When to plant Dill in Dix, IL
In Zone 6b (Dix), direct-sow Dill between March 26 and April 16 for spring, after the April 9 last-frost mark. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Dill in Dix, IL
This month in Jefferson County, Illinois
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Jefferson County, Illinois this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Bring in the dill
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
August will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Dix, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 509 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 34 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Dill during the growing season.
Dix Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.1
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 Dix
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.1) overlaps with Dill's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Jefferson 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 21 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 11.
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 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" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Jefferson 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 — Dix, IL
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | May 14 | May 14 – Jul 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Jefferson County
Growing Tips for Dill in Dix
Direct sow Dill outdoors after April 09 in Jefferson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 194.0-day season in Jefferson 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
When should I plant Dill in Dix, IL?
In Dix, IL, plant Dill after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dix, IL for Dill?
Dix sits in USDA Zone 6b. Dill grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Dill grow in Dix's climate?
Yes — Dill grows well in Dix's temperate climate. Dix averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 20.
Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jefferson 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.