When to Plant Dill in Neshoba County, MS
Neshoba County, Mississippi gardeners: here's your May plan
May is a pivotal month for Neshoba County, Mississippi gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
Bring in the dill
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Neshoba County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 230 days.
At an elevation of 231 feet, Neshoba County receives approximately 50.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Dill may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Dill, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Dill root diseases.
Neshoba County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Neshoba County
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.5) is within Dill's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Neshoba County is excellent for Dill — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). 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 Sep 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 29.
Plant 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 | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Neshoba 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 — Neshoba County, MS
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 15 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Direct Sow | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 29 |
| Harvest | April 26 | Apr 26 – Jun 28 |
| Fall Sowing | August 29 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
230 days in Neshoba County
Growing Tips for Dill in Neshoba County
Direct sow Dill outdoors after March 22 in Neshoba County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Neshoba County's clay soil (32% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Dill. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Neshoba County, provide afternoon shade for Dill and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 230.0-day season in Neshoba 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 Neshoba County, MS?
Neshoba County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Neshoba County, MS?
Neshoba County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 7.
Your Neshoba County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Neshoba County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.