When to Plant Dill in Graham County, NC
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.
Graham County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 1,058 feet, Graham County receives approximately 49.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Dill during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Dill, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Graham County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.5
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.
Soil Compatibility in Graham County
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.5) is within Dill's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Graham County is excellent for Dill — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Dill.
How to Plant Dill
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Dill
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 21 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 11.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Dill
Dill needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Dill Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Graham County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Dill Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Dill Planting Timeline — Graham County, NC
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | May 23 | May 23 – Jul 25 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
185 days in Graham County
Growing Tips for Dill in Graham County
Direct sow Dill outdoors after April 18 in Graham County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Graham County's clay soil (26% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Dill. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 185.0-day season in Graham County allows multiple plantings of Dill. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Dill in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Dill in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Dill in Graham County, NC?
Graham County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Graham County, NC?
Graham County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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