Q&A

May one wash his hands over plants and grass during Shemita?

No.[2] This applies even towards plants or fields within a public area.[3] However some[4] are lenient in this regard.[5]

May one water plants or flowers that grew during Shemita?[6]

No. It is forbidden to do so even for the sake of preventing loss.

May one allow his air conditioner water valve drip onto grass?

Yes.[7] However, some[8] are stringent in this matter.

May one drip dry his laundry over the grass?

Some Poskim[9] are lenient in this matter.

May one mop water from his floor onto his garden?

No.[10] However, if a plant killing agent is being used as floor detergent, then one may mop the water into the garden.[11] [Most detergents are plant friendly and do not pose a threat to one’s garden.]

May one mop water into a drain that then falls onto grass?

Yes.[12] However, some[13] are stringent in this matter.

May one urinate on plants or grass?[14]

Yes.

Garden Care

May one remove rocks from his field?

It is forbidden to do so if one’s intent is to help the areas under the rock grow.[15] It is permitted to do so if one is removing the rock for other purposes.

May one spray pesticide on his plants and produce during Shemita?

One may do so for purposes of preventing loss or destruction to the plants due to insects.[16] It is forbidden to do so for the purpose of extended growth.[17]

May one remove weeds from his garden?[18]

No.[19] However, any weed which is damaging the plant, or a tree may be removed.

May one clean debris from a garden?[20]

Yes. It is permitted to remove garbage and pieces of debris from one’s garden during Shemita. Likewise, one may remove any item that from the garden that does not belong there.

 Laws related to Potted Plants

May one plant inside of a pot that is sitting on the ground during Shemita?

It is forbidden to plant any item during Shemita inside of a pot that contains a hole. If the pot does not contain a hole, then if it is made of wood or earthenware it is forbidden to plant within it.[21] If it is made of glass or metal [or plastic^[22]] then some Poskim[23] rule it is permitted[24] while others[25] rule it is Rabbinically forbidden, and so is the custom.

May one plant in a pot within one’s house during Shemita?

Some Poskim[26] rule that Shemita laws do not apply to any plant that is grown within a roofed home. One may thus plant all products within the pot and the products do not have a Shemita status and are not forbidden due to Sefichin. This applies even if the pot is made of earthenware or wood. Other Poskim[27], however, are stringent in this matter and rule that it is forbidden to plant or perform any Melacha to potted plants within a home, just like all Shemita produce. Practically many are lenient to permit Melacha to all potted plants that are within a closed pot that does not contain holes, and is within a roofed room.[28]

Practically, even those that are lenient must fulfill the following conditions:

1. The pot is closed without holes

2. There is a roof on top of the Pot. This excludes the allowance to plant a pot in one’s porch.

3. The room contains walls which reach a height of ten Tefach [80cm].

4. There is a sheet of PVC or aluminum [tin foil; disposable baking pan or tray] under the pot to create an interval between the parts of the plant that grow out from the pot and the floor which it hovers.

May one plant in water [Hydroponics] during Shemita?

Some Poskim[29] rule it is permitted to plant all types of foods within a water pot [hydroponics] during Shemita if the pot does not contain any earth ingredients. Other Poskim[31] rule it is forbidden.

May one water a potted plant during Shemita?

One may water a potted plant to prevent damage or loss towards the plant. One may not do so for its continued growth and development, unless the plant is within a roofed room, in which case according to some opinions it is permitted to water it even for growing purposes.

May one enter potted plants from his home, onto his porch, during Shemita?

Some Poskim[32] rule it is forbidden to move a potted plant during Shemita from a roofed area to a non-roofed area. Other Poskim[33] rule it is permitted to do so. Practically the custom is to be stringent.  

May one enter potted plants from one’s garden, into one’s home, during Shemita?

Yes.[34]

May one move a potted plant from one area to another within the garden?[35]

Atzitz Nakuv: One is not to lift the plant and place it in another area of the garden, as the lifting and replacing is considered similar to a new replanting.[36] However, one may move the plant by sliding it from one area to another without lifting it up.[37]

Atzitz Sheiyno Nakuv: May be moved from place to place outside without worry.

May one lift a potted plant that fell onto the ground?

Yes.

May one walk under areas that contain potted plants, such as under a porch?[38]

Yes. This applies even if the pots have holes.

May one enter flowers into a water vase during Shemita?[39]

Yes.