Growing Dill: My First Attempt

Why I’m Growing Dill

I haven’t grown a lot of herbs and those I’ve tried haven’t been that successful (hey, I’m being honest!). However, I’m going to give it another go, especially since I’ve been given some seeds.

One I’m particularly looking forward to harvesting is dill.  Growing dill is a new venture. I’ve never grown it before or really used it in cooking but it has an aniseed like flavour which is the draw for me as I’m a huge fan of fennel.  So, I’ve been doing my research and this is what I’ve discovered…

• Dill can grow to a height of anything between 1 – 5 foot.  If your dill should grow so high it might need to be staked.

• It is also an attractive plant with beautiful wispy foliage (similar to fennel) and yellowy-white flowers.  You might want to grow it in the flower bed rather than the vegetable patch.

• You can eat the leaves of the dill plant as well as the seeds.

• This herb likes warmth therefore needs to be planted where it will receive high levels of sunlight.

• Dill also likes rich well drained soil.  When you sow the seeds, do so in drills 15 – 18 inches apart.  Dill is not too happy about being transplanted so it is best to plant the seeds straight outdoors in the spring once the frost are over and the soil has warmed.

• Dill is a herb that will grow very well in a container.

• After about 7-10 days shoots should appear and three months later the plant will be ready to use (as mentioned before, you can cut and use the leave fresh).

• Mid-summer, you need to cut the flower heads once the seeds start to ripen.  Place them upside down in a paper bag and leave in a warm dry place to dry (for approximately a week).  Finally, separate the seeds from the stem and store in an airtight container to use when needed.

• Dill has many uses in cooking – to season roast potatoes, soups salads, cottage cheese.  The list is endless.

How To Plant Dill Seeds Video

I’m looking forward to planting my dill, though this year I’m thinking of trying to grow herbs in tubs on the patio rather than in my vegetable patch.  It is more sheltered there and so is warmer, not to mention nearer to the house (I won’t have as far to go for ingredients when I’m cooking!).

Will let you know how I get on.  If you have any tips on growing dill, drop me a line.

Alan

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• Grow Herbs Indoors For Fresh Flavors (riosambagardeningjournal.wordpress.com)
• Naturally Fermented Dill Pickles (marksdailyapple.com)