When to Plant Dill in Maverick County, TX
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.
Maverick County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 261 days.
At an elevation of 4,473 feet, Maverick County receives approximately 48.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Dill may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Dill will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Maverick County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.3-8.3
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 Maverick County
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.3–8.3) is more alkaline than Dill prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Maverick County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Dill will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Dill.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). 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 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 12.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 10.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Maverick 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 — Maverick County, TX
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Direct Sow | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 12 |
| Harvest | April 9 | Apr 9 – Jun 11 |
| Fall Sowing | September 12 | Sep 12 – Sep 26 |
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 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
261 days in Maverick County
Growing Tips for Dill in Maverick County
Direct sow Dill outdoors after March 05 in Maverick County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Maverick 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 261.0-day season in Maverick 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 Maverick County, TX?
Maverick County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Maverick County, TX?
Maverick County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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