Weed inhibiting enclosure members for use with container grown plants and methods of use thereof

A weed growth inhibiting enclosure member for use with container grown ornamental plants comprises a frusto-conical open-ended tube of thin, flexible light-impervious material of diameter to fit snugly around the container exterior, and of a length such that its upper part overlays the open container top and can be wrapped closely around the plant stem for retention without using a tie. This upper part has spaced perforations of size to permit passage of water to the earth in the container while preventing protrusion of weeds therethrough. The member reduces evaporation and also protects the container exterior against the adverse effects of sunlight and dirt. The weeds are thus denied the light essential to their growth, while access of the wanted plant is unimpeded, so that the weeds remain immature and compete only minimally for water and nutrients. The wrapping of the tube part around the plant stem ensures that it will not impede growth of the plant, as might a tie. Preferably the member is provided with a longitudinal tear line or lines facilitating its removal from the container for a single final weeding before the plants are shipped, as contrasted with the frequent multiple weedings previously required. The tube may be of polyethylene of thickness 1+E,fra 1/2+EE -2+E,fra 1/2+EE mils, while the holes may be of 3-5 mm diameter, preferably of 4 mm diameter, spaced from one another from 2+E,fra 1/2+EE cm to 3+E,fra 1/2+EE cm, preferably 3 cm. The invention also comprises methods of growing plants in a growth medium in plant containers while inhibiting the growth of weeds in the medium by use of such enclosure members.