When to plant Dill in Guthrie County, IA
Aim to plant Dill in Guthrie County on or after April 12; the window stays open through May 3. Guthrie County's 163-day frost-free season gives you a single solid spring crop with a brief fall option. A second sowing from July 28 to August 11 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Dill in Guthrie County, IA
June in the garden — Guthrie County, Iowa
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Start harvesting dill
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Looking ahead to July
- 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.
Guthrie County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.
At an elevation of 1,378 feet, Guthrie County receives approximately 31.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Dill to ensure they mature before fall.
Guthrie County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.7
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 Guthrie County
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.7) is within Dill's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Guthrie County is excellent for Dill — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
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 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 28.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Guthrie 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 — Guthrie County, IA
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Direct Sow | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
| Harvest | May 31 | May 31 – Aug 2 |
| Fall Sowing | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
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 | 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
163 days in Guthrie County
Growing Tips for Dill in Guthrie County
Direct sow Dill outdoors after April 26 in Guthrie County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 163.0-day season in Guthrie 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 Guthrie County, IA?
Guthrie County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Guthrie County, IA?
Guthrie County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Dill in Guthrie County, IA?
In Guthrie County, IA, plant Dill after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Guthrie County, IA for Dill?
Guthrie 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 Guthrie County's climate?
Yes — Dill grows well in Guthrie County's temperate climate. Guthrie County averages a 163-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 6.
Your Guthrie County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Guthrie 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.