Dill is one of the most popular green crops in Ukrainian gardens. Its aromatic leaves are used in cooking, canning, and even medicine. Growing dill is not difficult, but to get a truly abundant and high-quality harvest, several key factors must be considered. In this article, Baltimore Chronicle will cover the optimal planting times, soil preparation, sowing methods, and plant care. All of this will help you grow thick, juicy greens without chemicals or unnecessary effort.
Optimal Planting Time for Dill
Dill is a cold-hardy crop that easily tolerates early spring frosts. This makes it possible to sow it quite early — as soon as the snow melts and the soil warms up to +3…+5 °C (37–41 °F).
Best planting times:
- In central Ukraine — from the second half of March to the end of April.
- In southern regions — as early as late February.
- In northern regions — mostly from early April.
You can sow dill several times per season — at intervals of 2–3 weeks. This allows for a continuous harvest of fresh greens until late autumn. Winter sowing is also possible — in late October or early November.
Choosing a Site and Preparing the Soil
To achieve a good dill harvest, it’s important to choose the right spot. Dill prefers sunny areas with fertile, light, well-drained soil. In shaded spots, the plant stretches and produces less green mass.
Key site requirements:
- Full sun exposure throughout the day.
- No waterlogging.
- Neutral or slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–7.0).
Soil preparation:
- In autumn, dig over the area with compost or well-rotted manure.
- In spring, loosen the soil again with a rake.
- If necessary, add wood ash or dolomite flour to reduce acidity.
- Wood ash is especially useful — it stimulates green growth.
How to Properly Sow Dill
Sowing Methods
There are several main ways to sow dill:
- Row method – the classic and most common approach. Seeds are sown in furrows 1–2 cm deep, spaced 15–20 cm apart.
- Nest method – 3–5 seeds are placed in each hole. Suitable for small garden plots.
- Broadcast sowing – seeds are scattered over the surface and lightly covered with soil. Less economical, but good for decorative beds.
Before sowing, it is advisable to soak the seeds in water for 24 hours — this accelerates germination, as the essential oils in the seed coat slow the process.
Sowing Steps:
- Prepare furrows to the required depth.
- Evenly sow the seeds.
- Cover with a thin layer of soil.
- Gently firm the surface and water with a fine-spray watering can.
Caring for Dill After Sowing
To get fragrant and lush greenery, it is important to care for dill properly throughout all stages of growth. After emergence, special attention should be paid to watering, weeding, and thinning.
Basic care guidelines:
- Watering – regularly, but without overwatering. In hot weather — daily.
- Thinning – done when 2–3 true leaves appear. Distance between plants should be 5–7 cm.
- Weeding – once or twice a week to remove competition from weeds.
- Loosening – after each watering or rain to improve aeration.
- Feeding – if necessary (especially in poor soils), apply nettle infusion or a balanced fertilizer for greens.
Common Mistakes When Growing Dill
Even a hardy plant like dill can fail to thrive if mistakes are made.
Most common errors:
- Sowing too deep (more than 2 cm).
- Planting in shaded areas — results in weak, leggy plants.
- Overwatering or water stagnation — can lead to rot.
- Not thinning — causes plants to stretch and not bush out.
- Excessive nitrogen fertilization — rapid growth but poor aroma.
How to Harvest and Store Dill
Harvesting begins when the plant reaches 20–25 cm (8–10 inches) tall. This typically occurs 30–40 days after sowing. The most aromatic greens are harvested before flowering begins.
Harvesting methods:
- Cut with scissors or a knife at the base.
- Partial harvest (only lower leaves) — allows the plant to continue growing.
Storage options:
- In the fridge – fresh dill lasts up to 7 days.
- Drying – in shade, in a ventilated area; chop after complete drying.
- Freezing – rinse, dry, chop, and pack in bags.
Comparison of Spring and Winter Dill Sowing
| Parameter | Spring Sowing | Winter Sowing |
|---|---|---|
| Sowing Start | March–April | October–November |
| Sprouting Time | 7–10 days | Naturally in spring |
| Frost Risk | Minimal | Possible |
| Time Investment | Requires prep | Minimal maintenance |
| Yield | High with proper care | Stable, early harvest |
Secrets to Lush Dill
To get a truly great dill harvest, follow a few simple rules: choose a sunny location, avoid overcrowding, ensure regular watering and thinning. Avoid over-fertilizing and never plant dill in shade. Multiple sowings throughout the season will guarantee a steady supply of fresh greens from spring through fall.
Earlier we wrote about when to plant eggplants in open ground.