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"I recalled you said you were going to give your garden a sabbatical next summer to let the ground go fallow. And that’s a good idea. But what about doing only half of it that way? Let half go, mulch it, manure it, compost it, etc. Then you can still get a small garden in with some favorites, and not miss a whole year."

Well, there is a second that was not planted in, yet while no under the law as a means of salvation, not called to literally keep such laws as holy days and years, and meat and drink and temple ordinances, and neither would this be my seventh year planting (it would be the eight, and this was the worst year), yet I want to keep the principle behind the command,

But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the Lord: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard. That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap, neither gather the grapes of thy vine undressed: for it is a year of rest unto the land. And the sabbath of the land shall be meat for you; for thee, and for thy servant, and for thy maid, and for thy hired servant, and for thy stranger that sojourneth with thee, And for thy cattle, and for the beast that are in thy land, shall all the increase thereof be meat. (Leviticus 25:4-7)

However, while the principle of rest is transcendent, so also is that of doing good deeds on any day, and their is a apartment building near to us which the LL gave me permission start a garden in last year (kids happily help plant it), and which produce was enjoyed, praise God.

"BTW, ordinary brown corrugated cardboard is great for weed control. The worms love it and it composts down very nicely. I lay down the cardboard and then pile the rest of the stuff on top and just let it go."

Thanks! Good to know. For years we recycled about 16 banana boxes a week and I want to created a means to engage in some substantial composting.Research shows:

cardboard waste makes up over 31 percent of landfills, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. See how to here: - https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/composting-cardboard.htm

You can compost coloured cardboard. All cardboard will turn into compost if you make it wet. Coloured cardboard may have a shiny surface that will seal the surface. This may delay, but won’t stop, cardboard from breaking down into compost. There doesn’t appear to be any concern, anywhere, about potential chemical pollution issues concerning coloured ink on cardboard. The glue on cardboard will breakdown in compost. There are many things that will break down when subjected to the elements and cardboard glue is one of them. A compost heap, pile or bin is a very absorbing place. It can take in and efficiently reduce most substances away to nothing. Even when we don’t always know exactly what we’re putting in... You can see what worms will do to a colour printed Cornflake box here. - https://www.rolypig.com/cardboard-compost-or-recycle/

That sabbath is a rest for the land.

Now, I am sure it was somewhat of a rest for the people as well, but they still would have had to harvest whatever they could from what grew of itself, and no doubt hunt game and raise their livestock.

Since our livelihood (at the moment) does not depend on our farming the land, I see it more as a hobby. Keeps me busy, gets me exercise, and gives me a lot of satisfaction in getting a good crop.

Our land had its unintentional rest the year we bought the house, 2019.

The previous owners had moved out and did not plant anything so the garden was overgrown with weeds. There was no opportunity in 2019 for anything.

In 2020, I planted a little bit, maybe 15% of the garden space and for all the neglect, and the tomato hornworms, I still was surprised at the amount I harvested.

Last year was pretty good, so I figure I have about 5-6 more years before it needs its rest again, if I make it that long.