Preparing your garden for shemitah

Ahead of the 5782 shemitah year, we put together tips to get your garden ready to bloom throughout the shemitah year

Click here  to download the PDF file.

During the shemitah year it is forbidden to sow or plant. So that your garden will bloom throughout the shemitah year, we recommend planting perennials and biannuals ahead of shemitah. Ask your local nursery to provide you with flowers that bloom at different times of the year so your garden will look beautiful all year long.

Each plant has different growing needs. Check first that the plant is suitable for your garden!

Plant flowers that bloom during different seasons

Give your garden a refreshing look by incorporating varied plants

You can also bury bulbs before shemitah

Bury bulbs in your garden before shemitah. These bulbs will sprout with the winter rain during the shemitah year and will flower at different times. Bury the bulbs in a moist but not wet area, and make sure the appropriate conditions are present. Only after they sprout will it be permitted to water and tend to the flowers:

Don't forget the planting deadlines before shemitah

(Tip: Don't wait for the last minute!)

15 Av: Bare-rooted fruit trees

29 Av: Fruit trees with roots encased in a clod of earth

15 Elul: Bare-rooted non-fruit trees

26 Elul: Annual decorative plants

29 Elul: Planting with clod of soil – non-fruit trees/ornamental plants/vegetables

Pre-shemitah weed prevention

Remove weeds before shemitah to reduce the seeds in the soil seed bank.

Prevent weeds from growing during shemitah by covering the ground by nylon sheets and spreading black Palrig on top. Alternatively, spread wood clippings on the ground.

Spraying weed herbicides such as Ronstar or Stomp before the rains during shemitah will significantly reduce weed growth. Consult with a professional before applying the spray.

It is possible to use more astringent materials in areas not meant for planting.

Advanced preparations to fertilize your garden

Spread out compost and slow-release fertilizers (SRF) prior to shemitah. Don't forget to bury the compost and fertilizer in the soil.

This is especially important for planters and flowers on window sills—if no fertilizer is applied in advance, these plants will lack nutrients during the shemitah year.

Apply the SRF according to the instructions on the bag. SRF is especially recommended for planters.

The amount of compost needed depends on the soil and the plant in question. In general:

To prepare soil: 5–20 L per m²    

Enrich planted areas: 2–5 L per m²

Planters: 5–10f% compost, uniform fashion per substrate.

Adjust the exact quantities according to the soil and plant you are applying fertilizer to.

It is important to use high-quality fertilizer and apply it in a uniform fashion to avoid burning roots.