When to Plant Dill in Val Verde 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.
Val Verde County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is February 17 and the first fall frost is December 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 293 days.
At an elevation of 3,979 feet, Val Verde County receives approximately 53.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98°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.
Val Verde County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.7-8.1
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 Val Verde County
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.7–8.1) is more alkaline than Dill prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Val Verde County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Dill will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). 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 Oct 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 28.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Dill Planting Timeline — Val Verde County, TX
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 13 | Jan 13 – Jan 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 10 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Direct Sow | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 24 |
| Fall Sowing | September 28 | Sep 28 – Oct 12 |
| Harvest | March 24 | Mar 24 – May 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
293 days in Val Verde County
Growing Tips for Dill in Val Verde County
Direct sow Dill outdoors after February 17 in Val Verde County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Val Verde 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 98°F in Val Verde County, provide afternoon shade for Dill and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 294.0-day season in Val Verde 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
Level Up Your Garden
Dill in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Dill in Val Verde County, TX?
Val Verde County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of February 17. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Val Verde County, TX?
Val Verde County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is February 17 and first fall frost is December 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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