May one place two potted vegetable plants next to each other in Israel?[1]
In the land of Israel where the laws of Kilayim apply it is forbidden to place plants which produce edible produce too close to each other.[2] They are to have a minimum distance of 1.5 Tefachim [i.e. 15 cm] for vegetables, and an even greater distance of 10.2 Amos [6.12 meters] is required for grains. Now, with regards to potted plants, the matter is disputed amongst the Poskim, with some Poskim[3] holding that there is no distance at all required being that they are separated by the pot material that holds them. Other Poskim[4] however hold that a minimum distance of 1.5 Tefachim is required even between potted vegetable plants and one is required to distance the pots the same distance that is required when they are planted in the ground. Practically, one is to be stringent. [The exact amount of distance is dependent on what one is growing in the two pots, as well as their size. If the parts are both larger than six Tefachim and are a height of one Tefach, then a mere Tefach distance between them is required. If however it is taller than 1 Tefach, then one must distance the two plants no less than the measurement of the height of the pot. Thus, if the pot is 20 cm tall then the distance must be 20 cm between the two pots. If the pots do not have a Tefach of height and they are viewed as single plants and must be distanced in accordance to their species which is 1.5 Tefachim for vegetables, and 10.2 Amos for grains.[5]]
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[1] See Encyclopedia Talmudit Vol. 29 Erech Kilei Zeraim p. 540 footnotes 605-614; Mayim Chaim p. 54
[2] Michaber Y.D. 296:1-2
[3] Madanei Aretz KIlayim p. 41; Har Tzevi 24:3; Shevet Halevi 6:166; 9:243; 288
[4] Chazon Ish Kilayim 13:16; Derech Emuna 4:16 92
[5] See Mayim Chaim ibid
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