by Francis Jock

Created on: October 08, 2010

When it comes time for canning pickles and preparing zesty meals only the freshest dill will do. You can always buy dill seed from the grocery store, but it is just as easy and far more satisfying to grow your own dill plants in a garden container of your own. It is an easy plant to grow in your back yard or patio, so why not consider giving it a try?

Gardening Containers

Growing dill requires a garden container large enough to support the number of plants desired per garden pot. Garden containers come in different sizes, from small to large containers equipped with wheels, such as the EarthBox .

Since dill doesn't grow very large (about 4-1/2 ft.), the key factor to remember is the depth of the container. If you choose to grow a single dill plant per container, a gallon-sized container will do nicely. Containers of this size are convenient for moving around to find the best shady spot on a hot summer day. Be sure that the container is secure and not likely to blow over in windy conditions.

Soil and Fertilizer

The best soil for growing dill is a humus rich garden soil that is high in nitrogen content. A lightly acidic is not a problem, but too much acid is. Be sure to test pH-level of your garden soil so you know if it needs treatment or not. You can make your own nitrogen rich garden soil by composting kitchen scraps in a suitable container.

Ordinary compost works well for nurturing dill's growth over the summer, so no special fertilizers are necessary.

Starting your container garden

The recommended depth for planting dill seed is 1/2". Seeds should be sown in the early spring directly into the container, as transplanting dill is difficult.

Dill is usually planted during the early spring months (March - April). It grows well without requiring much care other than an occasional watering. Once the dill seeds have taken root and begun to sprout, you should thin them out to make sure that the container isn't overcrowded. Thin as required when plants are around 5" tall.

There are several different types of dill, each maturing around 70 days after planting. It will grow well under cool conditions and may be planted twice a year, spring and mid-summer.

Location

Dill prefers an open, sheltered location to grow in. It's a good idea to provide support for your dill plants if you live in a windy part of the country. It also makes a nice border plant that can be blended with other varieties of taller plants for an eye-catching arrangement.

Watering  

Dill requires water for growth, but excessive watering will stunt or even kill the plant. It's best to apply light amounts of water to the container plants regularly.

Harvesting

Dill seeds are harvested after the plant's seed heads have matured and dried in the shade. Simply tie bundles of the plants stems and seed heads together and hang upside down in dry, airy location.

Growing dill in garden containers is a fun, year-long gardening joy. If you have the space and the resources (containers, seeds, and garden soil) you can grow almost any plant, including dwarf fruit trees and berry bushes. You'll be pleased with the results at many a healthy, home grown meal.

Resource: Rodale, Robert 1971. The Basic Book of Organic Gardening.  New York: Ballantine Books.

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