When to Plant Dill for Canning

Culture

• Dill does best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter such as aged compost or manure. It needs at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight and protection from high winds, as its leggy hollow stems are easily broken if the plants aren't staked. In U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 10, start planting seeds every two to three weeks once the soil warms to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures a steady supply throughout the summer and early fall to use fresh and for drying.

Planting Directions

• Because dill produces a long taproot like carrots, to which it is related, it is best sown directly into the garden once the soil warms rather than starting seeds indoors. Plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep and about 12 inches apart, leaving 18 to 24 inches of space between rows. You can also broadcast the seeds across the surface of a bed that measures about 2 square feet and cover them with no more than 1/4 inch of soil. Keep the soil moist but not saturated, particularly until seeds have germinated.

Care

• Watering the seedlings at the soil line rather than overhead reduces the likelihood of fungal and mildew diseases that may develop from wet foliage. Dill grown for its leaves grows quickly enough not to attract pests, but plants left in the ground are occasionally bothered by insects such as the tomato horn worm and aphids. Horn worms are large bright green caterpillars that can be picked off, while aphids can be treated by removing affected leaves and washing the insects off. Dill does not require additional fertilizing other than a light application of a 5-10-5 blend in late spring. About 3 ounces is sufficient for 10 feet of row.

Harvesting

• You can harvest dill leaves anytime during the season until the plants flower, as they are most flavorful up to that point. Hang the plants upside down in a warm, airy place out of direct sunlight. Harvest dill seeds in much the same way by hanging the flower stalks upside down in a warm airy place until they are a tan color. Paper bags tied around the flower heads catch the seeds as they fall off. You can use fresh dill that has not been dried in pickling by adding whole leaves or green seed heads to individual jars. Dill plants self-seed if left in the garden until the first frost, and seeds that fall have a good chance of germinating and producing a new crop the following spring.