Weed barrier and method of use

Abstract

A weed barrier includes a rigid body defining a plurality of basins. The basins have bottoms with holes therethrough for planting garden plants. In a particular embodiment the bottom surface of the weed barrier includes a plurality of hose channels configured be positioned over a hose. Several example configurations of rigid weed barriers are disclosed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to weed resistant gardening devices, and, more particularly, to weed barriers for laying out gardens, preventing weed growth, and facilitating watering.

Description of the Background Art

As more people become environmentally and/or health conscious, the popularity of home gardens is increasing. Some difficulties involved in planting a home garden include laying out plants, weeding, watering, and cleanup. Several products and methods currently address these issues.

One method utilizes sheets of polyethylene plastic, which requires the gardener to till the entire plot they are covering with the sheets. It also requires securing the edges of the sheets to the ground (e.g. staking sheets to the ground). Additionally, holes must be cut in the sheets to allow plants to grow through the plastic. Finally, the sheet must be cleaned up and disposed of at the end of the season, which is messy and time consuming.

Another product designed for use in home gardens is a plastic tarp that comes with a grid of holes precut in the material. Again, this product requires securement and is not aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, the precut rows provide space for weeds to grow and must be constantly maintained. Finally, the cleanup is messy and time consuming. In addition, plastic tarps and sheets can retain excess water, which encourages certain garden pests (e.g., slugs).

SUMMARY

The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art by providing a weed barrier that prevents weeds from encroaching on garden plants, promotes healthy plant growth, and makes efficient use of water. The weed barrier also facilitates easier layout and watering of a garden, while preventing the retention of excess moisture.

Example weed barriers are disclosed. An example weed barrier includes a rigid body, a first basin, and an opening in the bottom of the first basin. The rigid body is formed from a material capable of wicking moisture and has a top surface and a bottom surface. The first basin is defined by a portion of the rigid body and includes a bottom. The opening is defined by the rigid body in the bottom of the first basin. The opening has a sufficient size to facilitate the planting of a plant therethrough, and the first basin is configured to direct water falling thereon toward the opening. In one particular example weed barrier, the opening includes an aperture through the bottom of the first basin. In another particular example weed barrier, the opening includes a center portion formed from the material and a plurality of perforations that facilitate the removal of the center portion.

A particular example weed barrier additionally includes a second basin adjacent the first basin. The second basin is also defined by a portion of the rigid body. In addition, the bottom surface of the rigid body further defines a first hose channel extending between the first basin and the second basin. The rigid body additionally defines a third basin adjacent the first basin, and the bottom surface of the rigid body additionally defines a second hose channel extending between the first basin and the third basin The second hose channel is perpendicular to the first hose channel. In an even more particular weed barrier, the rigid body further defines a fourth basin, a fifth basin, a sixth basin, a seventh basin, and an eighth basin. The fourth basin is disposed adjacent the second basin and the third basin. The fifth basin is adjacent the third basin. The sixth basin is adjacent the fourth basin and the fifth basin, and the seventh basin is adjacent the fifth basin. The eighth basin is adjacent the seventh basin and the sixth basin. The first hose channel is disposed between the third basin and the fourth basin, between the fifth basin and the sixth basin, and between the seventh basin and the eighth basin. The bottom surface of the rigid body additionally defines a third hose channel extending in a direction perpendicular to the first hose channel and parallel to the second hose channel. The third hose channel is disposed between the third basin and the fifth basin and between the fourth basin and the sixth basin. The bottom surface of the rigid body additionally defines a fourth hose channel extending in a direction perpendicular to the first hose channel and parallel to the third hose channel. The fourth hose channel is disposed between the fifth basin and the seventh basin and between the sixth basin and the seventh basin.

In an example weed barrier, the rigid body defines a plurality of basins. In addition, the bottom surface of the rigid body defines at least one hose channel, and, optionally, the rigid body defines twice as many basins as hose channels.

In another example weed barrier, the rigid body includes a first portion and a physically separate second portion. The separate portions facilitate the placement of the weed barrier around an already rooted plant. The first portion of the rigid body defines a first portion of the first basin, and the second portion of the rigid body defines a second portion of the first basin. Alternatively, the rigid body can include a separation extending from an opening in the first basin to a peripheral edge of the rigid body to facilitate the placement of the weed barrier around a rooted plant.

Example weed barriers are stackable. For example, the top surface of the rigid body is contoured to receive a bottom surface of a second weed barrier substantially identical to the first weed barrier such that the weed barrier is stackable.

In example weed barriers, the material is fibrous. In a particular example embodiment, the material is formed from paper pulp. In a more particular example embodiment, the material is molded paper pulp. In addition, the material is moisture permeable and/or breathable, and the material can also be biodegradable and/or opaque.

Optionally, the material can include an agriculture additive. Examples of the agricultural additives include, but are not limited to, one or more fungicides, one or more pesticides, one or more herbicides, one or more pH balancing/adjusting agents, one or more copper compounds, and any combination of these additives.

An example weed barrier is provided in combination with information regarding the use of the weed barrier as such. For example, the weed barrier can additionally include information identifying the weed barrier as a weed barrier. As another example, the weed barrier can include information suggesting that the weed barrier be used in a garden. Even more specifically, the weed barrier can include instructions for using the weed barrier to prevent weed growth in a garden.

Example methods of manufacturing a weed barrier are also disclosed. An example method includes providing a moisture-wicking material and forming a rigid body from the moisture-wicking material. The rigid body has a top surface and an opposite bottom surface. The step of forming the rigid body includes forming the rigid body to include a first basin, which a bottom. The step of forming the rigid body also includes forming an opening in the bottom of the first basin. The opening has sufficient size to facilitate the planting of a plant therethrough. The step of forming the rigid body also includes configuring the basin to direct water falling thereon toward the opening.

In a particular example method, the step of forming the opening includes forming an aperture through the bottom of the first basin. Alternatively, the step of forming the opening includes forming a center portion of the opening, and forming a plurality of perforations that facilitate the removal of the center portion to form the opening.

A particular example method additionally includes forming the rigid body to include a second basin adjacent the first basin. The second basin is defined by a portion of the rigid body. The example method additionally includes forming the rigid body to include a first hose channel in the bottom surface of the rigid body. The first hose channel extends between the first basin and the second basin. The example method additionally includes forming the rigid body to include a third basin adjacent the first basin, and forming the rigid body to include a second hose channel in the bottom surface of the rigid body. The second hose channel is formed between the first basin and the third basin, and the second channel perpendicularly intersects the first hose channel. The example method additionally includes forming the rigid body to include a fourth basin, a fifth basin, a sixth basin, a seventh basin, and an eighth basin. The fourth basin is positioned adjacent the second basin and the third basin. The fifth basin is positioned adjacent the third basin, and the sixth basin is positioned adjacent the fourth basin and the fifth basin. The seventh basin is positioned adjacent the fifth basin, and the eighth basin is positioned adjacent the seventh basin and the sixth basin. The example method additionally includes forming the rigid body to include the first hose channel between the third basin and the fourth basin, between the fifth basin and the sixth basin, and between the seventh basin and the eighth basin.

The example method additionally includes forming the rigid body to include a third hose channel and a fourth hose channel in the bottom surface of the rigid body. The third hose channel is formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the first hose channel and parallel to the second hose channel. The third hose channel is positioned between the third basin and the fifth basin and between the fourth basin and the sixth basin, The fourth hose channel is formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the first hose channel and parallel to the third hose channel. The fourth hose channel is positioned between the fifth basin and the seventh basin and between the sixth basin and the eighth basin.

Another example method includes forming the rigid body to include at least one hose channel in the bottom surface of the rigid body. In the example method, the step of forming the rigid body to include the first basin includes forming the rigid body to include a plurality of basins, and, optionally, the rigid body defines twice as many basins as hose channels.

In another example method, the step of forming the rigid body includes forming a first portion of the rigid body and a second portion of the rigid body physically separate from one another. The first portion of the rigid body defines a first portion of the first basin, and the second portion of the rigid body defines a second portion of the first basin. The physical separation facilitates the placement of the weed barrier around an already rooted plant. Alternatively, the step of forming the rigid body includes forming a separation extending from an opening in the first basin to a peripheral edge of the rigid body to facilitate the placement of the weed barrier around an already rooted plant.

In an example method, the step of forming the rigid body includes forming the top surface of the rigid body such that it is contoured to receive a bottom surface of a second weed barrier substantially identical to the first weed barrier. As a result, the rigid weed barriers are stackable.

In an example method, the step of providing the moisture-wicking material includes providing a fibrous material. In a particular example method, the fibrous material includes paper pulp. In a more particular example method, the step of forming the rigid body includes molding the paper pulp. In an even more particular method, the step of forming the rigid body includes vacuum molding the paper pulp.

Another example method additionally includes adding one or more agricultural additives to the moisture-wicking material. Examples of the agricultural additives include, but are not limited to, one or more fungicides, one or more pesticides, one or more herbicides, one or more pH balancing/adjusting agents, one or more copper compounds, and any combination of these additives.

In an example method, the step of providing the moisture-wicking material includes providing a moisture permeable material. Optionally, the step of providing the moisture-wicking material can include providing a biodegradable material. In example methods, the rigid body is opaque.

A particular example method additionally includes providing information identifying the weed barrier as a weed barrier. For example, a particular method includes providing information suggesting that the weed barrier be used in a garden. Another example method includes providing instructions for using the weed barrier to prevent weed growth in a garden.

Example garden systems are also disclosed. One example garden system includes a weed barrier, a hose, and instructions. The rigid body is formed from a material capable of wicking moisture, and has a top surface and a bottom surface. The first basin is defined by a portion of the rigid body and includes a bottom. The hose has a permeable outer wall (e.g., a soaker hose). The instructions provide information for positioning the weed barrier with respect to the hose, and for planting a plant through an opening in the bottom of the first basin.

Methods for using rigid weed barrier are also disclosed. An example method of using a weed barrier to prevent weed growth near garden plants includes providing a weed barrier, providing a hose, positioning the hose on the soil, positioning the weed barrier over the hose, and planting a plant in the soil through an opening in the weed barrier. The weed barrier includes a rigid body formed from a material capable of wicking moisture. The rigid body has a top surface and a bottom surface. The weed barrier additionally includes a first basin defined by a portion of the rigid body. The first basin includes a bottom and an opening defined by the rigid body in the bottom of the first basin. The opening has a size sufficient to facilitate the planting of a plant through the opening, and the first basin is configured to direct water falling in the basin toward the opening. The hose has a permeable outer wall, and, when the weed barrier is positioned over the hose after the hose has been positioned on the soil, the bottom surface of the rigid body contacts/rests upon the soil. The example method additionally includes connecting the hose to a water source, and, optionally, treating the soil before the step of positioning the weed barrier over the hose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described with reference to the following drawings, wherein like reference numbers denote substantially similar elements:

FIG. 1 a perspective view of a plurality of weed barriers and a dripper hose placed on the ground and configured into a plurality of garden rows;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of the weed barriers of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the weed barrier of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the weed barrier of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a weed barrier of FIG. 1 taken along line A-A of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates a garden system for preventing weed growth and supplying water to a garden;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a plurality of weed barriers configured into a raised-bed garden;

FIG. 8 is a top view of an alternate weed barrier;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an alternate weed barrier positioned around a tree;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the weed barrier of FIG. 9 before use;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the weed barrier of FIG. 9 in an open position;

FIG. 12 shows a side view of a plurality of the weed barriers of FIG. 9 in a stacked configuration;

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of another alternate weed barrier;

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of another alternate weed barrier;

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of yet another alternate weed barrier;

FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the weed barrier of FIG. 15 taken along line B-B of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17A illustrates a first step of a method of using a weed barrier system;

FIG. 17B illustrates a second step of a method of using a weed barrier system;

FIG. 17C illustrates a third step of a method of using a weed barrier system;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart summarizing a method of manufacturing a weed barrier; and

FIG. 19 is a flowchart summarizing a method of using a weed barrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art, by providing a weed barrier for planting garden plants, which minimizes work, maximizes visual appeal, and provides a healthy growing environment for plants. A weed barrier of the present invention eliminates a large amount of work associated with weeding, laying out a garden, watering, and cleaning up at the end of the gardening season. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth (e.g., specific weed barrier dimensions, configurations, etc.) in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced apart from these specific details. In other instances, details of well-known agricultural practices (e.g., planting, weeding, irrigating, etc.) and components have been omitted, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a plurality of weed barriers 100 and a dripper hose 102 disposed on soil 104 and configured into a plurality of garden rows 106a-106c, according to one example embodiment. Dripper hose(s) 102 is/are positioned on soil 104 in straight, parallel lines and weed barriers 100 are laid over hose 102 in direct contact with soil 104. With weed barriers 104 properly positioned over hose 102, a plurality of plant starts 108 are planted directly through weed barriers 104 and into soil 104 directly thereunder. Dripper hose 102 has a permeable outer wall so as to slowly and uniformly distribute water to soil 104 and, therefore, directly to plant starts 108 when supplied with pressurized water from a water source 110 connected thereto.

Weed barriers 100 are opaque, rigid structures adapted to accommodate many planting configurations. As shown in garden row 106a, weed barriers 104 are arranged such that the long edges of adjacent weed barriers 100 abut one another. This allows weed barriers to have a greater width of weed prevention. As shown in garden rows 106b and 106c, weed barriers 104 are configured such that the short edges of adjacent weed barriers 100 abut one another. This provides narrower rows and a greater row length of weed prevention using less weed barriers 104. Depending on the particular type plant, weed barriers 104 can be arranged and used accordingly. For example, for plants that require more space when matured, it may be desirable to configure weed barriers 100 as shown in row 106a. Conversely, for plants that require less space, it may be desirable to configure weed barriers 100 as shown in rows 106b-106c. Not only are weed barriers 100 configurable with respect to one another and hose 102, they also provide for many different planting arrangements such as, number of plants through each weed barrier 100, distance between plants, layout of plants, etc. As shown in FIG. 1, it is not necessary to plant a plant through each hole of weed barriers 100. However, for plants requiring minimal spacing, one or more plants can be planted through every hole of weed barriers 100.

Weed barriers 104 provide several other benefits that will be discussed in further detail with reference to other figures. For example, when arranged close to one another, weed barriers 104 effectively protect hose 102 from sun damage such as, for example, checking/dry rot. As another example, weed barriers 104 also effectively slow the evaporation of moisture from soil 104, so that less water from water source 110 is required to water plant starts 108. As yet another example, weed barriers 100 also permits airflow to soil 104 thereunder. This effectively permits oxygen to reach soil 104, which promotes healthy plant growth. It also mitigates pest problems such as, for example, slugs which otherwise thrive under non-breathable, moisture retaining materials (i.e. plastic). As yet another example, weed barriers 104 collect and guide impinging water (i.e., rain water, sprinkler water, etc.) falling thereon toward the roots of plant starts 108.

FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of weed barrier 100, which includes a rigid unitary body formed from a moisture-wicking, permeable material, a top surface 200, and an opposite bottom surface 202. Specifically, weed barrier 100 is a paper pulp structure formed, for example, via a vacuum molding process. The paper pulp is biodegradable and recyclable. This and other embodiments can facilitate weed control in a 100% organic garden. Alternate embodiments can be formed from polypropylene plastic, which can be reused and/or recycled. As another alternative, weed barrier 100 can be formed from leaf pulp (or other environmental waste, e.g. grass clippings), which is abundant and typically considered waste. A leaf pulp embodiment would decrease the price of manufacture (by using a practically worthless input) and the environmental footprint of the product, which is important to many current and prospective home gardeners.

Top surface 200 is configured to receive impinging water and defines an array of basins 204 to direct the water toward an opening 206 formed at the bottom 208 of each basin 204. Openings 206 facilitate the planting of plants therethrough into the underlying soil. In this example, each opening 206 includes an aperture 210 to facilitate the removal of a break-out center portion 212. For example, apertures 210 allow a cutting tool (e.g., knife, saw, drill blade, etc.) to be inserted through bottoms 208 of basins 204. Optionally, openings 206 can be perforated or scored to facilitate the removal of center portions 212 with or without the assistance of a tool. As yet another option, openings 206 may be left completely open during the manufacturing of weed barriers 100 thus eliminating center portions 212 altogether. As yet another option, openings 206 can be omitted during manufacture and left for the user to create entirely. The example embodiment provides a gardener with eight of center portions 212 and, thus, multiple options for positioning plants, which can be utilized for planting various species, based on the needs of each individual species. For example, a gardener can plant eight small plants, four medium-sized plants, or two large plants in each tray.

Bottom surface 202 defines a plurality intersecting hose channels 214 formed between basins 204. Hose channels 214 allow weed barrier 100 to be positioned over hoses (i.e. soaker hose 102) and on underlying soil without causing weed barrier 100 to be unlevel. In this example, hose channels 214 include one long hose channel 214a and three short hose channels 214b. Hose channels 214b are parallel to one another and perpendicularly intersect hose channel 214a. This provides the user freedom to arrange weed barriers 100 in various different configurations.

FIG. 3 is a top view of weed barrier 100 showing two of eight center portions 212 removed. In this example, the user has chosen to plant two plant starts in weed barrier 100, one through the bottom left center portion 212 and the other through the top right center portion 212.

In this example embodiment, there are eight basins 204 arranged in an array and separated by four channels 214. In many applications, it is beneficial to have twice as many basins 204 as hose channels 214 in a single weed barrier, because it makes the weed barrier very versatile in terms of configurations/arrangments. However, the particular configuration and number of basins 204 and hose channels 214 will depend on the particular application.

Likewise, the particular geometry of basins 204 will depend on the particular application. For example, basins 204 have generally planar sidewalls and planar bottoms 208 but may also be more rounded.

In this particular embodiment, weed barrier 100 is 23¾ inches long, 16 inches wide, and weighs between ¼ and ½ pound. A garden row utilizing 12 weed barriers 100 will accommodate a 25′ soaker hose, which is a standard length, with little wasted length. Openings 206 are two inches in diameter and apertures 210 are ⅜ inches in diameter. Additionally, openings 206 are only ½ inch away from the lower edge of channel 214a and, therefore, the center of a planted plant's root system will be within two inches of a soaker hose disposed in hose channel 214a.

The weight, thickness, and/or density of weed barrier 100 can be adjusted to control the rate of biodegradation. In particular, increasing the weight/thickness of weed barrier 100 will increase the length of time required for weed barrier 100 to decompose. For example, weed barrier 100 made at a weight in the range of ⅓ lb.-½ lb. will last for approximately one growing season, but the weight can be increased to extend the useful life of weed barrier 100. As another example, weed barrier 100 can be manufactured to have an average thickness within a first predetermined range (e.g., ¼″±⅛″) to last one growing season and be tillable into the soil thereafter. Alternatively, weed barrier 100 can be manufactured to have a greater thickness, within a second predetermined range, to facilitate collection, storage, and reuse in one or more subsequent growing seasons. In addition, the rate of degradation can be accelerated or decelerated using additives that decrease or increase the rate of degradation.

FIG. 4 is a side view of weed barrier 100, which is 2 3/16 inches tall including a lip 400 around the peripheral edge for preventing soil from getting into basins 204. As shown, hose channels 214b extend completely through weed barrier 100 uninterrupted.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of weed barrier 100 taken along line A-A of FIG. 4. Weed barrier 100 and hose 102 are shown positioned on top of soil 104 with hose 102 extending completely through hose channel 214a. In this example, center portion 212 is removed from opening 206 and a plant start 108 is planted therethrough into the underlying soil 104. The planting of plant start 108 is done after weed barrier 100 is positioned on soil 104 over hose 102. Generally, this involves making a depression in soil 104 directly under opening 206 by pressing, for example, a finger through opening 206 and making a depression that is large enough to receive roots 500 of plant start 108 or seeds for new plants. As shown, the basin 204 on the left is not being used and, therefore, still includes center portion 212.

Various means for supplying water to roots 500 of plant start 108 can be employed and are made more efficient by weed barrier 100. One means includes supplying water through hose 102. When pressurized water is supplied through hose 102, it slowly flows through permeable sidewalls 502 of hose 102, thereby saturating the underlying soil 104 and the portion of bottom surface 202 defining hose channel 214a. Another means of supplying water includes either rain water or sprinkler water falling directly on top surface 200 of weed barrier 100. Basins 204 are tapered such that the water falling onto basins 204 is accumulated and guided toward openings 206, where it then flows through to the underlying soil. Not only does weed barrier 100 collect and guide impinging water, it also effectively slows the evaporation of the water from the underlying soil 104 such that more can be absorbed by roots 500. Because weed barrier 100 is wicking and permeable, it can also dry to allow better air flow to the underlying soil 104 and prevent stagnant pools from forming under weed barrier 100.

In this example, weed barrier 100 is 14¾ inches wide and provides about 6 inches on either side of hose channel 214a for weed prevention. This space limits the competition for resources, such as water and/or fertilizer, between garden plants and weeds.

FIG. 6 shows a garden system 600 for preventing weed growth and supplying water to a garden. System 600 includes a plurality of weed barriers 100, a dripper hose 102, and instructions 602 for using system 600. As shown, weed barriers 100 are stackable and, therefore, occupy minimal space when stored, shipped, and/or shelved. More specifically, top surfaces 200 of weed barriers 100 are contoured to receive bottom surfaces 202 of weed barriers 100. As previously mentioned, hose 102 is a dripper hose having a permeable sidewall for slowly allowing the passage of water therethrough. Instructions 602 include instructions for positioning hose 102 on soil and positioning weed barriers 100 over hose 102 to prevent weed growth. Instructions 602 further include information identifying weed barriers 100 as weed barriers and/or indicating that weed barrier 100 is suitable for use in a garden.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an elevated (raised-bed) garden 700 using weed barrier system 600. As shown, garden 700 includes wood planks 702 fastened together to form rectangular retaining wall that is two boards high from ground level. Of course, garden 700 is then filled with soil. Hose 102 is connected to a water source 704 and laid out on the soil along a path indicated by dashed line 706. The opposite end of hose 102 is closed to maintain internal water pressure thereof. With hose 102 laid out, weed barriers 100 are positioned in a rectangular array, as shown, such that hose 102 meanders through hose channels (not visible) along line 706. In this configuration, every basin 204 is no further than one basin away from hose 102. Furthermore, the majority of the underlying soil is blocked from sunlight by weed barriers 100 and, therefore, remains substantially weed free during operation. After seasonal use, weed barriers 100 can be stacked up and stored for later use. Optionally, weed barriers 100 can be left alone to eventually break down naturally, because weed barriers 100 are biodegradable.

FIG. 8 shows a top view of an alternate weed barrier 800. Weed barrier 800 is substantially similar to weed barrier 100 except that openings 802 have a plurality of apertures 804 to facilitate the removal of center portions 806 thereof. As shown, the center portion 806 of the top left basin 808 has been removed in preparation for receiving a plant start. Alternatively, weed barrier 800 can include precut, breakout center portions to lessen a gardener's work requirement even further by eliminating the need to cut along a scored circle to open an opening.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of another alternate weed barrier 900. Weed barrier 900 is shown positioned around the trunk a pre-existing tree 902. Weed barrier 900 includes two physically separate halves 904, which allow it to be applied to, and removed from, rooted plants. Like weed barriers of previous embodiments, weed barrier 900 is a paper pulp structure formed, for example, via a vacuum molding process. The paper pulp is biodegradable and recyclable.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of weed barrier 900 before use. Weed barrier 900 includes a single basin 1000 contoured to direct the water toward apertures 1002 formed at the bottom 1004 thereof. Apertures 1002 are formed generally around the drip line of a tree to allow water accumulated in basin 1000 to flow into the underlying soil near the drip line. Bottom 1004 includes a plurality of concentric openings 1006 to accommodate for varying tree trunk diameters. Specifically, there are three break-out rings 1008 to accommodate small, medium, and large diameter trees.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of weed barrier 900 with the small and medium break-out rings 1008 removed to accommodate for a medium sized tree. FIG. 11 also shows the individual halves of weed barrier 900 physically separated from one another.

FIG. 12 shows a side view of a plurality of weed barriers 900 stacked and nested together. Halves 904 of weed barrier 900 are geometrically identical and, therefore, the two halves 904 of a single weed barrier 900 can be stacked and nested together without occupying a great deal of space. As shown, there are eight halves 904 stacked together and, therefore, four of weed barriers 900.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another alternate weed barrier 1300. Weed barrier 1300 is substantially identical to weed barrier 900 except that weed barrier 1300 is a unitary body rather than two physically separated halves. Weed barrier 1300 includes a separation 1302 extending from the outer edge of a first break-out ring 1304 to a peripheral edge of weed barrier 1300, to facilitate the placement of weed barrier 1300 around a rooted plant. To place weed barrier 1300 around, for example, the trunk of a tree, the appropriate one of break-out rings 1304 are removed. Then, weed barrier 1300 is flexed until the separation of 1302 is spread apart a sufficient distance to pass the plant therethrough. Once the plant stem or trunk is centered in the opening created by the removal of break-out ring 1304, weed barrier 1300 is laid on the ground around the plant base.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another alternate weed barrier 1400. Weed barrier 1400 includes a hose channel 1402 and four openings 1404. Hose channel 1402 is configured to receive a hose such as, for example, a dripper hose. Hose channel 1402 is functionally the same as previously mentioned hose channels and, therefore, will not be described in further detail. Openings 1404 facilitate the planting of plants therethrough. In this example, openings 1404 are perforated X's that can be pushed open, drilled, cut, etc. Weed barrier 1400 is stackable and nestable. Optionally, weed barrier 1400 can include water passages, to facilitate the flow of water from the top surface to the soil below, and surface features configured to direct incident water to the water passages.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another alternate weed barrier 1500. Weed barrier 1500 includes a basin 1502 to direct the impinging water toward an opening 1504 (FIG. 16) formed at the bottom 1506 (FIG. 16) thereof.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of weed barrier 1500 taken along line B-B of FIG. 15. As shown, the sidewalls 1600 of basin 1502 are rounded and tapered. Weed barrier 1500 is stackable and nestable.

FIGS. 17A-17C illustrate a method of using system 600 in a typical application.

In a first step, as illustrated in FIG. 17A, soaker hose 102 is laid down along the desired location for the row of plants. Next, as illustrated in FIG. 17B, soil 104 in the vicinity of soaker hose 102 is treated with a soil additive 1700 such as, for example, fertilizer and/or lime, based on the current state of soil 104, the needs of potential plants, etc. Finally, as illustrated in FIG. 17C, each of weed barriers 100 is placed over hose 102, such that hose 102 is positioned within the hose channels 214 of weed barriers 100. Weed barriers 100 are also pushed into soil 104 slightly, so that they are not displaced by wind and/or other common environmental factors. Each weed barrier 100 is placed end-to-end with the previous weed barrier 100 until all 12 weed barriers 100 are placed over the 25 foot soaker hose. Then, plant starts can be planted through openings 206, as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart summarizing a method 1800 of manufacturing a weed barrier. In a first step 1802, a moisture-wicking material is provided. Then, in a second step 1804, a rigid body is formed from the moisture-wicking material. Next, in a third step 1806, a basin is formed in the rigid body. Finally, in a fourth step 1808, an opening is formed in the bottom of the basin. Second step 1804, third step 1806 and/or fourth step 1808 can all be performed simultaneously as, for example, a single step of forming the rigid body with basins and openings therein.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart summarizing a method 1900 of using a weed barrier. In a first step 1902, a weed barrier having a basin formed in a rigid body is provided. Next, in a second step 1904, a hose having a permeable wall is provided. Then, in a third step 1906, a plant is provided. Next, in a fourth step 1908, the hose is positioned on soil. Then, in a fifth step 1910, the weed barrier is positioned over the hose. Finally, in a sixth step 1912, the plant is inserted into the soil through an opening in the basin of the weed barrier.

In all of the previously described embodiments, the weed barriers are formed from a moisture-wicking, permeable material that is rigid when cured. Specifically, the aforementioned rigid weed barriers are paper pulp structures formed, for example, via a vacuum molding process. The paper pulp is biodegradable and recyclable. However, alternate wicking materials and manufacturing methods can be used without departing from the main scope of the present invention. For example, the weed barriers can be formed from leaf pulp (or other environmental waste, e.g. grass clippings), which is abundant and typically considered waste. Accordingly, the weed barriers can be formed from any type of rigid, moisture/air permeable, wicking material.

During the manufacturing of any of the aforementioned weed barriers, agricultural additives can optionally be added to the wicking material. This can be done when the paper pulp is in a slurry state by adding the agricultural additives directly to the slurry before it is molded into a rigid body. The weed barriers need not necessarily be impregnated with such additives, but the additives can instead be applied to the weed barrier after it is made rigid. For example, the additive can be sprayed on, the weed barrier can be dipped in the additives, etc. Such additives include, but are not limited to, fungicides, herbicides, pH adjusting agents, fertilizers, copper compounds, etc.

The description of particular embodiments of the present invention is now complete. Many of the described features may be substituted, altered or omitted without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, alternate layouts of the basins in the trays (e.g., 6×2, 4×4, etc.), may be substituted for the current 4×2 layout. This and other deviations from the particular embodiments shown will be apparent to those skilled in the art, particularly in view of the foregoing disclosure.

Claims

1. A weed barrier comprising: a rigid body formed from a material capable of wicking moisture, said rigid body having a top surface and a bottom surface;a first basin defined by a portion of said rigid body, said first basin including a bottom, an upper rim, a height defined by a distance between said bottom of said first basin and said upper rim of said first basin, and a cross dimension defined by a distance between a first point on said upper rim of said first basin and a second point on said upper rim of said first basin on an opposite side of said first basin, said cross dimension of said first basin being greater than said depth of said first basin;a second basin adjacent said first basin, said second basin defined by a second portion of said rigid body and including a bottom, an upper rim, a height defined by a distance between said bottom of said second basin and said upper rim of said second basin, and a cross dimension defined by a distance between a first point on said upper rim of said second basin and a second point on said upper rim of said second basin on an opposite side of said second basin, said cross dimension of said second basin being greater than said depth of said second basin; andan opening defined by said rigid body in said bottom of said first basin, said opening having a sufficient size to facilitate the planting of a plant therethrough, and said first basin configured to direct water falling thereon toward said opening; andwherein said bottom surface of said rigid body further defines a first hose channel extending between said first basin and said second basin, said first hose channel being configured and sufficiently sized to accept a conventional garden soaker hose therein.

2. The weed barrier of claim 1, wherein said opening is an aperture through said bottom of said first basin.

3. The weed barrier of claim 1, wherein said opening includes: a center portion formed from said material; anda plurality of perforations that facilitate the removal of said center portion.

4. The weed barrier of claim 1, wherein: said rigid body further defines a third basin adjacent said first basin;said bottom surface of said rigid body further defines a second hose channel extending between said first basin and said third basin; andsaid second hose channel is perpendicular to said first hose channel.

5. The weed barrier of claim 4, wherein: said rigid body further defines a fourth basin adjacent said second basin and said third basin;said rigid body further defines a fifth basin adjacent said third basin;said rigid body further defines a sixth basin adjacent said fourth basin and said fifth basin;said rigid body further defines a seventh basin adjacent said fifth basin;said rigid body further defines an eighth basin adjacent said seventh basin and said sixth basin;said first hose channel is further disposed between said third basin and said fourth basin;said first hose channel is further disposed between said fifth basin and said sixth basin;said first hose channel is further disposed between said seventh basin and said eighth basin;said bottom surface of said rigid body further defines a third hose channel extending in a direction perpendicular to said first hose channel and parallel to said second hose channel, said third hose channel being disposed between said third basin and said fifth basin and between said fourth basin and said sixth basin; andsaid bottom surface of said rigid body further defines a fourth hose channel extending in a direction perpendicular to said first hose channel and parallel to said third hose channel, said fourth hose channel being disposed between said fifth basin and said seventh basin and between said sixth basin and said seventh basin.

6. The weed barrier of claim 1, wherein; said rigid body defines twice as many basins as hose channels.

7. The weed barrier of claim 1, wherein; said rigid body includes a first portion and a physically separate second portion to facilitate the placement of said weed barrier around a rooted plant;said first portion of said rigid body defines a first portion of said first basin;said second portion of said rigid body defines a second portion of said first basin.

8. The weed barrier of claim 1, wherein said top surface of said rigid body is contoured to receive a bottom surface of a second weed barrier substantially identical to said first weed barrier such that said weed barriers are stackable.

9. The weed barrier of claim 1, wherein said material is fibrous.

10. The weed barrier of claim 9, wherein said material is formed from paper pulp.

11. The weed barrier of claim 1, wherein said material includes an agriculture additive.

12. The weed barrier of claim 11, wherein said agriculture additive includes copper compound.

13. The weed barrier of claim 1, wherein said material is moisture permeable.

14. The weed barrier of claim 1, wherein said material is biodegradable.

15. The weed barrier of claim 1, further comprising information identifying said weed barrier as a weed barrier and indicating that plants are to be planted into soil through said opening with said bottom of said weed barrier remaining above said soil.

16. A weed barrier comprising: a rigid body formed from a material capable of wicking moisture, said rigid body having a top surface and a bottom surface;a first basin defined by a portion of said rigid body, said first basin including a bottom;an opening defined by said rigid body in said bottom of said first basin, said opening having a sufficient size to facilitate the planting of a plant therethrough, and said first basin configured to direct water falling thereon toward said opening; anda second basin adjacent said first basin, said second basin being defined by a portion of said rigid body; and whereinsaid bottom surface of said rigid body further defines a first hose channel extending between said first basin and said second basin;said rigid body further defines a third basin adjacent said first basin;said bottom surface of said rigid body further defines a second hose channel extending between said first basin and said third basin;said second hose channel is perpendicular to said first hose channel;said rigid body further defines a fourth basin adjacent said second basin and said third basin;said rigid body further defines a fifth basin adjacent said third basin;said rigid body further defines a sixth basin adjacent said fourth basin and said fifth basin;said rigid body further defines a seventh basin adjacent said fifth basin;said rigid body further defines an eighth basin adjacent said seventh basin and said sixth basin;said first hose channel is further disposed between said third basin and said fourth basin;said first hose channel is further disposed between said fifth basin and said sixth basin;said first hose channel is further disposed between said seventh basin and said eighth basin;said bottom surface of said rigid body further defines a third hose channel extending in a direction perpendicular to said first hose channel and parallel to said second hose channel, said third hose channel being disposed between said third basin and said fifth basin and between said fourth basin and said sixth basin; andsaid bottom surface of said rigid body further defines a fourth hose channel extending in a direction perpendicular to said first hose channel and parallel to said third hose channel, said fourth hose channel being disposed between said fifth basin and said seventh basin and between said sixth basin and said seventh basin.