Help maintain and improve agricultural stability, biodiversity and water conservation by respecting the sabbatical year, also known as the shmita year. Improve your crop yield by planting the moon.
SHMITA (7th FALLOW YEAR)
During the sabbatical year (shmita) the land should be left to lay fallow and all agricultural activity, including plowing, planting, pruning and harvesting is forbidden by halacha (Hebrew/Jewish law).
LEARNING ABOUT HUMiLiTY
To maintain a balanced, equitable and healthy society, every seven years farmers and agicultural workers should observe the Shmita. The Shmita represents the end of a shared cycle according to the Hebrew Tora and is a time when debts are forgiven and the land is allowed to rest from the constant farming endured during the year.
Rejuvination
Other cultivation techniques (such as watering, fertilisting, weeding, spraying, trimming and mowing) may be performed as a preventitive measure only, not to improve the growth of trees or other plants. During this period the soil rejuvinates itself and earth worms clean and revitalize the nutrients in the soil.
Giving to the Community
Additionaly, any fruits that grow of their own accord are deemed hefkar (ownerless) and may be picked by anyone. A variety of laws also apply to the sale, consumption and disposal of shmita produce.
Ecological Sustainability
The implementation of the shmita year is also a method for implementing an ethical and sustainable process for food production and distribution.
It is specifically important to understand the underlying principle of charity, because all of the produce that continues to grow in the shmita (fallow) field should be considered public property for all to consumer. Secondly, the ecological aspect of letting the land lay fallow for the period of one year helps it naturally rejuvinate.
Limiting Consumption
The concept of the Shmita tells us to put limits on our activities becauswe we are not the center of the uninverse, we are in a symbiotic relationship with something larger than ourselves, the living earth.
PLANTiNG BY THE MOON
The Four phases of the moon provide differerent amounts of light to above the ground plants affecting their growth. Use the following four quarter rules to enhance your garden.
NEW MOON
At the new moon, the lunar gravity pulls water up and causes the seeds to swell and burst. This factor coupled with the increasing light creates balanced root and leaf growth.
Sow or transplant leafy vegetables such as, celery, brocolli, cabbage, caulifower, chard, lettuce, spinach and grain crops during the new moon. Flowering annuals, grains and melons should also be planted or transplanted at this time. The new moon speeds germination and promotes rapid growth.
FiRST QUARTER
In the second quarter the gravitational pull is less but the moonlight is strong, creating leaf growth. It is generally a good time for planting, especially two days before the full moon.
Sow or transplant fruiting annuals during the moons first quarter. This includes beans, melon, peas, peppers, squash, tomatoes amd zucchini.
Plant flowers for beauty or fragrance in the first quarter.
FULL MOON
After the full moon, as the moon wanes, the energy is drawing down. The gravitational pull is high, creating more moisture in the soil and putting more energy into the roots.
This is the time to plant trees, sapliings, strawberries, root crops, beets, carrots, onions, potatoes, peanuts, bulbs, perentials, trees, shrubs, vines, turnips and radish. and herbaculous perenials and grasses. This phase promotes good root development needed for strong energy.
LAST QUARTER
In the fourth quarter there is decreased gravitational pull and moonlight and it is considered a resting period. This is also the best time to cultivate, harvest, transplant and prune.
No planting or transplanting at this time.Prune those overgrown shrubs and trees to curtail new growth and maintain their shape and size. Mowing the lawn at this time slows growth. Use the last quarter to attend to your soil needs by making compost or manure mix, but avoid planting or transplanting seedlings at this time.
Any Time (Waxing Moon Phase)
Sow large areas during the waxing moon. Use this time to sow lawns, to put down sod and to pant wheat and grains. Sow crops like leafy vegetables and flowers, which produce yeild above ground and do not rely on extensive root development.
Always plant roses in the first or second quarter of the waxing moon. When grafting fruit or flower trees, cut grafts in the first or second quarter or the waxing moon. In the first or second quarter of the waxing moon take cuttings from plants that you want to propagate.
Any Time (Waning Moon Phase)
Sow crops that produce their yield below ground. This includes root vegetables such as beets, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, onions and turnips.
Divide your perennials in the third quarter of the waning moon. Start your compost heap during the waning moon. This phase aids in decompostion and plant matter. Spread and turn the compost and organic fertilizer. Mulch in the third quarter. Prune and cut back plants. Harvest crops requiring long term storage like apples, cabbage and potatoes.
The waning moon is a good time to dig herb roots or harvest leaves and bark intended to be used in medical teas. Herbs retain thier maximum potency at this time and dry more easily.
GENERAL PLANT MAiNTAiNANCE
To maintain a healthy garden use the following guidelines to ensure maximum healthy growth and yields.
Annual Crops
Plant annuals plants that bear above-ground crops during the weeks following the new moon. “Annuals” are plants that must be replanted each year, such as lettuce, brocolli, basil, tomatoes and most other vegetables. Many flowers are also annuals, including petunias, marigolds and cosmos.
General Pruning
Prune flowers and shrubs such as, roses and geraniums during the two weeks following the new moon to encourage new growth.
General Planting
Plant bulbs, root crops and perenials during the week following the full moon, called the third quarter. Bulb plants include daffodils, tulips and irises. Root crops are vegetables such as carrots, potatoes and onions. Perenials such as roses, berries and many herbs are plants that come back each year and do not require replanting.
Weeding
Weed and till the garden during the moons fourth quarter, the second week after the moon is full.
PROTECTiNG YOUR BODY & PLANTS
Explore the health benefits of the seven fruit species from the land of Israel. Safeguard your body and the plants that provide sustenance.