WO2001072114A1

WO2001072114A1 - A growing tube and method of making a growing tube

Info

Publication number: WO2001072114A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/009618
Authority: WO
Inventors: Darrin E. Keefe
Original assignee: Keefe Darrin E
Priority date: 2000-03-28
Filing date: 2000-04-11
Publication date: 2001-10-04
Also published as: AU2000242287A1

Abstract

Growing tubes for interior and exterior plants for house and garden plants which provide an enhanced growing environment for plants and provide an esthetic arrangement for holding and displaying a plurality of plants in one or more containers on multiple levels and in multiple directions. A tube (20) comprises a top end (26), bottom (28), and body (22). The body (22) and the base (28) define an interior cavity (30) which holds soil (not shown). The tube (20) includes at least one pocket (32) with a lower lip (42) and an upper lip (44).

Description

A GROWING TUBE AND METHOD OF MAKING A GROWING TUBE

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/128,847, filed April 12, 1999. DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates in general to a growing tube and a method of making a growing tube, and more particularly to a growing tube for plants which provides an improved, enhanced and esthetic arrangement for growing a plurality of plants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Containers and pots of various shapes, sizes and materials have been used for years to grow indoor and outdoor house and garden plants. For example, conventional orange clay pots are commonly used inside and outside homes to grow plants. Plastic containers or pots have also been used inside and outside homes to grow plants. Such containers and pots generally include a bottom wall and side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall. These walls define a chamber for holding the soil and an open top area. The plant is planted in the soil in the chamber and grows upwardly through the open top area. These plant containers or pots are available in different sizes and colors. Other types of pots such as clay strawberry pots having holes in the sides of the pots have also been well known. The holes in strawberry pots allow the strawberry vines to grow downwardly along the pot. Nevertheless, people are constantly seeking improved or enhanced ways to grow their plants and alternative ways to display their plants in an esthetic and unique manner. People and businesses are also constantly seeking new ways to decorate the interior and exterior of their homes, apartments, offices and places of business. For esthetic purposes, many people hang plants around the exterior and in the interior of their homes using the conventional pots and containers described above. However, when hung, conventional plant containers or pots are not esthetically pleasing. Accordingly, there is a need for an interior and exterior plant container for plants which provide an improved and enhanced growing environment and provides an esthetic arrangement for growing a plurality of plants.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a growing tube for growing a plurality of plants and a method of making a growing tube for growing a plurality of plants. The growing tube of the present invention may be used for growing interior or exterior plants. The present invention provides an improved and enhanced growing environment for plants, facilitates ease in watering of multiple plants in the same container and provides an esthetic arrangement for growing and displaying a plurality of plants on multiple levels and in multiple directions.

The growing tube of the present invention generally includes a substantially cylindrical tubular body having top and bottom ends, a base member at the bottom end, an open top end, an interior cavity and at least one pocket in the body. The pockets are preferably on one or more levels and face in various directions. The interior cavity is filled with soil and the plants are planted in the top end and in each pocket. Each plant in the growing tube may be watered separately.

Each pocket includes an upper lip extending into the cavity and a lower lip which extends outwardly from the cavity. The interior surface of the upper lip defines a shoulder which extends into the cavity and assists in supporting soil in the body above the pocket for the plants above the pocket. The lower lip defines a mouth to hold the soil for the plant.

The growing tube may be constructed from a cylindrical tube. The tube is cut to size, the pockets are formed in the tube, and the base is attached to the bottom of the tube. The growing tube may have an angled or flat bottom. The growing tube may also be molded. Two or more growing tubes may be connected or attached to a connecting member. The growing tubes may be hung up or may stand on a platform. The growing tube preferably includes suitable holes for facilitating the drainage or evaporation of water from the growing tube. The growing tube may also be formed in two or more molded pieces connected to each other.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a growing tube for growing a plurality of plants.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of making a growing tube.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a growing tube for plants which provides an improved, enhanced and esthetic arrangement for growing a plurality of plants.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an growing tube which provides an improved and enhanced growing environment for plants and provides an esthetic arrangement for growing and displaying a plurality of plants on multiple levels and in multiple directions.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide two or more connected growing tubes for growing a plurality of plants. Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the flowing detailed disclosure, taken in conjunctions with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the growing tube of the present invention having a top opening, an angled bottom and two pockets;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the growing tube of the present invention having a top opening, an angled bottom and two pockets and illustrating the upper lip of the pocket extending into the chamber of the body and the lower lip extending laterally from the body;

Fig. 3 is an alternative embodiment of the growing tube of the present invention having two pockets in alternative positions and a hanging mechanism attached to the top end of the body; Fig. 4 is an alternative embodiment of the growing tube of the present invention having three pockets and a hanging mechanism attached to the top portion of the body;

Fig. 5 is an alternative embodiment of the growing tube of the present invention having five pockets and a hanging mechanism attached to the top end of the body;

Fig. 6 is an alternative embodiment of the growing tube of the present invention having five pockets; Fig. 7 is an alternative embodiment of the growing tube of the present invention having three pockets, a top opening, a flat bottom end

and a platform;

Fig. 8 is an alternative embodiment of three connected growing tubes of the present invention having flat bottom ends and mounted on a single platform;

Fig. 9 is an alternative embodiment of two connected growing tubes of the present invention, each having one pocket and connected to a supporting rod; Fig. 10 is an alternative embodiment of three connected growing tubes of the present invention all connected to a supporting rod;

Fig. 11 is an alternative embodiment of four connected growing

tubes of the present invention connected to a supporting rod;

Fig. 12 is an alternative embodiment of six connected growing tubes of the present invention including three flat bottom growing tubes mounted on a platform, and three angled bottom growing tubes connected to a supporting rod which extends upwardly from the platform;

Fig. 13 is a cross sectional view of a further embodiment of the growing tube of the present invention, in which the tube is formed from two interconnecting sections including male and female locking members; Fig. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a male locking member of the alternative embodiment of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a female locking member of the alternative embodiment of Fig. 13; Fig. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative base for the growing tube;

Fig. 17 is a top plan view of the alternative base of Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 is an perspective view of the growing tube of the present invention resting in a base, having a watering channel in the growing tube and of a watering reservoir or bottle;

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a growing tube having a watering channel or watering tube therein;

Fig. 20 is a cross sectional view of a growing tube having a watering channel or watering tube therein; Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a growing tube having a watering tube and water wickers; and

Fig. 22 is a fragmentary perspective view of a alternative embodiment of the growing tube having water directing notches in the upper lip of the pocket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Fig. 1 , the growing tube of the present invention, generally indicated by numeral 20, is adapted to grow or hold one or more plants (not shown) on multiple levels and facing in multiple directions. The growing tube 20 of the present invention includes a substantially cylindrical rigid tubular body 22 having top and bottom ends 24 and 26, respectively. A base 28 is connected to the bottom end 24 of the body 22. The top end 24 of the body 22 is open to enable a plant to grow out of the top end 24 of the growing tube 20. The body 22 and the base 28 define an interior cavity 30 which holds the soil (not shown) for the plants.

The growing tube 20 of the present invention includes at least one pocket 32 formed in the body 22. Each pocket is preferably in a different horizontal plane in the body and in a different vertical plane in the body. As illustrated in Fig. 1 , the pockets 32 and 34 are formed on opposite sides of the body 22 (i.e., in different vertical planes and in different horizontal planes). Pocket 32 includes a lower lip 42 and an upper lip 44. The lower lip 42 extends laterally from the outer circumference of the tubular body 22 and the upper lip 44 extends inwardly from the outer circumference of the tubular body 22 into the interior cavity 30. The interior surface of the lower lip 42 defines a mouth 46 which extends laterally from the outer circumference of the tubular body 22. The mouth 46 provides an area for holding the soil (not shown) and for growing the plant (not shown). The exterior surface of the upper lip 44 defines a growing area or indentation 48 which extends inwardly from the outer circumference of the tubular body 22. The growing indentation 48 provides an area for the plant (not shown) to grow upwardly.

The configuration of the pockets in the growing tube of the present invention is further illustrated in Fig. 2. The growing tube 20a includes a body 22a having pockets 32a and 34a located in alternative positions in the body 22a. Pocket 32a includes a lower lip 42a and an upper lip 44a. The interior surface of the upper lip 44a defines a shoulder 50a which extends into the interior cavity 30a of the body 22a. The shoulder 50a supports the soil (not shown) in the body 22a above the pocket 32a. The lower lip 42a defines the mouth 46a which extends laterally or outwardly from the body 22a for holding the soil (not shown). This support of the soil, and the overall arrangement of the growing tube provide an enhanced and improved environment for growing plants. The pockets 32a and 34a generally have the same configuration although it should be appreciated that the configuration of the pockets could vary. Referring back to Fig. 1 , the growing tube 20 includes an angled base 28 suitably connected to the bottom end 26 of the body 22. The base 28 or the lower part of the bottom end 26 may include one or more drain holes (not shown) for enabling water to drain from the bottom of the growing tube 20. The drain holes may be placed in the base member if the growing tube is for exterior use or may be placed in the lower part of the body if the growing tube is for interior use. A plug, preferably a silicon rubber plug, may be provided to plug the drain hole. The extra water not absorbed by the soil will drain from the drain holes or may evaporate into the air passing through these drain holes depending on the location of the drain holes. A shelf (not shown) having a circumference smaller than the inner circumference of the body 20 may be positioned in the bottom of the growing tube 20. The shelf includes a plurality of holes and supports the soil above the shelf. The shelf, the base 28 and the bottom end 26 of the

body 20a define an extra water collection area below the shelf for collecting water not absorbed by the soil.

The body of the growing tube of the present invention is preferably formed from a commercially available polyvinylchloride (PVC) one-eight inch cylindrical pipe having a diameter of approximately four inches or five inches. The body of the growing tube could alternatively be made of other suitable plastic or other materials. The body of the growing tube could also be made from different size or diameter pipes or tubes and from various shaped pipes or tubes (i.e., square, triangular, etc.). The pipe is formed (i.e., molded or cut) to the desired length of the growing tube, which as illustrated in Figs. 1 through 12, may vary considerably from a few inches to several feet.

The top end of the body of the growing tube is preferably formed at an angle for esthetic appearances although the top end of the body of the growing tube could extend substantially horizontally. The bottom end of the body of the growing tube may be formed at an angle for esthetic appearances as illustrated in Figs. 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11 or may extend substantially horizontally as illustrated in Figs. 7, 8 and 12 such that the growing tube is adapted to stand upright on the bottom end or on a platform attached to the bottom end.

After the pipe is formed to the desired length, the number and location of the pockets is determined and appropriately marked on the pipe. To indicate the location of the center of a pocket, the pipe is marked with a cut line transversely extending across the length of the pipe for each pocket. As mentioned above, the pockets are preferably in different vertical and horizontal planes which prevents the intersection of the cut lines. A conventional saw or other suitable cutting instrument is used to transversely cut the pipe along the cut lines. Preferably, the transverse cut in the pipe extends approximately one-third of the circumference of the pipe. All of the cuts for all of the pockets are preferably made at one time. If a larger pocket is desired, the transverse cut would extend further around the circumference of the pipe. If a smaller pocket is desired, the transverse cut would extend a lesser distance around the circumference of the pipe.

After the transverse cut is made, a conventional hot air gun or other suitable heat supply is used to heat the area below the transverse cut. A die is then used to form the lower lip of the pocket. The die is preferably cylindrical or cone shape and may be held in a person's hand. The die is inserted in the pipe from the top of the pipe and is placed against the heated inside surface of the pipe below the transverse cut. The die is used to push the heated surface outwardly to form the lower lip of the pocket. After forming the lower lip of the pocket to the desired shape, the tube is allowed to air cool or cooled with water or other suitable solution. The hot air gun or other suitable heat supply is then used to heat the area in the pipe above the transverse cut. The die is then placed against the heated outer surface of the pipe above the transverse cut. The die is used to push the heated surface inwardly to form the upper lip of the pocket. After forming the upper lip of the pocket to the desired shape, the pipe is allowed to air cool or cooled or with water or other suitable solution.

All of the pockets in the growing tube are formed in the same manner. Preferably, the pockets are formed from the lower end of the body to the upper end of the body or from the upper end to the lower end. The edges of the pockets may be filed, cut or sanded to the desire shape and smoothness. It should be appreciated that the growing tube and the pockets could be formed in alternative manners. For instance, the growing tube and pockets could be molded in a suitable standard mold, or formed on a rotational molding machine. It should also be appreciated that the pockets could be formed by forming a suitably sized hole in the tube and attaching a mouth shaped member to the tube.

After the growing tube and the desired pockets are formed, the base wall is formed or connected to the bottom end of the pipe. The bottom end of the pipe is preferably placed on a conventional sanding belt or other suitable apparatus to make the bottom edge of the pipe substantially planar. The pipe is then placed on a rubber or silicon mat and held in place by a suitable clamp, vice, holder or jig. A suitable liquid resin is then poured in the pipe preferably from the lowermost pocket.

The liquid resin could be poured in the pipe from the other pockets or the top end of the pipe. The resin is allowed to cure for a suitable period of time, preferably approximately one to two hours. The resin dries and forms the base of the growing tube. For additional support, a suitable adhesive or glue is poured into the inside of the pipe at the junction between the cured resin and the body. A silicon rubber spray or coating is preferably used to coat or place a water proof coating on the inside of the pipe and to cover the glue. The growing tube is then cleaned and may be painted with a suitable spray paint. A textured spay paint may be used to give the plastic growing tube a desired texture. Holes may be drilled in the top end of the tube for hanging the growing tube and in the bottom end or base of the growing tube for drainage purposes. The growing tube may also be attached to a supporting member or mounted on a base.

An alternative embodiment of the growing tube of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 3 and indicated by numeral 20b. The growing tube 20b includes a substantially cylindrical rigid tubular body 22b having top and bottom ends 24b and 26b, respectively. The growing tube 20b includes two pockets 32b and 34b positioned in alternative positions on the body 22b. The growing tube 20b further includes a hanging assembly 60b attached to the top end 24b of the body 22b of the growing tube 20b. Specifically, the hanging assembly 60b includes three connected chains, ropes or lines 62b, 64b, and 66b which are suitably attached to three holes formed in the top end 24b of the growing tube 20b. The lines 62b, 64b and 66b are connected at their upper end and may be further attached to a loop and hook assembly or other conventional hanging mechanism to hang the growing tube 20b. The growing tubes 20, 20a, 20b and the other growing tubes with angled bottom ends need to be hung, supported by a base, attached to a wall or other suitable structure or mechanism.

A further alternative embodiment of the growing tube of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 4 and indicated by numeral 20c. The growing tube 20c includes a substantially cylindrical rigid tubular body 22c having top and bottom ends 24c and 26c, respectively. The growing tube 20c includes three pockets 32c, 34c and 36c positioned in alternative positions on the body 22c. A hanging assembly 60c is attached to the top end 26c of the body 22c. This embodiment further illustrates the numerous configurations of the pockets in the growing tube, the multiple directions and levels of the pockets, and the alternative lengths of the body 22c of the growing tube of the present invention. The size and number of the pockets formed in the tube is limited by the length and circumference of the body. A further alternative embodiment of the growing tube of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 5 and indicated by numeral 20d. The growing tube 20d includes a substantially cylindrical rigid tubular body 22d having top and bottom ends 24d and 26d, respectively. The growing tube 20d includes five pockets 32d, 34d, 36d, 38d and 39d positioned in alternative locations throughout the body 22d and a hanging mechanism attached to the top end of the body. This embodiment illustrates how the pockets 32d and 36d and the pockets 34d and 38d can be aligned in the same vertical plane if the body is of a sufficient length such that the pockets in the same vertical plane do not interfere with each other. Likewise, if the body is of a sufficient circumference the pockets can be aligned in the same horizontal plane.

A further alternative embodiment of the growing tube of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 6 and indicated by numeral 20e. The growing tube 20e includes a substantially cylindrical rigid tubular body 22e having top and bottom ends 24e and 26e, respectively. The growing tube 20e includes five pockets 32e, 34e, 36e, 38e and 39e positioned in alternative locations throughout the body 22e and does not include a hanging mechanism. This embodiment illustrates further alternative positions of the pockets and the shapes of the pockets.

A further alternative embodiment of the growing tube of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 7 and indicated by numeral 20f. The growing tube 20f includes a substantially cylindrical rigid tubular body 22f having top and bottom ends 24f and 26f, respectively. The growing tube 20f includes three pockets 32f, 34f and 36f positioned throughout the body 22f. The bottom end 24f extends substantially horizontally and includes a base (not shown) connected to the bottom end 24f of the body 22f. The bottom end 24f and/or the base is connected to a platform 60. The platform may be made from any suitable material and may be of any desired shape or size. The platform is esthetically pleasing and enables the growing tube to stand on a flat surface without readily tipping over.

A further alternative embodiment of the present invention which includes three growing tubes 20g, 20h and 20i mounted on a platform 60g is illustrated in Fig. 8. The three growing tubes 20g, 20h and 20i each have at least one pocket 32g, 32h and 32i, respectively, and are of different heights. This embodiment illustrates one of the numerous different esthetic arrangements of the growing tube of the present invention.

A further alternative embodiment of the present invention which includes two growing tubes 20j and 20k mounted on a supporting member, or pole or rod 70j is illustrated in Fig. 9. The supporting pole 70j may be made of any suitable material, shape or size. The supporting pole 70j may include a hanging assembly, may be attached to a wall or may extend from the ground. The growing tubes 20j and 20k each have at least one pocket 32j and 32k, respectively, and are attached to the pole 70j at different heights. The growing tubes 20j and 20k include angled bottom ends 26j and 26k, respectively. This embodiment illustrates another one of the numerous different esthetic arrangements of the growing tube and the combination of growing tubes of the present invention.

A further alternative embodiment of the present invention including three multi-pocket growing tubes 20m, 20m and 20p connected to a supporting member, pole or rod 70m is illustrated in Fig. 10. The supporting pole 70m may be made of any suitable material, shape or size. The supporting pole 70m may include a hanging assembly, may be attached to a wall or may extend from the ground. The growing tubes 20m, 20n and 20p each have at least two pockets 32m, 34m, 32n, 34n and 32p, respectively. The second pocket in growing tube 20p is not depicted. The growing tubes 20m, 20n and 20p are attached to the pole 70m at different heights. The growing tubes 20m, 20n and 20p include angled bottom ends. This embodiment illustrates another one of the numerous different esthetic arrangements of the growing tube of the present invention. A further alternative embodiment of the present invention including three single-pocket growing tubes 20q, 20r and 20s and one multi-pocket growing tube 20t connected to a supporting member or pole 70q is illustrated in Fig. 11. The supporting pole 70q may be made of any suitable material, shape or size. The supporting pole 70m may include a hanging assembly, may be attached to a wall or may extend from the ground. The growing tubes 20q, 20r and 20s each have a pocket 32q, 32r and 32s, respectively, and growing tube 20t includes at two pockets 32t and 34t. The growing tubes 20q, 20r, 20s and 20t are attached to the pole 70q at different heights and include angled bottom ends. This embodiment illustrates another one of the numerous different esthetic arraignments of the growing tube of the present invention.

A further alternative embodiment of the present invention including

three angled bottom growing tubes 20u, 20v and 20w connected to a supporting member, pole or rod 70u and three flat bottom growing tubes 20x, 20y and 20z connected to the supporting member or pole 70u and mounted on a platform 60x is illustrated in Fig. 12. The supporting pole

70u is suitably connected to the platform 60x. The supporting pole 70u and the platform 60x may be made of any suitable material, shape or size.

The growing tubes 20u, 20v, 20w, 20x, 20y and 20z may have single pockets or multiple pockets. The growing tubes 20q, 20r, 20s and 20t are attached to the pole 70q at different heights and include angled bottom ends. This embodiment illustrates another one of the numerous different esthetic arraignments of the growing tube of the present invention.

An alternative embodiment of the growing tube of the present invention which is formed in multiple sections is generally illustrated in Figs. 13, 14 and 15. The growing tube 120 is formed from two interconnecting mating generally semi-cylindrical sections 120a and 120b. Each section preferably has male and female locking members 124 and 126, respectively, which are adapted to mate with male and female locking members on the other section. The male and female locking sections preferably extend vertically throughout the tube and do not interfere with the pockets. The male locking member preferably includes a large and small projections 128 and 130 and the female locking member preferably includes large and small grooves 132 and 134 adapted to mate with the male projections. The large projection 128 preferably includes a plurality of notches 136, 138 and 140 adapted to mate with detents 142, 144 and 146 in the large groove 132 of the female member 130. Accordingly, when the sections 120a and 120b are put or snapped together, the male and female members on the sections coact to lock the sections together. This simplifies the molding process for the growing tube. As illustrated in Fig. 13, the sections 120a and 120b are preferably molded to cause a waterproof interconnection between the sections. Other locking arrangement may be employed to connect the multiple sections to form the growing tube. Although not shown, a base may be inserted into a ridge in the interior of the sections or may be otherwise

suitable formed. An alternative embodiment of a platform for the growing tube of the present invention is generally illustrated in Figs. 16, 17 and 18. The platform 150 is adapted to rest on a substrate and receive either a flat bottom or angled bottom growing tube. The platform 150 includes an exterior wall 152 which defines an opening 154 in the top of the wall for receiving the growing tube. The platform preferably includes an interior support member 156. Fig. 18 illustrates a two-pocket angled bottom growing tube 20 resting in a platform 150. Fig 18 also illustrates that the growing tube of the present invention may include an interior watering tube 200, as further described below. A water reservoir 180 or a watering bottle (not shown) may be inserted into the top of the watering tube to water the plants in the growing tube.

The watering tube or channel 200 is better illustrated in Figs. 19, 20 and 21. The watering tube 200 is positioned in the growing tube and is adapted to distribute water evenly throughout the growing tube. The watering tube 200 is preferably a flexible plastic tube of suitable size and preferably includes evenly spaced apart apertures which allow the water to disperse from the watering tube throughout the growing tube. The apertures are preferably larger toward the top of the watering tube and smaller toward the bottom of the growing tube to cause an even distribution of the water. The watering tube may be attached to the side of the growing tube. Although not shown, it should be appreciated that the watering tube may alliteratively be formed as a downwardly extending straight or circular channel preferably on the inside of the growing tube formed during the molding process.

Fig 21 also illustrates a plurality of water wickers 220 in the growing tube. The water wickers draw through capillary action water which accumulates at the bottom of the growing tube back up throughout the growing medium. Fig. 21 further illustrates a drainage hole in the bottom of the growing tube which is normally plugged for interior household use by a watertight silicone rubber plug (not shown). As illustrated in Fig. 22, the pockets of the tubes, and in particular the upper lip of the pockets could include one or more inverted v-shape notches or slots 210 which eliminate or reduce water run-out toward the outside of the growing tube during watering of the plants in the growing tube. It will be understood that modification and variations may be effected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS The invention is hereby claimed:

1. A growing tube for at least one plant comprising: a rigid tubular body having top and bottom ends; a base connected to said bottom end, said body and said base defining an interior cavity adapted to hold soil for a plant; and at least one pocket in said body, said pocket having a mouth

adapted to hold soil for a plant.

2. The growing tube of Claim 1 , wherein each pocket includes a lower lip extending laterally outwardly from the tubular body.

3. The growing tube of Claim 2, wherein each pocket includes an upper lip extending into the interior cavity of the tubular body, said upper lip defining a growing area for the plant to grow upwardly, and defines a shoulder in the interior cavity adapted to support soil in the tubular body above the pocket.

4. The growing tube of Claim 1 , wherein the top end of the tubular body is open to enable a plant to grow out of the top end of the growing tube.

5. The growing tube of Claim 1 , wherein the growing tube includes a plurality of pockets in the tubular body.

6. The growing tube of Claim 5, wherein each pocket in the tubular body is in different horizontal planes in the tubular body and in different vertical planes in the tubular body.

7. The growing tube of Claim 1 , wherein the tubular body is substantially cylindrical.

8. The growing tube of Claim 7, wherein the tubular body is polyvinylchloride.

9. The growing tube of Claim 1 , wherein bottom end of the tubular body extends substantially horizontally.

10. The growing tube of Claim 1 , wherein bottom end of the tubular body is mounted on a platform.

11. The growing tube of Claim 1 , wherein the bottom end or the base includes at least one drain hole.

12. The growing tube of Claim 1 , which further includes a shelf in the interior cavity which supports the soil and defines a water collection area.

13. An apparatus for holding plants, said apparatus comprising: a rigid tubular body having top and bottom ends; a base connected to said bottom end, said body and said base defining an interior cavity adapted to hold soil for the plants; and at least one pocket formed in said tubular body, each said pocket including a lower lip extending laterally outwardly from the tubular body and defining a mouth adapted to hold the soil and a plant and an upper lip extending into the interior cavity of the tubular body, said upper lip defining a growing area for the plant to grow upwardly and defining a shoulder in the interior cavity adapted to support soil in the tubular body above the pocket.

14. The apparatus of Claim 13, which includes a plurality of pockets in the tubular body in different horizontal planes in the tubular body and in different vertical planes in the tubular body, whereby the apparatus provides an esthetic arrangement for holding and displaying a plurality of plants on multiple levels and in multiple directions.

15. A method of forming a growing tube comprising the steps of: cutting a tubular body to a desired length, said tubular body having top and bottom ends; determining the number and location of pockets to be formed in the tubular body; forming at least one pocket in the tubular body; and connecting a base to the bottom end of the tubular body.

16. The method of Claim 15, wherein each pocket is formed by marking a transverse line on the body at the desired location of the body; cutting the body along said transverse line; heating the body below and above the cut; and using a die to form a lower lip on one side of the cut and an upper lip on the other side of the cut.