GB1041133A - Improvements in and relating to the packing of seeds - Google Patents

Abstract

1,041,133. Seed packages. W. J. HARRIS. July 16, 1965 [Aug. 11, 1964], No. 32693/64. Heading B8C. Seeds are placed between strips of materials, at least one of which is water absorbent, and which will remain intact during the period of germination and initial growth of the seedlings, which are then removed from the pack and planted. In some embodiments the seeds are placed between two strips of paper, textile material &c., the composite strip is then rolled or folded up and enclosed in a waterproof casing until required for use. The two strips may be connected above and below the seeds. To provide sufficient space between and supply sufficient water to the seeds, the seeded strips may be combined with strips of thicker material placed on one or both of its sides. This thicker material may be corrugated paper, the limited contact between the seeded strip and corrugated paper providing some control of the amount of water supplied to the seeded strips. Alternatively the thicker strip may be made of cotton-wool, plastics foam, felt &c., separated from the seeded strip by a strip of waterproof material with apertures or of a narrower width than the thicker material to provide a control over the water supply. Spacing blocks of expanded polystyrene or other non-water absorbing material may be folded up with the seeded strips. The seeds may be attached by adhesive and/or an adhesive tape near the upper edge of one of the strips of paper, or they may be located in depressions or holes formed in the paper, adhesive tape backing securing them in the holes. Alternatively rings of adhesive between the strips may form cells for the seeds. A suitable powdered or granulated fertilizer material may also be added to the seed pack, where it may be held in position on the surface of the thicker, water-holding strip by pressure between it and the other strips, or it may be blown or shaken into this thicker strip. Alternatively any of the strips may be impregnated with a suitable fertilizer. A reservoir of water may be provided by placing a pad of water-absorbent material at the bottom and/or at the sides of the pack, in contact with the moisture-conducting strips. Alternatively the bottom portion of the pack may be wrapped, and, when germination is required may be immersed in water, holes in the waterproof wrapper providing means for ingress of the water. The sides of the pack may also be enclosed in a waterproof wrapper.