When to plant Dill in Lake County, MI
Lake County's climate puts the Dill spring window between April 30 and May 21. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from July 28 to August 11 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Dill in Lake County, MI
Your June gardening checklist
Here's what deserves your attention in Lake County, Michigan this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 5b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Begin indoor sowing: dill
You're about 13 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
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Basket week: dill
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Get ahead of July
- First harvests: dill
- 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.
Lake County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
At an elevation of 733 feet, Lake County receives approximately 33.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Dill during the growing season.
Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.1
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 Lake County
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.1) overlaps with Dill's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lake County is excellent for Dill — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.9%) — 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 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 28.
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Lake 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 — Lake County, MI
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
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
145 days in Lake County
Growing Tips for Dill in Lake County
Direct sow Dill outdoors after May 14 in Lake County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Lake County, MI?
Lake County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake County, MI?
Lake County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Dill in Lake County, MI?
In Lake County, MI, plant Dill after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lake County, MI for Dill?
Lake 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 Lake County's climate?
Yes — Dill grows well in Lake County's temperate climate. Lake County averages a 145-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around October 6.
Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lake 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.