When to Plant Dill in McMullen 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.
McMullen County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 20 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 284 days.
At an elevation of 3,741 feet, McMullen County receives approximately 58 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Dill may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Dill root diseases.
McMullen County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.2
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 McMullen County
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.2) overlaps with Dill's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in McMullen County is excellent for Dill — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Dill.
How to Plant Dill
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Dill
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 06.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 9.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 9.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in McMullen 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 — McMullen County, TX
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 23 | Jan 23 – Feb 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Direct Sow | January 30 | Jan 30 – Feb 20 |
| Harvest | March 27 | Mar 27 – May 29 |
| Fall Sowing | October 6 | Oct 6 – Oct 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
284 days in McMullen County
Growing Tips for Dill in McMullen County
Direct sow Dill outdoors after February 20 in McMullen County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 103°F in McMullen County, provide afternoon shade for Dill and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 285.0-day season in McMullen 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.
With 58" of annual rainfall in McMullen County, ensure good drainage for Dill — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.
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 McMullen County, TX?
McMullen County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 20. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McMullen County, TX?
McMullen County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 20 and first fall frost is December 1.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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