When to plant Dill in Washington County, IA
In Washington County, plant Dill in spring between April 7 and April 28, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Washington County's last frost averages April 21, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between August 5 and August 19 — roughly 40–60 days before the first frost on October 14.
When to Plant Dill in Washington County, IA
June in Washington County, Iowa — your action list
June is a pivotal month for Washington County, Iowa gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
Bring in the dill
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Looking ahead to July
- 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.
Washington County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.
At an elevation of 542 feet, Washington County receives approximately 30.7 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.
Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington County is excellent for Dill — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.0%) — 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 15 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 05.
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Washington 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 — Washington County, IA
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 28 |
| Harvest | May 26 | May 26 – Jul 28 |
| Fall Sowing | August 5 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
176 days in Washington County
Growing Tips for Dill in Washington County
Direct sow Dill outdoors after April 21 in Washington County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 176.0-day season in Washington 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 Washington County, IA?
Washington County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington County, IA?
Washington County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 14.
When should I plant Dill in Washington County, IA?
In Washington County, IA, plant Dill after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Washington County, IA for Dill?
Washington 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 Washington County's climate?
Yes — Dill grows well in Washington County's temperate climate. Washington County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 14.
Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Washington 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.