When to plant Dill in Black Hawk County, IA
In Zone 5a (Black Hawk County), direct-sow Dill between April 15 and May 6 for spring, after the April 29 last-frost mark. A second sowing from July 29 to August 12 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Dill in Black Hawk County, IA
Your June game plan for Black Hawk County, Iowa
Welcome to June in Zone 5a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Start dill indoors
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
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Pick dill
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- 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.
Black Hawk County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.
At an elevation of 1,380 feet, Black Hawk County receives approximately 38.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Dill to ensure they mature before fall.
Black Hawk County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.1
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 Black Hawk County
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.1) overlaps with Dill's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Black Hawk County is excellent for Dill — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — 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 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 29.
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Black Hawk 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 — Black Hawk County, IA
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Harvest | June 3 | Jun 3 – Aug 5 |
| Fall Sowing | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
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 |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
161 days in Black Hawk County
Growing Tips for Dill in Black Hawk County
Direct sow Dill outdoors after April 29 in Black Hawk County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 161.0-day season in Black Hawk 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 Black Hawk County, IA?
Black Hawk County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Black Hawk County, IA?
Black Hawk County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Dill in Black Hawk County, IA?
In Black Hawk County, IA, plant Dill after the last frost (around April 29) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Black Hawk County, IA for Dill?
Black Hawk 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 Black Hawk County's climate?
Yes — Dill grows well in Black Hawk County's temperate climate. Black Hawk County averages a 161-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 29 and first frost around October 7.
Your Black Hawk County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Black Hawk 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.