GB2598727A

GB2598727A - A vertical farming apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2598727A
Application number: GB2014046.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Moore David
Original assignee: Agriculture Investments Ltd
Current assignee: Agriculture Investments Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-07
Filing date: 2020-09-07
Publication date: 2022-03-16
Also published as: GB202014046D0

Abstract

The present invention provides a vertical farming apparatus 102 including an array of gutters 114 supported by a frame 104 for supporting troughs 118 or pots, wherein the array of gutters comprises an upper formation of gutters 114 above a lower formation of gutters 114, each gutter comprising a raised surface 114a that is arranged to support the one or more troughs or pots and a drainage surface 114b below the raised surface that is arranged to accept drainage from the one or more plant troughs or pots, one or more irrigation lines supported by the frame, one or more conduits supported by the frame, the conduits arranged to supply carbon dioxide to the array of gutters and the plant troughs or pots. The lower formation of gutters 114 is arranged in an offset tiered configuration to maximise the sunlight received by plants supported by the lower formation of gutters 114. The frame may comprise curved portions (230, figure 2) arranged in a tiered configuration and an upper support member (216a) may be supported by the curved member. Also disclosed is a kit of parts comprising the vertical farming apparatus and two or more plant troughs or pots.

Description

A VERTICAL FARMING APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a vertical farming apparatus and, in particular, to an apparatus comprising an array of gutters, one or more irrigation lines and one or more conduits.

Background of the Invention

The use of vertical, hydroponic and intensive growth farming systems has grown over recent years for the farming of certain crops and, in particular, for fruit and vegetable produce. These systems often aim to improve the farming and cultivation of fruits or vegetables by improving growth of the produce, improving yield of the produce, making the harvesting of the produce easier and/or reducing the costs of the produce by, for example, reducing the land usage or labour requirements.

One system used in this field involves placing the fruit or vegetable plants on tables or gutters from a roof. This advantageously makes harvesting produce easier as the plants and their produce are raised off the ground. However, such systems do not substantially reduce productions costs of the fruit and vegetables as they do not typically increase the density of plants per unit area.

Another system that is typically used to grow fruit and vegetables is to stack plant pots or troughs in vertical columns with spacers in between each pot or trough. Stacking the plant troughs or pots vertically significantly increases the plant density per unit area, thereby reducing land usage. However, there are a number of significant drawbacks associated with stacking plants in vertical columns. First, the sunlight received by the plants in the lower portion of the column is often considerably less than the sunlight received by the plants in the upper portion of the column, as the trough or pots and plants above block their sunlight. This can cause varying levels of growth and ripening in a single column. Secondly, vertical columns are usually watered and fed by watering the topmost plant. The water and fertiliser is then allowed to trickle or seep downwards via gravity to the plants below. This can result in asymmetric growth of plants in a column due to the uneven distribution of water and nutrients. Thirdly, the spacers that allow one plant pot or trough to be stacked on top of another typically impede airflow around the plants. To overcome this, complex systems are used to simulate airflow and circulation around the plants in the column.

Objects and aspects of the present invention seek to alleviate at least these problems with the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a vertical farming apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a frame for supporting plant troughs or pots, a base for supporting the frame; an array of gutters supported by the frame, the array of gutters comprising an upper formation of gutters above a lower formation of gutters; one or more irrigation lines that are supported by the frame; and one or more conduits that are supported by the frame; wherein each gutter in the array of gutters comprises a raised surface that is arranged to support one or more plant troughs or pots and a drainage surface below the raised surface that is arranged to accept drainage from the one or more plant troughs or pots that are supported by the raised surface in use; further wherein the one or more conduits are arranged to supply gaseous carbon dioxide to the array of gutters and the plant troughs or pots that are supported by the array of gutters in use, and the one or more irrigation lines are arranged to supply water to the array of gutters and the plant troughs or pots that are supported by the array of gutters in use; and further wherein the lower formation of gutters is arranged in a tiered configuration such that each gutter in the lower formation array of gutters is at least partially offset in a first horizontal direction from the other gutters in the lower formation and is at least partially offset in a first horizontal direction from the gutters in the upper formation.

In this way, an apparatus for the vertical farming a crop such as fruit and vegetable plants is provided. In use, fruit or vegetable plants are potted within a growth substrate in the plant pots or troughs that are supported by an array of gutters. The tiered configuration and horizontal offsets of the lower formation of the array of gutters means that, in use, the plants supported on the gutters have vertical access to sunlight for increased levels of photosynthesis. This improves the growth and well-being of the crop and can result in an improved yield. Furthermore, since the tiered configuration also involves a vertical offset the plant density per unit area is increased when compared with table-top crops or conventional ground based farming. Additionally, the tiered configuration raises the crop off the ground thereby improving the ease of harvesting and inspecting the crop and protecting the crop from cold or damp ground.

The gutters advantageously comprise a raised surface for supporting the plant troughs or pots in use and a drainage surface below the raised surface. In use, the drainage surface is below the bottom of the plant troughs or bottoms. Therefore, when the plants are watered or fed, any excess water or feed drains through the pot and onto the drainage surface. This advantageously helps keep plants from being waterlogged and thereby improves root growth and helps prevent root rot.

The apparatus also advantageously comprises conduits arranged to supply gaseous carbon dioxide. This has a number of benefits. First, it ensures that each plant has a sufficient supply of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, which improves growth and crop yield. Secondly, the supply of gaseous carbon dioxide creates air turbulence around the plants in use. This helps supply the plants with carbon dioxide and oxygen. Additionally, in use, the air turbulence moves the stems and leaves of the plant, which strengthens the structure of the crop, thereby improving growth and the ability to support ripening fruit or the like.

The apparatus also advantageous comprises irrigation lines for watering and feeding the crops that are housed within the plant troughs in use. The irrigation lines may be in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir may contain water and any suitable fertiliser. A pump may be provided to convey water and other substances along the irrigation lines.

A key advantage of the present invention is that the vertical farming apparatus provides all of the main requirements for vertically farming a crop with improved yield and reduced land usage.

Each gutter in the array of gutters may have substantially the same dimensions as each of the other gutters in the array of gutters. By having each gutter in the array of gutters with the same dimensions the plant troughs or pots supported by the gutters can, in use, be moved between any or each gutter. Accordingly, the plants can be easily rearranged to sort by, for example, growth or ripening.

The offset in the first horizontal direction of each gutter to the other gutters in the lower formation of gutters may be equal to or greater than the width of said each gutter. Having an offset equal to or greater than the gutter may increase the amount of direct sunlight that plants supported by the lower formation of gutters receive with the trade-off of slightly decreasing plant density per unit area. Accordingly, it is envisaged that such an embodiment would be used predominantly for crops that require more direct sunlight.

Alternatively, the offset in the first horizontal direction of each gutter to the other gutters in the formation of gutters may be less than the width of said each gutter. Decreasing the horizontal offset to be below the width of the gutter may increase plant density per unit area with the trade-off of slightly decreasing the amount of direct sunlight that the plants supported by the lower formation of gutters receive. Accordingly, it is envisaged that such an embodiment would be used predominantly for crops that prefer shady conditions and/or where land usage is a key factor The gutters in the array of gutters may be all aligned in a second horizontal direction. The second horizontal direction may be perpendicular to the first horizontal direction in which the gutters in the lower formation are offset. Aligning the gutters in the second horizontal direction may help to reduce the footprint of the apparatus and thereby increase plant density in use.

A gutter in the upper formation of gutters may be centrally aligned with the frame along both the first horizontal direction and the second horizontal direction. Alternatively, the gutter in the upper formation of gutters may be centrally aligned with the frame along only one of said horizontal directions. A first gutter in the upper formation of gutters may be centrally aligned with a second gutter in the upper formation along one or both of the first and second horizontal directions. Alternatively or additionally, a gutter in the upper formation of gutters may be centrally aligned with an uppermost gutter in the lower formation of gutters along one or both of the first and second horizontal directions.

Both the frame and the array of gutters may be symmetrical along a plane orthogonal to the first horizontal direction. In this way, the frame and array of gutters may comprise a plane of symmetry. Both the frame and the array of gutters may be symmetrical along a plane orthogonal to the second horizontal direction. The frame and array of gutters may be symmetrical along both planes. The frame may be an A-frame. The frame may be less than 2.5 metres tall. In this way, crops grown on the apparatus may be harvested without the need for sophisticated equipment suitable for working at height and the associated safety systems required.

The tiered configuration of the lower formation of gutters may resembles a V-shape or chevron. In this way, the offset in the first horizontal direction between the gutters above and/or below any gutter in the lower formation is equal. The upper and lower formation of gutters may resemble a rocket shape.

Each gutter may be rectilinear. In this way, the plants grown thereon may be arranged rectilinearly such that harvesting and other labour intensive activities are able to be carried out efficiently.

The frame may comprise a first sub-frame and a second sub-frame and each gutter in the array of gutters may be supported by both the first sub-frame and second sub-frame simultaneously. The first sub-frame and the second sub-frame may not be connected or attached except by the gutters.

Each gutter in the array of gutters may be removable from frame. In this way, the gutters and plant troughs that they support in use may be moved to a different position on the frame and cleaned. Furthermore, the gutters may have a shorter life span than the frame and making the gutters removeable may increase the lifespan of the apparatus as whole.

The longitudinal axis of each gutter in the array of gutters may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of each other gutter in the array of gutters.

The irrigation lines and/or the conduits may comprise a plurality of outlets and/or a single continuous outlet along a length thereof.

The one or more conduits may extend in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of a gutter in the array of gutters. In this way, the conduits may be aligned with the gutters and the plant troughs or pots supported thereon in use. This is advantageous as it helps ensure that the beneficial effects of the conduits and carbon dioxide supplied therethrough are evenly spread across all the plants housed in the plant trough or pot that is supported on the gutter in use.

The one or more irrigation lines may extend in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of a gutter in the array of gutters. In this way, the irrigation lines may be aligned with the gutters and the plant troughs or pots supported thereon in use. This is advantageous as it helps ensure that the beneficial effects from watering and feeding the plants are evenly spread across all the plants housed in the plant trough or pot that is supported on the gutter in use.

The apparatus may comprise a conduit that is arranged to supply gaseous carbon dioxide to two or more gutters in the array of gutters in a series configuration. Having a conduit arranged in a series configuration may reduces the complexity of the system to supply the carbon dioxide.

Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may comprises two or more conduits that are arranged to supply gaseous carbon dioxide to two or more gutters in the array of gutters in a parallel configuration. Having conduits connected in a parallel configuration may mean that it is easier to ensure an even pressure of the gaseous carbon dioxide inside the two or more conduits in use and, therefore, a more even supply of carbon dioxide to the gutters in the array of gutters.

The apparatus may comprise an irrigation line that is arranged to supply water to two or more gutters in the array of gutters in a series configuration. Having a conduit arranged in a series configuration may reduce the complexity of the system to water and/or feed the plants in use.

Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may comprises two or more irrigation lines that are arranged to supply water to two or more gutters in the array of gutters in a parallel configuration. Having irrigation lines connected in a parallel configuration may mean that it is easier to ensure an even water pressure inside the two or more irrigation lines in use and, therefore, a more even supply of water to the gutters in the array of gutters.

The apparatus may comprise a system for collecting and treating the drainage from the array of gutters. The collected and treated water may be supplied to the irrigation lines for resupply to the gutters. In this way, waste water may be reduced.

The frame may comprise a curved support member with curved portions arranged in a tiered configuration that support at least the lower formation of gutters. The frame may further comprise an upper support member that is supported by the curved support member. The upper support members may support one or more of the gutters of the upper formation of gutters.

The frame may comprise a vertical support member that extends from the base and supports at least the upper formation of gutters.

The frame may comprise one or more horizontal support members that extend from the vertical support member. Each horizontal support member may support a gutter from the lower formation of gutters.

The frame may comprise an insect habitat support for supporting a habitat for insects. The apparatus may comprise a habitat for insects. The habitat may only be suitable for insects that are deemed beneficial to the crop that is being farmed in use.

The apparatus may be arranged and/or configured for vertically farming strawberries. However, the farming of other crops is also envisaged.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising the vertical farming apparatus of the first embodiment and two or more plant troughs or pots The plant troughs or pots may contain growing medium therein. The growing medium may be inert and may have zero ionic charge, which has been found to aid plant growth. The growing medium may comprise a clay ball substrate. Additionally or alternatively, the growing medium may comprise any other known growing substrate such as perlite, vermiculite, mineral wool or coir. The growing medium may be free draining. The growing medium may be recycled or reused.

Alternatively, the plant troughs or pots may be configured and arranged for hydroponic growing of plants.

The kit of parts may comprise a grow room in which the vertical farming apparatus and the plant troughs or pots are positioned. The grow room may comprise a transparent or semitransparent outer surface. The grow room may comprise a light diffusing outer surface. The grow room may be a green house, a poly tunnel, or any other known suitable structure. The grow room may be configured to control the heat, humidity and air movement therein.

Detail Description of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first vertical farming apparatus; Figure 2 is an end cross-sectional view of a second vertical farming apparatus; and Figure 3 is an end cross-sectional view of a third vertical farming apparatus.

Figure 4 is an end cross-sectional view of a fourth vertical farming apparatus.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first vertical farming apparatus 102. The first vertical farming apparatus 102 comprises a frame 104 on which an array of gutters 106 is supported. The frame 104 comprises a first sub-frame 104a and a second sub-frame 104b that are substantial identical in shape, size and configuration and are separate and not directly connected to one another.

The first sub-frame 104a and the second sub-frame 104b each comprise two legs 108a, 108b that act as a base for supporting the frame 104 on a surface. The legs 108a, 108b resemble rods or poles. In use, the each of legs 108a, 108b extend in a vertical direction that is perpendicular to the ground. Each of the four legs 108a, 108b comprises a pin 110a, 110b for inserting into the ground to removeably fix the frame 104 in position. Other methods of attaching the frame to the ground are envisaged such as tie-lines or providing apertures for receiving fixings. The legs 108a, 108b may be extendable to allow their height to be adjusted such that the sub-frames 104a, 104b and therefore the frame 104 can be levelled on uneven surfaces. Furthermore, it is envisaged that the legs 108a, 108b may optionally comprise wheels or castors such that the frame 104 may be wheeled along the surface to move the frame 104.

Each sub-frame 104a, 104b further comprises a lower support member 112a, 112b. The lower support members 112a, 112b are beam-like or rod-like and are attached to both their respective legs 108a, 108b of the base. The lower support members 112a, 112b extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to their respective legs 108a, 108b and in a horizontal direction substantially parallel to the surface on which the base is supported. The lower support members 112a, 112b are longer than the gap between the legs 108a, 108b such that they extend to the sides of their respective sub-frame 104a, 104b.

Two gutters 114 are supported by the lower support members 112a, 112b and extend between the lower support members 112a, 112b. The gutters 114 are supported by opposing ends of the lower support members 112a, 112b and extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis for the first lower support member 112a to the second lower support member 112b. The gutters 114 resemble trays and comprise a raised surface 114a that in use supports a plant trough 118. The plant troughs 118 are removeable from the gutters 114 The gutters 114 further comprise a drainage surface 114b beneath the raised surface 114a. In use, the drainage surface 114b receives and collects drainage from the plant troughs 118 above. Raising the plant trough 118 from the drainage surface 114b of the gutter 114 using the raised surface 114a helps to improve root growth and drainage from the plant trough 118.

Both sub-frames 104a, 104b comprise a vertical support member 116a, 116b that is beam-like or rod-like and that extend from the middle of its respective lower support member 112a, 112b, i.e. the vertical support members 116a, 116b extend from a position equally distanced between the two ends of lower support member 112a, 112b and their supported gutters 114. The vertical support members 116a, 116b extends in a direction parallel with the legs 108a, 108b of the frame 104. At the top of each vertical support member 116 another gutter 114 for supporting a plant trough 118 is provided.

Each sub-frame 104a, 104b, further comprises a middle support member 120a, 120b, and an upper support member 122a, 122b that both extend from their respective vertical support members 116a, 116b in a direction substantially parallel with the lower support members 112a, 112b and perpendicular to the vertical support members 116a, 116b.

The middle support members 120a, 120b and the upper support members 122a, 122b are similar to the lower support members 112a, 112b in that are beam-like or rod-like and that each support member 112a, 112b, 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b supports two gutters 114 at positions adjacent to or proximate their ends. The lower support members 112a, 112b, the middle support members 120a, 120b and the upper support members 122a, 122b are offset vertically from one another by at least the height of the plant trough 118 supported by the gutter 114. In the arrangement depicted in Figure 1, the vertical offset between the support members 112a, 112b, 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b is approximately the height of the plant that will be grown in the plant trough 118. Accordingly, different frames 104 may be designed and proportioned for different crops.

The middle support members 120a, 120b are longitudinally shorter than the lower support members 112a, 112b and the upper support members 122a, 122b are longitudinally shorter than the middle support members 120a, 120b. This disparity in length gives the gutters 114 supported by the support members 112a, 112b, 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b a tiered configuration that resembles a V-shape or a chevron. Or, in other words, the gutters 114 supported by one support member 112a, 112b, 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b are horizontally offset from the gutters 114 supported by another supported member 112a, 112b, 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b. The six gutters 114 supported by the support members 112a, 112b, 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b may be a lower formation of gutters 114 and the gutter 114 supported by the vertical support members 116a, 116b may be an upper formation of gutters 114. Other numbers of gutters are envisaged. Although only one gutter 114 is shown as the upper formation, more than one gutter may be provided, as shown in Figure 3. Together, the lower formation and upper formation form an array of gutters. Each gutter 114 in the array of gutters is horizontally offset from each other gutter 114 in the array of the gutters. One key aspect is achieving this horizontal offset between the gutters 114, and plant troughs 118, to allow vertical access to sunlight for the plants contained within the plant troughs 118 in use. Other frame designs can be used to achieve this and are envisaged.

The frame 104 is symmetrical about two planes. In total, the frame 104 of the first vertical farming apparatus 102 is shown to support seven plant troughs 118 thereon.

One of the sub-frames 104a, 104b may be positioned vertically lower than the other. Alternatively or additionally, the gutters 114 may be arranged such that the drainage surface 114b falls away from the raised surface 114a along a length of the gutter 114. In this way, water draining into a gutter 114 may travel along a length of the gutter by gravity.

Figure 2 is an end cross-sectional view of a second vertical farming apparatus 202. The second vertical farming apparatus 202 is shown positioned on the ground 224. The second vertical farming apparatus 202 is also shown to support seven plant troughs 218 thereon, in the same arrangement and orientation as the first vertical farming apparatus 102 shown in Figure 1. In this depiction, plant pots 226 and strawberry plants 228 are shown in position in the plant troughs 218.

Although the second vertical farming apparatus 202 is shown to support seven plant troughs 218 thereon in the same arrangement and orientation and the first vertical farming apparatus, the frame is different. The frame includes two sub-frames 204a (second sub-frame not shown) that include a curved frame member 230 which performs the roles of all frame members of the first vertical farming apparatus 102 except the vertical support members 116a, 116b. As such, the curved frame member 230 is configured to support six plant troughs 218 thereon, three on each side. The sub-frame 204a includes a vertical support member 216a which extends vertically from an upper central portion of the curved frame member 230 and supports a single plant trough 218 thereon.

The frame 204 is symmetrical about two planes. The use of a single curved frame member 230 reduces the need for joins or attachments between frame members, which may simplify construction and improve longevity.

Figure 3 is an end cross-sectional view of a third vertical farming apparatus 302. The third vertical farming apparatus includes a curved frame member 330 that is similar to the curved frame member 230 of the second vertical farming apparatus 202. Although similar, the curved frame member 330 of the third vertical farming apparatus 302 is configured to support five plant troughs 318, two on each side and one on top.

Furthermore, the frame 304 includes an upper member 332 configured to support a plant trough 318 directly above the plant trough 318 supported on top of the curved frame member 330. The upper member 332 has a substantially inverted U-shaped and is attached at each end to the curved frame member 330. The upper member 332 includes a cross member 334 that extends between the two legs of the inverted U-shape and supports the plant trough 318 thereon. This upper member 332 may be incorporated into the first vertical farming apparatus 102 or the second vertical farming apparatus 202 to provide another plant trough directly above and in line with the uppermost plant trough shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 respectively.

Figure 4 is an end cross-sectional view of a fourth vertical farming apparatus 402. The fourth vertical farming apparatus 402 includes a frame 404 configured to support six plant troughs 418 in a similar arrangement to the third vertical farming apparatus shown in Figure 3. The frame 404 includes a generally inverted U-shaped frame member 430 that is shown to have two legs extending to the ground 424 and is also shown to support an uppermost plant trough 418 at the other end thereof.

The frame 404 also includes a lower support member 412, a middle support member 420 and an upper support member 422 similar to those of the first vertical farming apparatus shown in Figure 1. Each of the support members 412, 420, 422 are oriented horizontally. The upper support member 422 extends between the two legs of the U-shaped frame member 430 and supports a plant trough 418 between the two legs, immediately below the uppermost plant trough 418. The upper support member 422 is shown to have a length that is substantially the same as a width between the two legs of the U-shaped frame member 430 such that it does not extend substantially beyond the two legs.

The middle support member 420 has a greater length than the upper support member 422 and extends a first distance either side of the legs of the U-shaped frame member 430. Plant troughs 418 are shown to be supported outside of each leg of the U-shaped frame member 430 adjacent to the U-shaped frame member 430. The lower support member 412 has a greater length than the upper support member 422 and the middle support member 420 and extends a second distance, greater than the first distance, either side of the legs of the U-shaped frame member 430. Plant troughs 418 are shown to be supported adjacent to the ends of the lower support member 412 and therefore outside of each leg of the U-shaped frame member 430 and spaced from the U-shaped frame member 430.

The support members 412, 420, 422 support plant troughs 418 in a substantially inverted V-shape or chevron shape, below the uppermost plant trough 418. Furthermore, the support members 412, 420, 422 may be releasably attached to the U-shaped frame member 430 such that their relative positions may be adjusted. This may be advantageous because plants generally increase in size as they grow and therefore require a greater spacing.

Although six or seven plant troughs are shown in the Figures, it is envisaged that any number of plant troughs may be provided. The frames may be arranged with more or less support members depending on the number of troughs to be supported. The apparatus, and therefore the plant troughs, may have any longitudinal length. Although Figure 1 depicts a rectilinear apparatus, the apparatus may be curved to fit a curved room or the like. Furthermore, although some degree of spacing and scale may be inferred from the Figures, it is envisaged that any suitable spacing or apparatus size may be provided, which may be dependent on the crop being farmed. The apparatus may also comprise irrigation lines, conduits for conveying gaseous carbon dioxide to the plants and/or any other feature described herein.

Claims

Claims 1. A vertical farming apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a frame for supporting plant troughs or pots, a base for supporting the frame, an array of gutters supported by the frame, the array of gutters comprising an upper formation of gutters above a lower formation of gutters; one or more irrigation lines that are supported by the frame, and one or more conduits that are supported by the frame; wherein each gutter in the array of gutters comprises a raised surface that is arranged to support one or more plant troughs or pots and a drainage surface below the raised surface that is arranged to accept drainage from the one or more plant troughs or pots that are supported by the raised surface in use; further wherein the one or more conduits are arranged to supply gaseous carbon dioxide to the array of gutters and the plant troughs or pots that are supported by the array of gutters in use, and the one or more irrigation lines are arranged to supply water to the array of gutters and the plant troughs or pots that are supported by the array of gutters in use; and further wherein the lower formation of gutters is arranged in a tiered configuration such that each gutter in the lower formation array of gutters is at least partially offset in a first horizontal direction from the other gutters in the lower formation and is at least partially offset in a first horizontal direction from the gutters in the upper formation.
2. The vertical farming apparatus of Claim 1, wherein each gutter in the array of gutters has substantially the same dimensions as each of the other gutters in the array of gutters.
3. The vertical farming apparatus of Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the offset in the first horizontal direction of each gutter to the other gutters in the lower formation of gutters is equal to or greater than the width of said each gutter.
4. The vertical farming apparatus of Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the offset in the first horizontal direction of each gutter to the other gutters in the formation of gutters is less than the width of said each gutter.
5. The vertical farming apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the gutters in the array of gutters are all aligned in a second horizontal direction.
6. The vertical farming apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein a gutter in the upper formation of gutters is centrally aligned with the frame along both the first horizontal direction and the second horizontal direction.
7. The vertical farming apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein both the frame and array of gutters are symmetrical along a plane orthogonal to the first horizontal direction.
8. The vertical farming apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the tiered configuration of the lower formation of gutters resembles a V-shape or chevron.
9. The vertical farming apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises a first sub-frame and a second sub-frame and each gutter in the array of gutters is supported by both the first sub-frame and second sub-frame simultaneously.
10. The vertical farming apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein each gutter in the array of gutters is removable from frame.
11. The vertical farming apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the longitudinal axis of each gutter in the array of gutters is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of each other gutter in the array of gutters.
12. The vertical farming apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more conduits extend in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of a gutter in the array of gutters.
13. The vertical farming apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more irrigation lines extend in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of a gutter in the array of gutters.
14. The vertical farming apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises one conduit that is arranged to supply gaseous carbon dioxide to two or more gutters in the array of gutters in a series configuration.
15. The vertical farming apparatus of any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the apparatus comprises two or more conduits that are arranged to supply gaseous carbon dioxide to two or more gutters in the array of gutters in a parallel configuration.
16. The vertical farming apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises one irrigation line that is arranged to supply water to two or more gutters in the array of gutters in a series configuration.
17. The vertical farming apparatus of any one of Claims 1 to 15, wherein the apparatus comprises two or more irrigation lines that are arranged to supply water to two or more gutters in the array of gutters in a parallel configuration.
18. The vertical farming apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a system for collecting and treating the drainage from the array of gutters.
19. The vertical farming apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises a curved support member with curved portions arranged in a tiered configuration that supports at least the lower formation of gutters.
20. The vertical farming apparatus of Claim 19, wherein the frame further comprises an upper support member that is supported by the curved support member.
21. The vertical farming apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises a vertical support member that extends from the base and supports at least the upper formation of gutters.
22. The vertical farming apparatus of Claim 21, wherein the frame comprises one or more horizontal support members that extend from the vertical support member and wherein each horizontal support member supports a gutter from the lower formation of gutters.
23. The vertical farming apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises an insect habitat support for supporting an insect habitat for insects that are deemed beneficial for crop type
24. The vertical farming apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is configured and arranged for vertically farming strawberries.
25. A kit of parts comprising the vertical farming apparatus of any preceding claim and two or more plant troughs or pots.