When to Plant Dill in Essex County, NY
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.
Essex County, New York is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.
At an elevation of 246 feet, Essex County receives approximately 42.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Dill to ensure they mature before fall.
Essex County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.3
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 — Essex County, NY
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Direct Sow | May 9 | May 9 – May 30 |
| Fall Sowing | July 6 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
| Harvest | June 20 | Jun 20 – Aug 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | 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 4a
Growing Season
135 days
Growing Tips for Essex 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 Essex County, NY?
Essex County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 16. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Essex County, NY?
Essex County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and first fall frost is September 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Essex County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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