Floatable assembly for seed germination and plant growth

Abstract

The present invention relates to a floatable germination and plant-growing assembly (100), comprising at least one reservoir (30); at least one growing tray (120) arranged in the reservoir (30), the growing tray (120) having an upper surface (121) and a bottom surface (122), and the growing tray (120) being provided with through-holes (125) connecting the upper surface (121) and the bottom surface (122). The floatable germination and plant-growing assembly (100) further comprises at least one floating element (110) attached to the growing tray (120) wherein at least one floating element (110) has an immersion zone (Mz) extending downward from the bottom surface (122) of the growing tray (120).

Description

[0001] Floatable assembly for seed germination and plant growth

[0002] The present invention relates to a floatable assembly for seed germination and plant growth, in which, in particular, microgreens, micro-vegetables and young plants can be grown. More specifically, the invention relates to a germination and plant-growing assembly configured to float on a nutrient solution, wherein the immersion depth of the assembly in the nutrient solution is adjustable.

[0003] Microgreens or micro-vegetables are increasingly popular due to their high nutritional value, distinctive texture, and unique flavor. Microgreens are young plants in which the cotyledons are fully developed, and a few true leaves have started to form on the stem. Microgreens may be grown from various leafy vegetables such as lettuce or cabbage, herbs such as basil, or field crops such as sunflower, beet, or peas.

[0004] The increasing popularity of microgreens has been greatly facilitated by the fact that microgreens can be produced under identical conditions in both hobby-scale and industrialscale environments, close to the end user. Microgreens are typically grown indoors using hydroponic or other soilless growing methods. Depending on the requirements, various growing media, such as coconut fiber or rock wool, may also be used to provide the necessary conditions for germination and subsequent plant development, such as keeping the seeds moist and supporting the roots.

[0005] A germination device of this type is for example disclosed in document GB7912440, wherein the germination device comprises a reservoir configured to contain liquid, a support member floating on the liquid surface, and an absorbent growing medium placed on the support member on which the plant seeds are arranged. During the use of the germination device, the absorbent growing medium remains continuously moist by being in contact with the liquid in the reservoir, thereby providing the seeds with optimal moisture and oxygen supply. After germination, the seeds develop roots in the growing medium, and at the time the plants reach a desired stage, the plants are removed from the reservoir together with the support member and the growing medium. The disadvantage of using a growing medium is that it increases the material cost of plant growing. Furthermore, as the roots penetrate the growing medium, the medium becomes non-reusable, and the roots cannot be used at the end of the growing process, for example for animal feed. Therefore, a growing tray provided with through-holes is used during the growing of microgreens.

[0006] A device of this type is for example disclosed in document EP0167638, wherein the plant seeds, after optionally being soaked in water, are evenly distributed on a clean growing tray provided with small through-holes. The growing tray is configured to float on the liquid surface, and the necessary moisture is supplied to the seeds by the capillary action of the through-holes.

[0007] The seeds placed on the growing tray are then germinated mostly in a dark environment or under low light conditions. During germination in the dark, the seeds are kept moist, for example by a specially formulated nutrient solution placed under the growing tray and / or by spraying the seeds with the nutrient solution, while a high temperature is maintained. After the germinated seedlings are transferred to an environment with reduced temperature and reduced humidity, the germinated seedlings are illuminated with natural or artificial light. In this growing phase, the roots of the plants come into contact with the nutrient solution located under the growing tray via the through holes of the growing tray, allowing the plants to directly absorb the necessary nutrients. When the plants reach the desired stage, the microgreens are harvested by cutting the plants directly at the base of the stem.

[0008] Since microgreens are generally consumed raw, it is particularly important in terms of food safety that the growing process of microgreens be properly implemented. The environmental conditions required for germination, such as constant moisture and high temperature, create ideal conditions for the appearance and proliferation of various undesirable infections, such as pathogenic bacteria and fungi, in particular molds. Therefore, it is essential to ensure a clean and pathogen-free environment during germination.

[0009] According to the state of the art, in industrial-scale environments, the sowinggermination phase and the growing-harvesting phase are carried out in separate modules to reduce the risk of unwanted infections and to more easily provide different environmental conditions. A growing apparatus of this type is for example disclosed in document EP3845058, wherein the individual plant-growing phases are implemented in separate modules, where different lighting, humidity and nutrient-supply conditions are provided to ensure optimal growth. The growing trays containing the plants are transferred between the respective modules by means of a robot-controlled transport system.

[0010] However, the above-described growing method involves high operating costs, since manual labor and / or plant-handling equipment are required for transferring the growing trays. In addition, during the movement of the seedlings, errors can occur, such as the breakage of weak plant stems, which can lead to crop loss.

[0011] In order to address the above-described problems, there is a need to provide a floatable germination and plant-growing assembly which, when used, reduces the occurrence of unwanted infections during the growing of microgreens. Furthermore, the appropriate environmental conditions can be ensured, and it is not necessary to transfer the plants.

[0012] The present invention is based on the inventive idea that when non-germinated, non- viable wet seeds remain on the growing tray, these seeds begin to rot, which increases the occurrence of unwanted infections. However, rotting can be effectively prevented if the nongerminated seeds on the growing tray, preferably after the sowing-germination phase, are prevented from becoming wet, thereby allowing the non-germinated seeds to dry out.

[0013] These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a floatable germination and plant-growing assembly as defined in claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the floatable germination and plant-growing assembly are defined in the dependent claims.

[0014] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the figures:

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the floatable germination and plant-growing assembly according to the present invention, wherein the assembly floats on a nutrient solution contained in a reservoir.

[0016] Figure 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a reservoir filled with a nutrient solution. Figure 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of reservoirs arranged in a cascade arrangement.

[0017] Figure 3A is a schematic top view of another preferred embodiment of the floatable germination and plant-growing assembly according to the present invention, wherein the assembly floats on a nutrient solution contained in a reservoir.

[0018] Figure 3B is a schematic top view of reservoirs arranged adjacent to each other, in which separate floatable germination and plant-growing assemblies are placed respectively.

[0019] Figure 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a catamaran-like float element.

[0020] Figure 4B is a schematic top view of the catamaran-like float element shown in Figure 4A.

[0021] Figure 5A is a schematic side view of another preferred embodiment of the floatable germination and plant-growing assembly according to the present invention, wherein the assembly floats on a nutrient solution contained in a reservoir closed with a cover.

[0022] Figure 5B is a schematic side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 5A, wherein the cover is spaced apart from the reservoir.

[0023] Figure 6A is a schematic cross-sectional view of another preferred embodiment of the floatable germination and plant-growing assembly according to the present invention, wherein the nutrient solution level is at the bottom surface of the growing tray.

[0024] Figure 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 6A, wherein the nutrient solution level is spaced at a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the growing tray.

[0025] In the present description, the floatable germination and plant-growing assembly according to the invention is illustrated through several preferred embodiments. In the figures illustrating the different embodiments, structural elements having the same function are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0026] The expressions “top”, “bottom”, “downward” and “upward” are to be interpreted with reference to the orientation of the floatable germination and plant-growing assembly when it floats on the nutrient solution. These expressions are intended solely to facilitate understanding and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the use of the floatable germination and plant-growing assembly 100 preferably requires at least one reservoir 30 configured to contain the nutrient solution 10 essential for plant growing. The reservoir 30 is filled with the nutrient solution 10 to a minimum level that ensures that the assembly 100 floating on the nutrient solution 10 does not contact the bottom of the reservoir 30.

[0028] The reservoir 30 may be formed as a tank provided with an upper opening, as shown in FIG. 2A. The reservoir 30 may be filled manually and / or in an automated manner, depending on the intended use. For automated filling, a pump (not shown) may be used, the operation of the pump can be controlled by a liquid level sensor (not shown) arranged in the reservoir 30, which stops the pump when the nutrient solution 10 reaches a predetermined level. The reservoir 30 may further be provided with level-limiting elements, such as an overflow 35, which prevents the nutrient solution 10 from exceeding a maximum liquid level.

[0029] In other preferred embodiments, multiple reservoirs 30 may be arranged one above another, as shown in FIG. 2B. In these embodiments, by connecting the overflows 35 and the upper openings, the reservoirs 30 can be interconnected in a cascade arrangement, thereby allowing the nutrient solution 10 to continuously flow from the uppermost reservoir 30 toward the lowermost reservoirs 30.

[0030] In other embodiments, the reservoirs 30 may also be configured as independent growing units, as shown in FIG. 3B. In this embodiment, the reservoirs 30 can be filled with nutrient solutions 10 having different compositions, which allows plants with different nutrient requirements to be grown in the adjacent reservoirs 30.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the floatable germination and plant -growing assembly 100 comprises at least one float element 110. During plant growing, at least one growing tray 120 is supported on the float member 110 with seeds 20 distributed thereon. The float member 110 supporting the growing tray 120 is positioned on the nutrient solution 10 within the reservoir 30 such that the float member 110 is partially immersed in the nutrient solution 10.

[0032] Accordingly, at least one growing tray 120 can be arranged on the upper portion 111 of the float element 110. The growing tray 120 may be attached to the float element 110 at the upper portion 111, for example by means of a detachable or non-detachable joint, such as screws or adhesive, or by a form-fitting connection, for example by snap-fit tabs or complementary profiled sections. The float element 110 includes an immersion zone Mz extending downward from the bottom surface 122 of the growing tray 120, such that the immersion zone Mz can be partially or fully immersed in the nutrient solution 10 depending on the total weight of the assembly 100. The method for adjusting the immersion depth of the float element 110 will be described in detail later.

[0033] In all embodiments, the at least one float element 110 is configured and positioned relative to the growing tray 120 such that, when floating on the nutrient solution 10, the float element 110 maintains the growing tray 120 horizontally.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment of the floatable germination and plantgrowing assembly 100, a separate float element 110 is attached to the opposite edge portions of the growing tray 120 such that the two float elements 110 are interconnected only by the growing tray 120. The cross-sections of the two float elements 110 are formed symmetrically in a plane perpendicular to the bottom surface 122 of the growing tray 120, thereby ensuring that the float elements 110 maintain the growing tray 120 horizontally when floating on the nutrient solution 10. In this preferred embodiment of the floatable germination and plantgrowing assembly 100, the float elements 110 have a non-hollow cross-section and are made of a material having a lower density than the nutrient solution 10, for example a food grade plastic, preferably polystyrene foam. The main advantage of using plastic is its low manufacturing cost.

[0035] In another preferred embodiment, the assembly 100 may comprise a single float element 110 that extends around the perimeter of the growing tray 120, as shown in FIG. 3A. In this preferred embodiment, the float element 110 may be made of a material having a density greater than the density of the nutrient solution 10, such as metal, preferably stainless steel. The main advantage of the metal float element 110 is that microplastics cannot accumulate in the growing plants. Furthermore, the metal float element 110 is easy to clean and can be sterilized, for example by hot steam, UV radiation, or chemicals. To compensate for the greater weight of the float element 110, the float element 110 may be formed as a closed and air-filled container. Since the float element 110 surrounds the perimeter of the growing tray 120, the growing tray 120 may be mounted on the float element 110 in a detachable manner. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the assembly 100, the float element 110 may be formed as a liquid-fillable container, as shown in FIGS. 6 A and 6B. The float element 110 formed as a liquid-fillable container comprises an internal hollow space and a portion extending above the bottom surface 122 of the growing tray 120. The upper side of the extending portion is provided with an opening 115, through which liquid can be filled into or removed from the internal hollow space of the float element 110. In this preferred embodiment, the float element 110 is preferably made of a material having a lower density than the density of the nutrient solution 10, for example a food-grade plastic.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the assembly 100, a plurality of float elements 110 may be interconnected so as to form a catamaran-like configuration, as shown in FIGS. 4 A and 4B. In this preferred embodiment, the two outer float elements 110, each formed as liquid-fillable containers, are connected to one another by transverse connecting elements 113 at the portion extending above the bottom surface 122 of the growing tray 120. The transverse connecting elements 113 may be reinforced by longitudinal connecting elements 114 in order to ensure adequate rigidity of the assembly 100 when multiple growing trays 120 are placed thereon. The advantage of the catamaran-like configuration is that the wide span between the two float elements 110 provides increased stability for the growing trays 120 placed on the assembly 100. Furthermore, since the transverse connecting elements 113 and the longitudinal connecting elements 114 located in the central region do not become immersed in the nutrient solution 10, corrosion and degradation of the assembly 100 can be reduced.

[0037] The floatable germination and plant-growing assembly 100 further comprises at least one growing tray 120, which is placed on the float element 110 floating on the nutrient solution 10 during plant growing, as shown in FIG. 1. The growing tray 120 has a top surface 121 on which the seeds 20 are placed, and a bottom surface 122 opposite the top surface 121. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the top surface 121 of the growing tray 120 is provided with through-holes 125 that connect the top surface 121 to the bottom surface 122. The through-holes 125 allow excess liquid, such as excessive irrigation water, to freely drain from the growing tray 120. An additional advantage of the through-holes 125 is that the roots of the plants can come into contact with the nutrient solution 10 through the through-holes 125. The number, arrangement, and size of the through-holes 125 on the growing tray 120 may be selected depending on the type of plants being cultivated and the size of the seeds 20. The growing tray 120 may be made of materials compliant with food-safety requirements, for example food-grade plastic. However, the growing tray 120 may also be made of metal, in particular partially open-cell aluminum foam. If the growing tray 120 is formed of open-cell aluminum foam, the porous structure of the material defines channels extending through the tray, which are permeable to the roots of the plants. As a result, the roots can pass through the growing tray 120, and the separate through-holes 125 is not required.

[0038] In some preferred embodiments of the floatable germination and plant-growing assembly 100, the float element 110 and the growing tray 120 may be formed as separate components. This configuration allows each component of the assembly 100 to be replaced individually in the event of damage or wear.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the float element 110 and the growing tray 120 may be formed integrally. As a result, the assembly 100 can be manufactured and installed quickly and easily, since no separate components are present that would require assembly. Furthermore, cleaning of the growing tray 120 and the float element 110 is simplified, since there are no gaps or connection points where dirt or bacteria can accumulate.

[0040] The floatable germination and plant-growing assembly 100 may further include at least one delimiting frame 130, which is placed on the float element 110 or on the top surface 121 of the growing tray 120, as shown in FIG. 1. The delimiting frame 130 defines one or more areas of the growing tray 120 on which the seeds 20 are preferably placed. The delimiting frame 130 prevents the seeds 20 from being positioned in locations where the seeds 20 would be unable to germinate or where the roots of the seedlings would be unable to reach the nutrient solution 10. The delimiting frame 130 may be removed after the seeds 20 have begun to germinate.

[0041] The delimiting frame 130 is preferably configured such that, when placed on the growing tray 120 and / or on the float element 110, it does not affect the horizontal balance of the assembly 100 floating on the nutrient solution 10. Preferably, the height of the delimiting frame 130 is greater than the diameter of the seeds 20. It also preferred that the growing tray 120 and the delimiting frame 130 is formed as separate components or as a single, integral piece. As shown in FIG. 5 A, the reservoir 30 may be provided with a cover 40, which covers the reservoir 30 during the germination phase, thereby providing a dark environment, high humidity, and an appropriate temperature for the seeds 20.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5B, after the germination phase, the cover 40 may be lifted, and the plants can be illuminated with a light intensity suitable for the respective plant species by light sources 41 arranged on the inner surface of the cover 40. The inner surface of the cover 40 may be provided with a reflective coating, which can increase the amount of light reaching the plants, thereby improving the light utilization efficiency of the assembly 100.

[0043] The method for adjusting the immersion depth of the floatable germination and plantgrowing assembly 100 and the significance thereof will be described in detail below.

[0044] The example presented below includes certain simplifications for reasons of clarity and simplicity. For example, the negligible weight of the seeds 20 is not considered, and in the present example the assembly 100 is assumed not to comprise any auxiliary components, such as a delimiting frame 130. Furthermore, the assembly 100 is assumed to comprise only a single element of each component, such as only one growing tray 120. Naturally, under real operating conditions, the design of the assembly 100, in particular the weight and volume of the float element 110, is selected such that the assembly 100 remains capable of floating on the nutrient solution 10 even when loaded with the seeds 20, auxiliary components, and plurality of growing trays 120. And in this condition, the immersion zone Mz of the float element 110 can be partially or fully immersed in the nutrient solution 10, depending on the total weight of the assembly 100.

[0045] The immersion depth of the float element 110 in the nutrient solution 10 can be adjusted by means of a removable immersion load. In all embodiments, the immersion load is uniformly arranged on the assembly 100 whereby the applied load is evenly distributed and the balance of the assembly 100 is maintained.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the assembly 100, the immersion load is configured as a waterproof, high-density solid member intended for use in wet environments. The immersion load is configured to be placed on the assembly 100 and may be detachably fixed thereto or removed therefrom as required. In a preferred embodiment of the assembly 100, the immersion load is configured as a multilayer element comprising an inner core and an outer casing. The inner core is solid and has a density greater than the density of the nutrient solution 10, while the outer casing is made of a waterproof material, such as polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride. The casing protects the inner core from corrosion and prevents any material from leaching out of the inner core into the nutrient solution 10. The multilayer element serving as the immersion load is particularly advantageous in applications requiring a relatively large immersion load.

[0047] In another preferred embodiment of the assembly 100, the delimiting frame 130 may additionally function as a removable immersion load. The delimiting frame 130 may have a solid configuration, and it is removed after the germination of the seeds 20 has begun.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the assembly 100, the immersion load is implemented as a liquid, preferably water. The use of water allows the assembly 100 to be transported in an empty state, i.e. with reduced weight. Water is readily available, and filling is required only at the site of plant cultivation. In the event of leakage, water does not cause damage to the plants and can be easily refilled. Furthermore, by permitting gradual evaporation of the water, the amount of the immersion load can be progressively reduced, which results in a slow, automatic lifting of the float element 110 out of the nutrient solution 10.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment of the assembly 100, the delimiting frame 130 may be formed as a liquid-fillable container provided with a top opening, as shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, water can be filled into or removed from the internal hollow space of the frame 130 through the top opening.

[0050] In view of the above, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the assembly 100, the float element 110 may be formed as a liquid-fillable container provided with an upper opening 115, wherein the liquid, preferably water, is filled into or removed from the internal hollow space of the float element 110, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. In the following, the description is based on this particularly preferred embodiment.

[0051] The adjustment of the immersion depth of the floatable germination and plant-growing assembly 100 is based on the equilibrium between the buoyant force Fbuoyant exerted by the nutrient solution 10 on the assembly 100 and the weight force F assembly resulting from the total weight of the assembly 100.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 6A, at the beginning of the germination phase, the seeds 20 placed on the top surface 121 of the growing tray 120 must be positioned close to the surface of the nutrient solution 10 in order to ensure sufficient moisture. At the same time, the seeds 20 must receive an adequate supply of oxygen through the portion of their surface exposed to the air. In order to ensure this, the immersion zone Mz of the float element 110 of the assembly 100 is fully immersed in the nutrient solution 10 such that the level of the nutrient solution 10 reaches the bottom surface 122 of the growing tray 120. Accordingly, at the beginning of the germination phase, the relationship between the buoyant force Fbuoyant and the weight force F assembly ^' described by the following equation:

[0053] Fassembly Fbuoyant where

[0054] • Fbuoyant - buoyant force

[0055] • F assembly - the weight force resulting from the total weight of the assembly 100;

[0056] The weight force Fassembly resulting from the total weight of the assembly 100 can be expressed as follows:

[0057] Fassembly mfloating element * g mgrowing tray X g + mioad* g

[0058] F assembly = (mfloating element^ mtray+ mioad)xg where,

[0059] • Fassembly - the weight force resulting from the total weight of the assembly 100;

[0060] • mfloating element - the mass of the floating element 110;

[0061] • mgrowing tray - the mass of the growing tray 120;

[0062] • mioad- the mass of the immersion load;

[0063] • S ~ gravitational acceleration.

[0064] The buoyant force, in accordance with Archimedes’ principle, is described by the following equation: I1buoyant Pnutrient solution * V immersion zones * g where

[0065] • F buoyant- the buoyant force;

[0066] • Pnutnent solution - the density of the nutrient solution 10;

[0067] • Vimmersion zones- the total volume of the Mz immersion zones, which is equal to the volume of the nutrient solution 10 displaced by the floating element 110;

[0068] • g- gravitational acceleration

[0069] Accordingly, at the beginning of the germination phase, the following equations can be described:

[0070] Fassembly F buoyant

[0071] The float element 110 is provided with a predetermined amount of immersion load determined on the basis of the above equation in order to ensure that the immersion zone Mz of the float element 110 becomes fully immersed in the nutrient solution 10. As shown in FIG. 6A the internal space of the float element 110, which is formed as a liquid-fillable container, is filled with water through the opening 115 until the surface of the nutrient solution 10 reaches the bottom surface 122 of the growing tray 120.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 6B, at the end of the germination phase, when the roots of the seedlings come into contact with the nutrient solution 10 through the holes 125 of the growing tray 120, the seedlings must be moved farther away from the surface of the nutrient solution 10. In order to ensure this, a lifting distance Gifting is set between the bottom surface 122 of the growing tray 120 and the surface of the nutrient solution 10. The amount of the immersion load inside the float element 110 is reduced by removing water from the filled float element 110 to raise the assembly 100. Accordingly, at the end of the germination phase, the relationship between the buoyant force Fbuoyant and the weight force Fassembly is modified as follows: Fassembly<~ F buoyant

[0073] As a result of the buoyant force Fbuoyant acting on the assembly 100 with reduced weight, the float element 110 moves upward with respect to nutrient solution 10, whereby only a portion of the immersion zone Mz remains immersed in the nutrient solution 10. The removal of water from the float element 110 may be continued until the bottom surface 122 of the growing tray 120 is positioned at a lifting distance Lnfung above the surface of the nutrient solution 10.

[0074] The amount of the lifting distance Lnfung depends, among others, on the type of plants being growing and on the current size of the roots of the seedlings.

[0075] The weight of the float element 110 filled with water may also be reduced by continuously evaporating water from the float element 110 during the germination process, whereby the assembly 100 continuously rises during the germination of seeds 20.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 6B, at the end of the germination phase, the roots of the germinated plants extend through the holes 125 of the growing tray 120 and contact the nutrient solution 10. In contrast, the non-germinated seeds remaining on the growing tray are separated from the nutrient solution 10 by the lifting distance Gifting. Consequently, after the germination phase, the non-germinated seeds do not receive moisture, dry out, and the rotting process cannot begin.

[0077] The floatable germination and plant-growing assembly according to the present invention has the advantage that, by preventing the onset of rotting, it reduces the risk of unwanted infections. Consequently, the sowing-germination phase and the growing-harvesting phase can be carried out within a single assembly, thereby avoiding the crop losses associated with transferring the plants.

[0078] A further advantage of the floatable germination and plant-growing assembly according to the present invention is that, due to its simple design, it can be used cost-effectively for both hobby-scale and industrial-scale plant growing. Based on the above, the floatable germination and plant-growing assembly of the present invention can also be easily configured to meet specific user requirements and the characteristics of the plants being growing.

Claims

Claims1. A floatable germination and plant-growing assembly (100), comprising: at least one reservoir (30); at least one growing tray (120) arranged in the reservoir (30), the growing tray (120) having a top surface (121) and a bottom surface (122), and the growing tray (120) being provided with through-holes (125) connecting the top surface (121) and the bottom surface (122); characterized in that the assembly (100) further comprises at least one floating element (110) attached to the growing tray (120); wherein the at least one floating element (110) has an immersion zone (Mz) extending downward from the bottom surface (122) of the growing tray (120).

2. The floatable germination and plant-growing assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the floating element (110) is a closed, air-filled container.

3. The floatable germination and plant-growing assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the floating element (110) is a liquid-fillable container having a portion extending above the bottom surface (122) of the growing tray (120), and having an upper side provided with an opening (115).

4. The floatable germination and plant-growing assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the growing tray (120) and the float element (110) are formed integrally.

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