When to Plant Dill in Tyler County, TX
Tyler County, Texas gardeners: here's your May plan
Your Tyler County, Texas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Start harvesting dill
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
June prep starts now
- 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.
Tyler County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 258 days.
At an elevation of 378 feet, Tyler County receives approximately 75.3 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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Dill root diseases.
Tyler County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.3
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 Tyler County
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.3) overlaps with Dill's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Tyler 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 moderate (2.1%). 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 Sep 20 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 24.
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 11.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 13.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 9.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Tyler 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 — Tyler County, TX
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Direct Sow | February 13 | Feb 13 – Mar 6 |
| Harvest | April 10 | Apr 10 – Jun 12 |
| Fall Sowing | September 24 | Sep 24 – Oct 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
258 days in Tyler County
Growing Tips for Dill in Tyler County
Direct sow Dill outdoors after March 06 in Tyler County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Tyler 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 258.0-day season in Tyler 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 75" of annual rainfall in Tyler 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 Tyler County, TX?
Tyler County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tyler County, TX?
Tyler County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 19.
Your Tyler County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Tyler 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.