Growing Dill: Easy Annual Herb for Pickling and Beneficial Insects

Dill is an annual, self-seeding plant with feathery green leaves. Common in soups, stews, pickling. Easy to grow and attracts beneficial insects (wasps, predatory insects).

Planting

• Sow ¼ inch deep, 18 inches apart in rich soil. Gently rake in. Soil 60–70°F best.
• Transplants poorly—start fresh in garden early summer. Shelter from strong winds.
• 10–14 days: emergence. Another 10–14 days: thin to 12–18 inches apart.
• Companion: near cabbage/onions. Away from carrots.

Care

• Water freely during growth.
• For season-long supply: sow every few weeks. Prevent flowering for extended leaf harvest.
• Undisturbed soil = more volunteers next season.

Pests and Diseases

• Leaf spot, occasional fungal leaf/root diseases

Harvest and Storage

• 4–5 leaves: start harvesting. Pinch or snip leaves.
• Many plants: pinch whole stalks.

Recommended Varieties

• Fernleaf dill – potato salads, cucumber soup, fish dishes

Wit & Wisdom

For sweeter breath, chew dill seeds.

Recipes

• Dill and Potato Cakes
• Refrigerator Dill Pickles
• Dilled Green Beans

Cooking Notes

Many love dill pickles. Tips/recipes for dill pickles or video on making dill pickles. Also a seasoning for countless recipes.