by InspiredWritingResearch

Created on: June 15, 2009

Learning how to grow Dill is pretty foolproof as long as you remember one small fact the Dill herb does not like shade, and will be pretty miserable, even withering away to nothing, if you try to plant it there. Anyhow, its blue-grass colored leaves look particularly pretty when grown in a hot spot of other sun-loving plants in shades of silver, white or hot orange.

Dill seeds are widely available through mail order, and are very fast to start, so decide first where you are going to plant them. You could even spend the darkening Fall or winter evenings sketching out the perfect herb garden, whether that is a medieval style knot garden or a more modern herb wheel.

Once decided on the sunny spot you are going to use, check also that it will be easy to keep moist. Although Dill likes the sun, it doesn't care to be thirsty! It needs to be planted in a spot which is easy to water, so check out the distance from the water butt or garden tap.

Also check the PH value of the soil. Dill isn't too fussy as long there are no extremes a slightly alkaline through slightly acid soil should be fine as long as the earth is reasonably light.

Also think about what else you want to plant nearby, and whether you will choose herbs only, or a planting scheme incorporating flowers and herbs together. Dill, as an annual, looks particularly well mixed in amongst the flowers, as it's jade-tinged ferny leaves are lightly scented. Bear in mind however that you should plan for it to grow to about sixty centimetres high with a spread of thirty centimetres. Anethum Graveolus or Dill, is best planted from early spring to July. In temperate zones, the soil is usually warm enough by March.

Once sown and well watered, you should find that the Dill leaves grow quickly, being ready for use in a couple of months. Depending on the amount of water used, some varieties may grow even quicker than this.

The more compact varieties of Dill have a longer harvesting season and produce the most abundant foliage. You will find that some varieties are slower at seed-setting than others. Bear this in mind for next yea's planting scheme, as you may also want to choose a variety for its seed alone.

Having enjoyed your lovely fresh Dill leaves with fish, chicken or New Potatoes, don't forget to get back out into the fresh air and sow some more repeat sowings should ensure you never run out of this tasty and beautifully scented herb.

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