When to plant Dill in Jackson County, MI
Dill planted in Jackson County between April 15 and May 6 matures in 40–60 days — well before the October 14 first frost. A second sowing from August 5 to August 19 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Dill in Jackson County, MI
Jackson County, Michigan gardeners: here's your June plan
Welcome to June in Zone 6a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Begin indoor sowing: dill
You're about 16 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
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Basket week: dill
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
July prep starts now
- 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.
Jackson County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 168 days.
At an elevation of 1,003 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 37.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Dill during the growing season.
Jackson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.3
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 Jackson County
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.3) overlaps with Dill's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Jackson County is excellent for Dill — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Dill will thrive.
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 15 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 05.
Dill Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Jackson 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 — Jackson County, MI
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Harvest | June 3 | Jun 3 – Aug 5 |
| Fall Sowing | August 5 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors 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
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
168 days in Jackson County
Growing Tips for Dill in Jackson County
Direct sow Dill outdoors after April 29 in Jackson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 168.0-day season in Jackson 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 Jackson County, MI?
Jackson County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jackson County, MI?
Jackson County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 14.
When should I plant Dill in Jackson County, MI?
In Jackson County, MI, plant Dill after the last frost (around April 29) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Jackson County, MI for Dill?
Jackson County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Dill grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Dill grow in Jackson County's climate?
Yes — Dill grows well in Jackson County's temperate climate. Jackson County averages a 168-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 29 and first frost around October 14.
Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.