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When to plant Dill in Kane County, IL

The best window to plant Dill in Kane County, is April 9–April 30, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 23; first frost October 17. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Dill in Kane County, IL

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.

Kane County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.

At an elevation of 699 feet, Kane County receives approximately 35.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Dill during the growing season.

Kane County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
177 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
177 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Kane County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Dill

Dill needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Dill Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Kane County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Dill Planting Timeline — Kane County, IL

Dill Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 19 Mar 19 – Apr 2
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 – Apr 30
Direct Sow April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 30
Harvest May 28 May 28 – Jul 30
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 – Aug 22

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

40–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

177 days in Kane County

Growing Tips for Kane County

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

  • Carrots
  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Dill in Kane County, IL?

Kane County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kane County, IL?

Kane County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Dill in Kane County, IL?

In Kane County, IL, plant Dill after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Kane County, IL for Dill?

Kane 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 Kane County's climate?

Yes — Dill grows well in Kane County's temperate climate. Kane County averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Kane County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Kane 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Kane County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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