Saudi Arabia | Growing winter plants at stargazing... how to do that?
Weather of Arabia - The residents of the Asir region in the south of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia link their planting times to the movement and rising of the stars, as the farmers of the region, whether in the mountainous highlands or in the Tihamian plains, were famous for relying on the stars to choose the appropriate place and time to plant their winter crops. Their crops adapt to varying weather and climate conditions in the winter, with the aim of obtaining quality and abundance of crops.
Due to the diversity and abundance of seasonal crops in the Asir region thanks to the varying terrain, the stars became known by different names, and are known by them to this day, especially in the cold winter in the highlands and the mild winter in the plains.
Dr. Abdullah Ali Al-Mousa, a researcher and interested in the agricultural calendar in the Asir region, explained that the farmers of the region rely on the conjunctions (the conjunction of the Pleiades with the moon) in choosing the appropriate times for planting, starting from the seventeenth century until the third century, and this is represented in the autumn season called in their custom “the season.” "Winter", passing through the winter season called in their custom "spring season" and until the middle of the spring season called "summer season" in their custom. They depend in their agriculture and determining their astronomical times on these "conjunctions."
The effect of star movement on winter agriculture in Asir
Regarding the winter stars and their impact on farmers in the Asir region, Al-Mousa confirms that the conjunction of the Pleiades and the Moon, known as the “Thirteenth Century,” begins on the seventh of December every year, and continues for 26 days . This conjunction is characterized by the presence of the crown and heart stars. With the beginning of this event, farmers in the region announce the beginning of winter, and begin planting wheat, while enjoying longer nights during this season.
It indicates the importance of the eleventh conjunction, as the conjunction of the Pleiades and the crescent moon occurs on the night of the 11th, and begins on January 2 of every Gregorian month. It is characterized by the presence of the stars Al-Shula and Al-Na’am, and continues for 26 days . It is considered the coldest month of winter, and during this period agriculture witnesses remarkable activity, as it blooms. Almond trees are pruned, in addition to pruning deciduous trees such as figs, grapes, and pomegranates.
Farmers in the region focus on tracking the movement of the stars in growing their crops, and have great appreciation for the experiences of great experts in this field, as this ancient information is considered essential, despite the progress in agricultural science and the use of modern technologies.
Cultivation of sesame, wheat, and barley in the Tihami plains of Barq
In the Tihami plains of Barq Governorate, farmer Muhammad Al-Barqi points out that the sesame crop “Jalglan” is one of the most prominent winter crops in the region, and stresses that the majority of farmers choose to grow it due to the health and economic benefits that this plant enjoys.
On the other hand, the “beer” and “barley” crops occupy an important place in the list of agricultural crops thanks to their nutritional value. Farmer Mufarreh Al-Wadaei explains the importance of choosing the appropriate time to plant the grains of these two crops, and points out that the timing of the “Al-Wasmi” rains is optimal for their cultivation, and highlights Al-Wadaei said that the “Al-Wasmi” days are the best for growing wheat and barley, as the crop is good and is not exposed to extreme cold. He refers to one of the popular proverbs among farmers, which expresses their wisdom in choosing the timing of planting:
“Whoever advances righteousness in the days of the two arms will not regret it.”
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