3,090. Measuring From a "Cradle"

Hilchos Kilayim 8:3

We measure the distance from the base of the fence over which the vines are draped. For example, let’s say he distanced a cubit between the vines and the wall. The “cradle” is made of the vines and the wall, so we measure four cubits from the wall and plant there. This means that there are five cubits between what was planted and the roots of the vines. If he wants to plant on the vine side, he must separate four cubits from their roots, with the result that he plants five cubits from the wall. This is how one plants when dealing with a vine “cradle.”

Hilchos Kilayim 8:4

It makes no difference whether one built the fence first or planted the vines first; once one extends vines over a fence, it’s a “cradle.” If the fence gets demolished or a ditch with vines in it gets filled, then it ceases to be a “cradle” and the row is treated as individual vines.