3,700. Activities Permitted During Shemittah

Hilchos Shemittah v’Yoveil 1:6

It is not permitted to light a fire among reeds because this is considered working the land. A cow may only be taught to pull a plow on sand. One may not test seeds in a flowerpot filled with soil, but one may do so in a flowerpot filled with dung. It is permitted to soak seeds during shemittah for planting the next year. One may maintain the aloe that grows on the roof, but he may not water it.

Hilchos Shemittah v’Yoveil 1:7

During shemittah, one may paint a tree red and load it with stones. One may likewise hoe under vines and olive trees. If one’s intention is to make the tree flourish, these things are prohibited, but if the intention is to seal cracks in the tree, they are permitted.