Seedbed for growing vegetation

Abstract

An artificial seedbed used in growing vegetation. The artificial seedbed comprises a base layer formed of a biodegradable product having a porosity and wet density that permit a root of the desired vegetation to penetrate the base layer and establish the vegetation for growing. The artificial seedbed also comprises an intermediate layer comprising a plurality of seeds for use in growing the desired vegetation. A cover layer cooperates with the base layer to form an envelope about the intermediate layer. The cover layer can be coextensive with the base layer and secured to the base layer by a bonding agent. The cover layer is formed of the same or different biodegradable product as the base layer. The material used in the cover layer permits the sprouting vegetation to penetrate it during the growing process.

1 . An article for use in growing vegetation, said article comprising: 
 a base layer formed of a biodegradable natural fiber;    a cover layer formed of biodegradable natural fibers having a wet density of no more than about 0.20 grams per cubic centimeter; and    a biodegradable bonding agent for securing said base layer to said cover layer.    
   
   
       2 . The article according to  claim 1  wherein said base layer has a basis weight of about 23 to about 300 grams per square meter and the cover layer has a basis weight of about 13 to about 150 grams per square meter.  
   
   
       3 . The article according to  claim 2  wherein said base layer and said cover layer each have a basis weight of about 26 to about 80 grams per square meter.  
   
   
       4 . The article according to  claim 2  wherein said base layer and said cover layer each have a basis weight of about 39 to about 71 grams per square meter.  
   
   
       5 . The article according to  claim 1  wherein said fibers of said cover layer are wood-derived cellulose fibers.  
   
   
       6 . The article according to  claim 1  wherein said base layer comprises a pulp product.  
   
   
       7 . The article according to  claim 6  wherein said pulp product includes a sheet of a pulp product.  
   
   
       8 . The article according to  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of seeds positioned between said cover layer and said base layer.  
   
   
       9 . The article according to  claim 8  wherein at least one of said seeds is coated with a fertilizer.  
   
   
       10 . The article according to  claim 8  wherein at least one of said cover layer and said base layer carries a fertilizer for aiding in the growth of the vegetation.  
   
   
       11 . The article according to  claim 1  wherein said cover layer is secured to said base layer at positions spaced inwardly from outer perimeters of said cover layer and said base layer such that a plurality of pockets are formed in said article between said cover layer and said base layer.  
   
   
       12 . The article according to  claim 11  wherein a first of said pockets contains at least one seed for growing a first vegetation and a second of said pocket contains seeds for growing a second vegetation.  
   
   
       13 . The article according to  claim 11  wherein a first of said pockets contains at least one seed and a second of said pockets contains fertilizer and/or nutrients for aiding in the growth of the vegetation.  
   
   
       14 . The article according to  claim 1  wherein said base layer has a wet density of at least about 0.05 grams per cubic centimeter and the cover layer has a wet density of about 0.05 to about 0.20 grams per cubic centimeter.