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A Garden Project

Wherever we live, even in the cities, we can be in touch with nature and the seasons. This project will enable participants to experience nature by being directly involved in the process of growing things. Jewish tradition tells us when to plant certain crops, when to harvest them, and what their significance is (for the land of Israel). We also learn to refrain from harvesting all our crops; we leave the produce in the corners of our fields for those who have none.

You will need a place to garden: a sunny windowsill, small planting beds along a sidewalk or building, a garden plot, or containers on a patio or roof. Alternatively, you may decide to get involved in a garden project that is already established, such as a community garden or an interfaith group that raises food for the local soup kitchen. Participants can also take these ideas home and begin their own gardens.

If you are container-gardening, you will need potting soil, and some gravel to put in the bottom of containers to help drain water. Containers for gardening can be found in many unexpected places. Check with a community garden or a landscaping business to see if they will donate some used containers instead of throwing them away. Old buckets and coffee cans work well if you punch some holes near the bottom for drainage. Some hand tools will be useful, although large spoons are sufficient. You will need a watering can that will be gentle on seedlings. And of course, you will need seeds.

Garden supply businesses, botanical gardens and arboreta, and other gardening organizations can offer helpful suggestions.

You may want to share some of your harvest with soup kitchens, senior centers, food banks, or other similar services and organizations. You will want to use your harvest to expand your celebration of several holidays, such as Passover and Sukkot.

Tu B'Shvat
At Tu B'Shvat it is customary to plant parsley to harvest for the Passover seder plate. Parsley can be easily grown on a windowsill in recycled containers such as glass jars, cans or mugs. Fill the jar with a few small planting stones and some potting soil. Then plant some parsley seeds from a garden store. Don't forget to keep your planter in a sunny window and water it every day or two.

Some people enjoy planting their own horseradish for the seder plate as well.

Check with a garden supply store to find out how long it takes to grow in your area, and whether you can plant it outside. Horseradish will grow in indoor containers, too.

Tu B'Shvat is also an ideal time to start seeds in your house for spring vegetables and flowers.

Tip: Create your own "Tree Tzedakah Box" out of recycled containers such as glass jars, cans or toilet tissue rolls to collect change to purchase seeds or trees.

credit: Ellen Bernstein, Let the Earth Teach You Torah
To order book, email Ellen at Ellen.Bernstein@verizon.net