When to plant Dill in Plummer, ID
Plummer's spring Dill window runs April 24 through May 15. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from July 23 to August 6 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Dill in Plummer, ID
Top priorities for Benewah County, Idaho gardeners in June
Here's what deserves your attention in Benewah County, Idaho this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6b and timed around your local frost dates.
-
Time to start dill inside
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
-
Harvest dill as they ripen
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- First harvests: dill
- Fall sowing: dill
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.
Plummer, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 146 days.
At an elevation of 6,081 feet, Benewah County receives approximately 20.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Dill during the growing season.
Plummer Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Dill 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 Plummer
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.8) is more alkaline than Dill prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Benewah County is excellent for Dill — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). 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 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 23.
Dill 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Benewah 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 — Plummer, ID
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Aug 14 |
| Fall Sowing | July 23 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
146 days in Benewah County
Growing Tips for Dill in Plummer
Direct sow Dill outdoors after May 08 in Benewah County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
When should I plant Dill in Plummer, ID?
In Plummer, ID, plant Dill after the last frost (around May 8) and before the first frost (around October 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Plummer, ID for Dill?
Plummer sits in USDA Zone 6b. Dill grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Dill grow in Plummer's climate?
Yes — Dill grows well in Plummer's temperate climate. Plummer averages a 146-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 8 and first frost around October 1.
Your Benewah County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Benewah County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.