As one of the 39 Melachot, the 'planting' category also includes any forms of gardening. Also included would be anything that encourages plants to grow. Thus, one may not water plants on Shabbat. It is likewise forbidden to place cut flowers in water, or even to change their water.

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Most of this information is taken from the book "SABBATH Day of Eternity" by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan, published by NCSY. In the book itself, there are notes that refer the reader to detailed footnotes. I am lucky to have found such a clear, concise manual with these brief overviews of laws so vast and complex there are Rabbis that specialize in them.

Plant"ing (?), n.

1.

The act or operation of setting in the ground for propagation, as seeds, trees, shrubs, etc.; the forming of plantations, as of trees; the carrying on of plantations, as of sugar, coffee, etc.

2.

That which is planted; a plantation.

Trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord. Isa. lxi. 3.

3. Arch.

The laying of the first courses of stone in a foundation.

[Eng.]

 

© Webster 1913.