Dill is an aromatic herb most commonly used for vegetable dips, soups, stews, and pickling. Its feathery green leaves make it a great addition to any garden.
Growing this herb at home is simple when you know how to care for it properly.
Why You Should Consider Growing It
Dill is used in a variety of cuisines, thanks to its aroma. It is an essential plant for gardeners interested in cultivating their own food. The flowers are also edible, but the leaves and seeds are most commonly used as herbs for flavoring.
This herb has flavonoids, which have been reported to help lessen the risk of heart disease and stroke. It is abundant in antioxidants and is a good vitamin C, magnesium, and vitamin A source. In general, it is a very nutritious herb with many health benefits.
Dill is a great companion plant for your herb or vegetable garden since it attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, praying mantises, and wasps that keep pests like aphids and cabbage moths at bay.
When To Plant It
Dill can be sown from mid-spring until mid-summer. Sowing seeds every two to three weeks can enjoy a continuous harvest throughout summer and fall.
Direct sow dill seeds when the risk of frost has passed in the spring. You can also start the seeds inside four to six weeks before transplanting them outside. Remember that this herb has sensitive roots, so it is best to sow it directly on a permanent spot or plant it in large containers.
General Care
Water Needs
Keep the soil evenly moist while the seeds are sprouting. Dill seedlings need 1 to 2 inches of rain or water as it is growing. Maintain constant moisture in the soil without allowing it to become soggy or soaked. On the other hand, don’t let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent the plant from bolting.
Amount of Sun
Dill grows in full sun, so choosing a location that receives direct sunlight at least eight hours per day is essential. A little afternoon shade is preferable in areas with a very hot climate.
Dill matures at the height of 2 to 3 feet in full sun. While it is one of the easiest herbs to cultivate in the shade, the plants won’t grow as tall without enough sunlight.
Fertilization
Dill does not require fertilizer since it is not a heavy feeder. If your garden soil is rich in organic matter, you won’t need to apply fertilizer. However, you can assist your plant’s growth by applying a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.
Other Maintenance
Pruning your dill plants, while not necessary, will help them develop more leaves. Typically, herbs are trimmed as they are harvested for use in the kitchen.
Pruning dill plants sometimes helps prevent them from bolting and producing flowers. When herbs blossom, their leaves can turn bitter and lose flavor.
