When to Plant Dill in Colorado County, TX
Your May planting checklist for Colorado County, Texas
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Start harvesting dill
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Colorado County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is December 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 281 days.
At an elevation of 87 feet, Colorado County receives approximately 70.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Dill during the growing season. 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.
Colorado County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7.3-7.8
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 Colorado County
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.3–7.8) is more alkaline than Dill prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Heavy clay soil (42% clay) in Colorado County compacts easily and drains slowly. Amend with compost and avoid working soil when wet.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Dill.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Dill.
How to Plant Dill
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Dill
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 05 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 09.
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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 10.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 10.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Colorado 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 — Colorado County, TX
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Direct Sow | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 26 |
| Harvest | April 2 | Apr 2 – Jun 4 |
| Fall Sowing | October 9 | Oct 9 – Oct 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
281 days in Colorado County
Growing Tips for Dill in Colorado County
Direct sow Dill outdoors after February 26 in Colorado County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Colorado County's clay soil (42% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Dill. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 282.0-day season in Colorado 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.
With 70" of annual rainfall in Colorado County, ensure good drainage for Dill — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.
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 Colorado County, TX?
Colorado County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Colorado County, TX?
Colorado County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is December 4.
Your Colorado County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Colorado County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.