How to Germinate Dill Seed

Select a planting site suited to germinating dill seeds. Choose a sunny spot away from overhanging shrubbery and areas where water pools, since the seeds rot if planted close to boggy soil.

Weed the planting site thoroughly before sowing dill seeds to limit competition from invasive vegetation. Remove stones, sticks or other debris to make the soil friable.

Break up the soil at the planting site using a soil cultivator. Work the soil to a depth of 6 inches. Spread a 4-inch-thick layer of compost over the bed. Work the compost into the soil using the soil cultivator.

Water the bed thoroughly before sowing the dill seeds. Run water over the site for 10 to 15 minutes using a garden hose with a spray nozzle. Let the water soak in for a few minutes before sowing the seeds.

Create a series of 1/4-inch-deep furrows across the bed using a pointed hoe. Space the furrows 2 feet apart. Sprinkle the dill seeds into the furrows. Place one or two seeds per inch in the furrow. Pinch the furrow closed on top of the seeds and pat the soil firm.

Water the newly planted dill seeds using the garden hose with the spray nozzle. Wet the surface evenly until water begins to pool slightly. Maintain moisture at a depth of 1 inch during germination.

Watch for sprouting in 10 to 14 days. Thin the dill seedlings to one every 10 inches once they grow to 2 inches in height. Remove the weakest seedlings.