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When to plant Dill in McCracken County, KY

For McCracken County, gardeners: plant Dill March 16 through April 6 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 21 to September 4 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Dill in McCracken County, KY

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.

McCracken County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 214 days.

At an elevation of 1,445 feet, McCracken County receives approximately 48 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Dill during the growing season.

McCracken County, KY (Zone 7a) Long season
214 days
Last Spring Frost March 30
214 growing days
First Fall Frost October 30

McCracken County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Dill

Dill needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Dill Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Oct in McCracken County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Dill Planting Timeline — McCracken County, KY

Dill Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 23 Feb 23 – Mar 9
Transplant Outdoors March 23 Mar 23 – Apr 6
Direct Sow March 16 Mar 16 – Apr 6
Harvest May 4 May 4 – Jul 6
Fall Sowing August 21 Aug 21 – Sep 4

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

40–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

214 days in McCracken County

Growing Tips for McCracken County

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

  • Carrots
  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Dill in McCracken County, KY?

McCracken County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is McCracken County, KY?

McCracken County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is October 30.

When should I plant Dill in McCracken County, KY?

In McCracken County, KY, plant Dill after the last frost (around March 30) and before the first frost (around October 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is McCracken County, KY for Dill?

McCracken 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 McCracken County's climate?

Yes — Dill grows well in McCracken County's temperate climate. McCracken County averages a 214-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 30 and first frost around October 30.

🌱

Your McCracken County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for McCracken 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for McCracken County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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