When to Plant Dill in Nacogdoches County, TX
May to-do list for Nacogdoches County, Texas
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Nacogdoches County, Texas this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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It's harvest week for dill
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in 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.
Nacogdoches County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 254 days.
At an elevation of 21 feet, Nacogdoches County receives approximately 64.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90°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.
Nacogdoches County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
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 Nacogdoches County
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) is within Dill's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Nacogdoches 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 moderate (2.0%). 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 17 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 07.
Plant 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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 11.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Nacogdoches 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 — Nacogdoches County, TX
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 31 | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Direct Sow | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 14 |
| Harvest | April 11 | Apr 11 – Jun 13 |
| Fall Sowing | September 7 | Sep 7 – Sep 21 |
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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
254 days in Nacogdoches County
Growing Tips for Dill in Nacogdoches County
Direct sow Dill outdoors after March 07 in Nacogdoches County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Nacogdoches 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 254.0-day season in Nacogdoches 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 64" of annual rainfall in Nacogdoches 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 Nacogdoches County, TX?
Nacogdoches County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nacogdoches County, TX?
Nacogdoches County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 16.
Your Nacogdoches County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Nacogdoches 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.