When to plant Dill in Hancock County, KY
Hancock County's climate puts the Dill spring window between March 23 and April 13. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. A second sowing from August 21 to September 4 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Dill in Hancock County, KY
Top priorities for Hancock County, Kentucky gardeners in June
Your Hancock County, Kentucky garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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It's harvest week for 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.
Hancock County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 2,790 feet, Hancock County receives approximately 53.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Dill during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Dill root diseases.
Hancock County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7.1
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 Hancock County
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.1) overlaps with Dill's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Hancock County is excellent for Dill — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Dill.
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 31 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 21.
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 | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Hancock 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 — Hancock County, KY
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Harvest | May 11 | May 11 – Jul 13 |
| Fall Sowing | August 21 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
207 days in Hancock County
Growing Tips for Dill in Hancock County
Direct sow Dill outdoors after April 06 in Hancock County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 207.0-day season in Hancock 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 Hancock County, KY?
Hancock County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hancock County, KY?
Hancock County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 30.
When should I plant Dill in Hancock County, KY?
In Hancock County, KY, plant Dill after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hancock County, KY for Dill?
Hancock County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Dill grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Dill grow in Hancock County's climate?
Yes — Dill grows well in Hancock County's temperate climate. Hancock County averages a 207-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 30.
Your Hancock County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hancock County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.