Distancing vegetables in a preschool garden
Question
I am a kindergarten teacher. We have a vegetable garden where we grow seasonal vegetables and various herbs. Can we plant different vegetables in the same patch? For instance, cabbage, lettuce, broccoli, parsley? If so, what is the distance necessary between the different types of vegetables?
Answer
Rabbi David Eigner
As a rule, it is permissible to plant (or sow) different types of plants in the same patch, while maintaining the proper distance. Most plants require 1.5 tefachim (12 cm); grains and legumes require 6 tefachim (48 cm) between them, while certain gourd and pumpkin varieties require 2 amot (1.92 cm), since they spread out extensively.
For the precise measurement for each type of plant, see our Kilayim Calculator.