When to plant Dill in Jo Daviess County, IL
Jo Daviess County's spring Dill window runs April 10 through May 1. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 2 to August 16 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Dill in Jo Daviess County, IL
Top priorities for Jo Daviess County, Illinois gardeners in June
Your Jo Daviess County, Illinois garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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Bring in the dill
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- 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.
Jo Daviess County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 501 feet, Jo Daviess County receives approximately 35.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Dill during the growing season.
Jo Daviess County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.3
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 Jo Daviess County
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.3) overlaps with Dill's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Jo Daviess County is excellent for Dill — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — 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 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 02.
Dill Water Budget
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Jo Daviess 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 — Jo Daviess County, IL
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Harvest | May 29 | May 29 – Jul 31 |
| Fall Sowing | August 2 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Jo Daviess County
Growing Tips for Dill in Jo Daviess County
Direct sow Dill outdoors after April 24 in Jo Daviess County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 170.0-day season in Jo Daviess 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 Jo Daviess County, IL?
Jo Daviess County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jo Daviess County, IL?
Jo Daviess County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 11.
When should I plant Dill in Jo Daviess County, IL?
In Jo Daviess County, IL, plant Dill after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Jo Daviess County, IL for Dill?
Jo Daviess County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Dill grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Dill grow in Jo Daviess County's climate?
Yes — Dill grows well in Jo Daviess County's temperate climate. Jo Daviess County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 11.
Your Jo Daviess County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jo Daviess County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.