When to plant Dill in Pike County, KY
Pike County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Plant Dill between April 1 (after last frost on April 15) and April 22. A second sowing from August 17 to August 31 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Dill in Pike County, KY
Pike County, Kentucky gardeners: here's your July plan
July rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Pike County, Kentucky.
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Pick dill
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
To set up a strong August, finish these tasks
- 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.
Pike County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 1,655 feet, Pike County receives approximately 52.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°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.
Pike County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
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 Pike County
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.7) is within Dill's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pike County is excellent for Dill — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). 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 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 17.
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 | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pike 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 — Pike County, KY
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | May 20 | May 20 – Jul 22 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
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 7a
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Pike County
Growing Tips for Dill in Pike County
Direct sow Dill outdoors after April 15 in Pike County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 194.0-day season in Pike 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 Pike County, KY?
Pike County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pike County, KY?
Pike County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Dill in Pike County, KY?
In Pike County, KY, plant Dill after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pike County, KY for Dill?
Pike 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 Pike County's climate?
Yes — Dill grows well in Pike County's temperate climate. Pike County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 26.
Your Pike County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pike 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.