When to plant Dill in Danforth, ME
For Dill in Danforth, the safe spring window opens around April 25 and closes around May 16. Last expected frost is May 9, first fall frost October 7, giving a 151-day growing season. A second sowing from July 29 to August 12 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Dill in Danforth, ME
Your July planting checklist for Washington County, Maine
Your Washington County, Maine garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for July and why each task matters now.
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Collect dill at their peak
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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Direct-sow dill for cool weather
Count back from your first frost (October 7) — these need to mature before the cold arrives.
Coming up in August — start thinking about
- 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.
Danforth, Maine is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 1,184 feet, Washington County receives approximately 43.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Dill to ensure they mature before fall.
Danforth Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.5
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 Danforth
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.5) overlaps with Dill's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
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 moderate (3.7%). 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 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 29.
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 | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–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 — Danforth, ME
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Harvest | June 13 | Jun 13 – Aug 15 |
| Fall Sowing | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Washington County
Growing Tips for Dill in Danforth
Direct sow Dill outdoors after May 09 in Washington County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 151.0-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
When should I plant Dill in Danforth, ME?
In Danforth, ME, plant Dill after the last frost (around May 9) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Danforth, ME for Dill?
Danforth sits in USDA Zone 5b. Dill grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Dill grow in Danforth's climate?
Yes — Dill grows well in Danforth's temperate climate. Danforth averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 9 and first frost around October 7.
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.