Shabbos Melochos

CHORAISH - Plowing

Definition - preparing the ground for planting.

Minimum amount - there is no minimum

Specified way - does not require tools amd therefore applies even when done with hand.

Toldos - hoeing, raking (the earth), fertilizing, etc.

Rabbinic prohibitions: Playing marbles and the like on ground as it might come to level the ground.; Sweeping certain floors

Applications: Sandbox sand presents a problem if the sand is stiff.; Softening earth by wetting it is Choraish.; Landscaping - clearing away stones, weeding, leveling ground.; Soil enhancers even when there are no plans that will benefit (in case there are plants it would be Zorayah.); Schlepping furniture where earth is turned.

ZORAYA - Planting

Definition - initiation or promotion of plant growth.

Minimum amount - there is no minimum therefore even if one plants one mustard seed it is Zoraya.

Specified way - does not require tools and therefore appDDes even when done with hand.

Toldos - watering ground where there is plant life, adding lime and other chemicals to balance the acidity of the soil, pruning.

Limitation - only where there are chances of plant growth. Would not apply to well trodden path.

Applications: Pouring water on grass (advisory not to picnic on grass if one could avoid it.); May not bring a plant in to sunlight. (Opening up shade is permitted if plant is not immediately to window.); May not throw pits or seeds on to ground if there is possibility of growth, even if growth may only happen months from now.; Placing a potted plant on the ground (this enhances its growth.); Beware of bird feed (free birds one may not feed at all) that is placed on the ground.; May not place flower in water as this opens them up. Branches however, are permitted if there are no flowers. One may also not add water to such flowers.

KOTZEIR - Harvesting

Definition - detaching a living organism from it life source

Minimum amount - there is no minimum

Specified way - does not require tools and therefore applies even when done by hand and even by mouth.

Rabbinic prohibitions: Use of a tree (hammocks and tree houses?}; Riding animals; Smelling fruits that are still on their tree; Fruits that fell on Shabbos

Applications: Moving a potted plant; Running on tall grass, dandelions; Taking a fish out of water; Unintentional plucking grass, leaves or bark off a tree

DOSH - Treshing

Definition - extracting any earth grown product from its inedible shell or peel

Minimum amount - there is no minimum

Specified way - does not require tools.

Toldos: Squeezing grapes and olives; Nursing; Squeezing sponges; Extracting peas from pod
Limitations: Squeezing foods - grapes/olives/towels other fruits/pickles/tuna fish; Nursing; Sponges; Peas from pod