When to Plant Dill in Tuscola County, MI
Dill is a feathery annual herb with aromatic leaves and seeds. Its fine foliage and umbrella-shaped flower heads attract beneficial insects to the garden.
Tuscola County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.
At an elevation of 1,369 feet, Tuscola County receives approximately 30.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Dill during the growing season.
Tuscola County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Dill Planting Timeline — Tuscola County, MI
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Direct Sow | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 10 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Harvest | June 7 | Jun 7 – Aug 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
40–60 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
166 days
Growing Tips for Tuscola County
Direct sow in spring as dill has a taproot and dislikes transplanting. Succession sow for continuous leaf harvest. Allow some plants to flower for seeds and to attract beneficial insects.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Dill in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Dill in Tuscola County, MI?
Tuscola County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tuscola County, MI?
Tuscola County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Tuscola County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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