How to Grow Dill: Outdoor Garden Guide

Overview

Dill's primary fame is pickles, but it's more versatile—ruffled tops garnish like parsley, delicious on vegetables/potatoes, possibly medicinal (Gardener's Network). Tall plants suit herb garden backs or pots.

Step 1: Direct Sow

April–May in veg/herb garden. Full sun, ample space (3 feet tall). Drought-tolerant once established—water every few days.

Step 2: Thin and Feed

Thin young plants to ≥10 inches apart. All-purpose fertilizer 1–2x per season.

Step 3: Harvest Leaves

Snip all summer. Freeze easily: bag leaves, seal tightly.

Step 4: Harvest Seeds

After seed development, cut flowery tops. Tie stems, hang upside down. Paper bag underneath catches dropping seeds. Shake dry plant for remaining seeds. Use for dill pickles.