When to plant Dill in DeKalb County County,
The best window to plant Dill in DeKalb County County, is April 8–April 29, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 22; first frost October 16. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Dill in DeKalb County, IL
Your June gardening checklist
A quick June briefing for DeKalb County, Illinois gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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It's harvest week for dill
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Get ahead of July
- First harvests: 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.
DeKalb County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 1,332 feet, DeKalb County receives approximately 34.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Dill during the growing season.
DeKalb County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
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 DeKalb County
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) overlaps with Dill's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in DeKalb County is excellent for Dill — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Dill.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Dill will thrive.
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 17 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 07.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in DeKalb 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 — DeKalb County, IL
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Harvest | May 27 | May 27 – Jul 29 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
177 days in DeKalb County
Growing Tips for Dill in DeKalb County
Direct sow Dill outdoors after April 22 in DeKalb County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 177.0-day season in DeKalb 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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Dill in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Dill in DeKalb County, IL?
DeKalb County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is DeKalb County, IL?
DeKalb County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Dill in DeKalb County County, ?
In DeKalb County County, , plant Dill after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is DeKalb County County, for Dill?
DeKalb County County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Dill grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Dill grow in DeKalb County County's climate?
Yes — Dill grows well in DeKalb County County's temperate climate. DeKalb County County averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 16.
Your DeKalb County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for DeKalb County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.