When to plant or sow Dill?

Dill thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for open beds, vegetable patches, or large containers. Choose a sheltered spot if possible, as dill's tall, hollow stems can be vulnerable to wind damage. Loam or sandy soil is perfect; heavy clay should be improved with grit or compost to ensure good drainage. Dill dislikes root disturbance, so sow seed directly where you want it to grow rather than transplanting. Sow from April through to July for a succession of fresh leaves and seeds. Prepare the soil by raking it to a fine tilth and removing weeds. Sow seeds thinly in shallow drills about 1 cm deep, or scatter them lightly over the surface and rake in gently. Space rows roughly 25 cm apart. Germination usually takes ten to fourteen days. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to 25 cm apart; crowded plants will compete for light and nutrients, resulting in weaker growth. Water the seedbed gently after sowing to settle the soil, taking care not to wash seeds away. Keep the soil lightly moist until seedlings are established. Dill has a long taproot and doesn't transplant well, so avoid disturbing the roots once plants are growing. If you want a continuous harvest, sow a fresh batch every three to four weeks from April to July. Dill will bolt quickly in hot, dry conditions, so early and late sowings often perform better than midsummer ones. No staking is usually needed unless your site is very exposed.