# Caring for a Fernleaf Dill
Dill has been used for centuries as both a culinary and medicinal herb. It earns its name form the old Norse word "dilla" meaning "to lull," as it was often used in a tea as a remedy for insomnia or as a digestive aid. Native to southern Europe, dill is widely used in Greek and Scandinavian cooking. In the U.S., dill weed provides seasoning for salads, vegetables and fish dishes, and the seeds are commonly used for seasoning when pickling cucumbers, green beans and beets. Common dill reaches heights of four feet or more, but fernleaf dill averages a modest 18 inches.
Things You'll Need
- Garden tiller
- Compost or well-rotted manure
- Fertilizer, 16-16-8
- Garden rake
Instructions
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1
Till the soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches in a location that receives six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day. Remove large stones, roots or other debris from the soil and break up any clods.
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2
Spread a 1- to 2-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure over the area. Work the compost into the soil with the garden tiller or with hand tools.
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3
Apply 1/2 teaspoon of 16-16-8 fertilizer per square foot of gardening area. (ref 2) Work this in well with the top 2 to 3 inches of soil. Rake the area smooth.
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4
Plant fernleaf dill seeds to a depth of 1/8 inch, spaced 4 inches apart, once the danger of frost has passed in your area. Cover lightly with soil and firm the soil down gently with your hands to secure the seeds. Space additional rows 12 inches apart.
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Water thoroughly to moisten the soil to a depth of 1 inch. Keep the soil moist until seeds germinate in five to 10 days, depending on the soil temperature and weather conditions. Reduce water to once or twice a week once seedlings are established.
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Thin fernleaf dill seedlings to stand 8 inches apart by pulling every other seedling, when they are 2 inches tall.
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Harvest dill foliage as soon as the plants are large enough. Harvest the seeds when the plant matures and seeds have fully formed.
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