Self -irrigating display rack for container plants

Abstract

An irrigation display rack is provided is provided having a plurality of individual irrigation lines which may be positioned within the soil of a container or root-balled plant. The display rack provides a series of tiered support surfaces. A lower surface of the rack defines a water supply conduit to which individual irrigation lines are connected and in turn are used to water plants positioned on the support surfaces. The display rack may be moved and provides a structure for effective watering of plants while minimizing inconvenience to retail consumers.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . An irrigation rack for displaying container-grown plants comprising: 
 a frame supporting at least one horizontal support surface;    a water supply conduit supported by the frame, said conduit having at least a first opening adapted for operatively receiving a hose and at least one outlet; and,    a plurality of lengths of tubing, each individual length of tubing having a first end in communication with said at least one outlet and a second opening in communication with an irrigation head, said irrigation head adapted for placement within a respective container-grown plant when positioned on said horizontal support surface.    
     
     
         2 . The irrigation rack according to  claim 1  wherein said frame further supports a plurality of wheels.  
     
     
         3 . The irrigation rack according to  claim 1  wherein said at least one horizontal support surface further defines a mesh substrate adapted for the drainage of liquids from said support surface.  
     
     
         4 . The irrigation rack according to  claim 1  wherein said frame further defines a plurality of horizontal support surfaces, said horizontal support surfaces positioned in a tiered arrangement.  
     
     
         5 . The irrigation rack according to  claim 1  wherein said inlet further comprises a threaded coupling for receiving a hose.  
     
     
         6 . The irrigation rack according to  claim 1  wherein said water supply conduit further defines a second outlet, said second outlet adapted for reversibly receiving a first end of a connecting conduit, a second end of said connecting conduit adapted for engagement by an inlet of a second irrigation rack.  
     
     
         7 . The irrigation rack according to  claim 1  wherein said water supply conduit is housed within said frame.  
     
     
         8 . The irrigation rack according to  claim 1  wherein each said individual length of tubing further comprises a flexible, low pressure tubing.  
     
     
         9 . A process of irrigating container-grown plants comprising: 
 providing an irrigation rack comprising a frame supporting at least one horizontal support surface; 
 a water supply conduit supported by the frame, said conduit having at least a first opening adapted for operatively receiving a hose and at least one outlet;  
 a plurality of lengths of tubing, each individual length of tubing having a first end in communication with said at least one outlet and a second opening in communication with an irrigation head, said irrigation head adapted for placement within a respective container-grown plant when positioned on said horizontal support surface;  
   providing a supply of water in communication with said first opening of said conduit; and,    placing each of said irrigation heads within a corresponding container-grown plant, said container-grown plant positioned on said horizontal support surface.