How to Grow Fresh Dill

Dill is a hardy herb with a variety of uses. During the growing season, dill produces flavorful leaves for fresh cooking, flowers for use in pickling and seeds for future propagation. The plant reaches a height of 2 to 4 feet, with maturity when the flower head turns to seed. Dill grows best when you plant seeds directly in the garden instead of attempting to transplant seedlings started indoors. Spouts appear seven to 21 days after sowing, depending on the soil temperature and moisture during germination.

Tiller
Shovel
Organic compost
Garden rake

Instructions

- 1
  Select a planting area for dill that receives full sunlight for at least eight hours each day and has a well-draining soil.
- 2
  Add 1 to 2 inches of organic compost to the planting area and use a tiller or shovel to loosen the soil and work the amendment to a depth of about 8 inches.
- 3
  Smooth the soil with a garden rake and remove all weeds and debris in the area.
- 4
  Sprinkle the dill seeds about 1 inch apart in rows set about 12 inches apart. Cover the seeds with 1/4 inch of soil and lightly tamp without compacting.
- 5
  Sprinkle the soil with water to moisten it for seed germination. Avoid heavy water applications that may wash away seeds or push them deeper into the soil. Sprinkle the soil each day to keep it moist for germination.
- 6
  Thin the dill sprouts once they reach 2 inches tall so they are no closer than 8 inches apart.
- 7
  Soak the soil with water 1 to 2 times a week when there is no rainfall. Dill is drought-tolerant and able to withstand soil that dries slightly between water applications.

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