Dill is thought to be a relatively hardy herb and can grow well in most climates, especially if a few helpful tips are followed. For example, it must receive adequate sunlight, but should be spared from a full day's worth. Although it grows best outside in a garden, it may also be grown inside or in containers. Other tips include periodic watering, staking the stalks, and harvesting it when it begins to grow flowers.
People may be surprised that growing dill is possible in nearly any climate, from desert areas to mountain regions. There are few tips that can be used to ensure it will have a productive season. For example, it is best to plant the dill seeds after the last frost in the spring, particularly when planting them outdoors. The last frost may vary according to location, so it is essential to have an estimate of when it is going to occur for a given area.
Another tip for growing dill is to find or create rich and fertile soil. If it is not naturally rich with organic material, it is possible to add compost or other nutrients to the soil. If the soil is not rich or properly supplemented, the dill may not grow well.
In terms of sunlight, the best tip is to plant the seeds in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, but no more than eight hours. If it doesn't receive enough sunlight, the seeds will not grow into seedlings and plants. In the alternative, if the area receives too much sunlight, the seedlings could wither and die. In some cases, misting the plants throughout the heat of the day may help alleviate this situation.
There are plenty of tips for planting the seeds when growing dill. For example, the soil should be tilled deep so that the long taproot has a chance to grow. When actually sowing the seeds, the seeds should be planted just below the surface of the soil. In addition, they should be watered immediately upon planting.
Once the seedlings emerge, a few weeks after sowing the seeds, there are other tips for growing dill that may be useful. The seedlings will grow best if they are about 11 inches (27.94 cm.) apart. This can be accomplished by pulling out the seedlings that are growing in between.
When the dill starts to flower, a valuable tip is to harvest it at that time. In addition, the seeds may be collected. By collecting the seeds, there is no need to purchase new seeds for the next season, which can help save money.
Many of the tips for growing dill outdoors can also be used for growing dill indoors. Other tips related to indoor gardening include using a grow light and planting the seeds in the fall, rather than the spring. In addition, it is important that the pots used indoors are deep enough for the dill's taproot to grow successfully.