When to Plant Dill in Clallam County, WA
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.
Clallam County, Washington is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 194 feet, Clallam County receives approximately 54.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Dill to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Dill root diseases.
Clallam County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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 Clallam County
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) is within Dill's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clallam County is excellent for Dill — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Dill will thrive.
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 Aug 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 17.
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 | — | 8.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0.8" | 1.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 9.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 7.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Clallam 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 — Clallam County, WA
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 30 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Clallam County
Growing Tips for Dill in Clallam County
Direct sow Dill outdoors after April 23 in Clallam County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 186.0-day season in Clallam 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 Clallam County, WA?
Clallam County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clallam County, WA?
Clallam County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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