When to plant Dill in Franklin County, MA
Dill planted in Franklin County between April 25 and May 16 matures in 40–60 days — well before the October 11 first frost. A second sowing from August 2 to August 16 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Dill in Franklin County, MA
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.
Franklin County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
At an elevation of 1,016 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 42.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Dill during the growing season.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Dill Planting Timeline — Franklin County, MA
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 | August 2 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
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 | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
155 days in Franklin County
Growing Tips for Franklin 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Dill in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Dill in Franklin County, MA?
Franklin County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, MA?
Franklin County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 11.
When should I plant Dill in Franklin County, MA?
In Franklin County, MA, plant Dill after the last frost (around May 9) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Franklin County, MA for Dill?
Franklin 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 Franklin County's climate?
Yes — Dill grows well in Franklin County's temperate climate. Franklin County averages a 155-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 9 and first frost around October 11.
Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin 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.