When to Plant Dill in Marion County, TX
This month in Marion County, Texas
May is a pivotal month for Marion County, Texas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Basket week: dill
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Looking ahead to June
- 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.
Marion County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 246 days.
At an elevation of 393 feet, Marion County receives approximately 72 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Dill during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Dill will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Dill root diseases.
Marion County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.6
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 Marion County
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.6) is within Dill's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Marion County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Dill will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 15 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 05.
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 | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 11.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 10.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Marion 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 — Marion County, TX
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Direct Sow | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 20 |
| Harvest | April 17 | Apr 17 – Jun 19 |
| Fall Sowing | September 5 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| 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
246 days in Marion County
Growing Tips for Dill in Marion County
Direct sow Dill outdoors after March 13 in Marion County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Marion County dries quickly — mulch Dill with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your generous 246.0-day season in Marion 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 72" of annual rainfall in Marion 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 Marion County, TX?
Marion County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marion County, TX?
Marion County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 14.
Your Marion County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Marion 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.