Kilayim 4:1-2

Kilayim 4:1

A karachas is a bare spot in the middle of a vineyard. What is the minimum size of a karachas that one can plant with vegetables? Beis Shammai says 24 cubits, while Beis Hillel says 16 cubits. (A cubit is about 18 inches.) Under 16 cubits, one may not plant there. If it is 16 cubits, one must leave four cubits on either side to till the soil and then he may plant in the middle eight cubits. The minimum size of a machol (see next mishna) is 16 cubits according to Beis Hillel and 12 cubits according to Beis Hillel.

Kilayim 4:2

A machol is the empty space between the vineyard and the fence. If it is under 12 cubits, one may not plant there. If it is 12 cubits, one must leave four cubits on either side to till the soil and then he may plant in the middle four cubits.