When to Plant Dill in Dickens County, TX
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.
Dickens County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.
At an elevation of 1,421 feet, Dickens County receives approximately 51 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Dill may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Dill will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Dill root diseases.
Dickens County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.6-8.4
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 Dickens County
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.6–8.4) is more alkaline than Dill prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Dickens County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Dill will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Dill.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.0%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 Sep 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 24.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 8.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 10.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Dickens 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 — Dickens County, TX
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Direct Sow | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 14 |
| Harvest | May 12 | May 12 – Jul 14 |
| Fall Sowing | August 24 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
209 days in Dickens County
Growing Tips for Dill in Dickens County
Direct sow Dill outdoors after April 07 in Dickens County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Dickens County dries quickly — mulch Dill with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 99°F in Dickens County, provide afternoon shade for Dill and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 209.0-day season in Dickens 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 Dickens County, TX?
Dickens County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dickens County, TX?
Dickens County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is November 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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