The Best Soil for Dill

Soil pH and Testing

• Soil pH indicates the level of acidity in the garden soil. Dill requires a pH between 6 and 7 to grow and thrive. Most existing beds that have previously grown herbs or vegetables have the proper pH. It's necessary to test the pH of new beds before planting. Soil test kits are available from garden centers and county extension offices. If the test indicates a pH out of proper range, add limestone to the soil to raise pH; add sulfur to lower it. Work the limestone or sulphur into the soil. The soil test indicates how much amendment is necessary.

Soil Quality

• Soil quality dictates how well it drains, its texture and base nutrient content. A bed that provides good drainage is key. Wet soil or beds that collect puddles after rainfall can suffocate the dill roots, leading to rot problems or plant death. Before planting, add compost to the garden site to provide organic nutrition, support plant roots and retain moisture.

Nutrients and Fertilization

• Although compost adds some nutrients to the garden bed, dill grows best with moderate fertilization. A single application of an all-purpose garden fertilizer such as a 16-16-8 or a low-potassium blend provides sufficient nutrients to carry dill through the entire growing season. Apply up to ½ tbsp. of fertilizer to each square foot of soil before planting the dill. Avoid over-application, as too much fertilizer causes the dill to flower and set seed poorly. Since all parts of the dill plant are edible, including the leaves, flowers and seeds, moderate fertilization that encourages all plant parts to produce well is desirable.

Moisture

• Dill grows exceptionally well in low-water gardens. The plant is mildly drought-tolerant, and too much moisture in the soil can cause more damage than dry soil. Avoid overly sandy soil, as it drains and dries out too quickly, requiring frequent irrigation. Clay soils retain too much moisture for dill to grow well. Amend sandy or clay soil with compost, peat moss or coarsely ground wood chips to aid drainage and retain moisture. When grown in the proper soil, dill typically requires once weekly waterings that provide about an inch of water.