Dill is self-sowing, which means it produces seeds which will grow new plants, so choose a spot where you’ll want to grow dill for the next several years. If you don’t have a spot that gets 6-8 hours of sun each day, plant it in the sunniest spot you have available. Dill can tolerate some shade but it won’t be as bushy. [2] X Research source
If your soil is too acidic, you can raise the pH by adding powdered limestone. [3] X Research source If your soil is too alkaline, you can add aluminum sulfate to your garden. [4] X Research source
You can make your own compost from the food scraps your family uses, or you can purchase compost from a co-op or garden shop.
When you plant your dill may need to be adjusted based on your climate and the time of your last spring frost dates. Since dill does not transplant well, it’s best to plant the seeds directly into the soil where you want them to grow. If you don’t have a lot of space, or if you prefer to grow your dill indoors, sow your dill seeds directly into a container that’s at least 12 in (30 cm). Place the container where the dill seeds will get 5-6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
If you don’t expect to use a lot of dill at one time, only plant a few seeds at first, then a few more seeds a few weeks later, and so on. This will help ensure you don’t end up with a huge crop all at once.
If you over-water the dill plant, it may turn yellow.
Thinning out your dill seedlings will ensure that the plants have plenty of room to grow. You will be able to easily pull up the seedlings by hand.
Trimming the top of the plant can help keep the dill from becoming so top-heavy that it can’t support its own weight.
You can buy 15-5-10 fertilizer at most garden supply stores.
You should easily be able to pinch off the delicate flowers by hand, although you can use a small pair of scissors if you prefer.
These bugs don’t bite, but if you don’t like the idea of touching insects with your bare hands, you may want to wear a pair of gardening gloves. Parsley caterpillars are black, yellow, and white, with a combination of spots and stripes, and they may appear to have yellow or orange horns. Tomato hornworms are green caterpillars with segmented bodies and feet resembling suction cups. [14] X Research source
If you don’t have any garden stakes, you can tie the dill to a small twig or stick. You may need to add additional ties to the top of the plant as it grows. Due to lower levels of light, a container-grown dill plant tends to be taller and more spindly than one grown outdoors, so you may need to support it with a stake. [17] X Research source
Dill that is grown indoors is usually ready to harvest after about 8 weeks. [19] X Research source
Dried dill seeds are often used in making pickles as well as to flavor soups and stews.
You can also place the fresh leaves in a resealable container in the freezer, where they’ll stay good for up to a year.
Good options for storing dried dill include resealable plastic bags or containers or jars with tight-fitting lids.
