

9. Plant system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tray and water reservoir are provided with at least one substantially flat side for mounting against a surface, such as a wall.

10. Plant system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water reservoir has an internal volume below the level of the entry end, wherein the at least one wick has a lower end close to or in contact with a bottom of the water reservoir.

11. Plant growing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water outlet has a lower end which is angled relative to a vertical axis X- X of the reservoir, which lower end extends below the bottom of the reservoir, wherein the water inlet is provided by at least an upper end of the reservoir, such that when one plant growing system is provided above another plant growing system the lower end of the outlet of the upper one ofsaid plant growing systems extends at least partly into the reservoir of the lower one of said plant growing systems through said water inlet.

12. Plant growing system according to claim 11, wherein the tray has a recess which can fit around at least part of a rain pipe or outlet end of a plant system positioned on top of or above the plant growing system when the tray is placed on the reservoir of the plant growing system.

13. Plant growing arrangement, comprising at least one drain pipe, wherein a plant system according to any one of the preceding claims is provided in the at least one drain pipe.

14. Plant growing arrangement according to claim 13, wherein a series of plant systems according to any one of claims 1 - 12 is provided in said drain pipe.

15. Plant growing arrangement according to claim 14, wherein in downward direction the exit ends and entry ends of subsequent plant systems are positioned relative to each other such that in each of said plant systems during use a percentage of water flowing out of the exit end will flow directly into the entry end, wherein said percentage decreases in downward direction.

16. Plant growing arrangement, comprising at least two superimposed plant growing systems of claim 11 or 12, wherein an outlet end of an upper one of said at least two plant growing systems extends through a recess in a tray of the lower one of the at least two plant growing systems, at least partly into the reservoir of the said lower one of the at least two plant growing systems, through an inlet of the said reservoir, providing for an entry end of the water inlet.

17. Method for providing a plant growing arrangement, wherein a part of a drain pipe is removed, wherein at least one plant growing system according to any one of claims 1 - 10 is placed between a remaining upper portion of the drain pipe and a remaining lower portion of the drain pipe, replacing said part of the drain pipe removed, such that water can pass fromthe upper portion of the drain pipe and the lower portion of the drain pipe by passing through the at least one plant growing system.

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