Growing dill is not a tricky business. But only experienced gardeners think so, but newcomers to country affairs often are left without a fragrant green seasoning. And this is not surprising, each culture has its own planting characteristics, dill is no exception. Let's figure out how to sow dill in order to be with greens all year.
When to plant dill in the ground
Dill is a really unpretentious crop. Seeds tolerate frost well, and begin to germinate at a temperature of + 3C. This feature allows you to sow greens in the winter and early spring, as soon as the snow melts. With this approach, aromatic seasoning will fall on the table regularly. The optimal timing for spring planting can be considered the beginning of April. Sow greens every 20-25 days. But winter sowing is carried out in the fall, somewhere in mid-October or early November, until the ground is frozen, seeding the seeds to a depth of 4 cm.
Summer planting of dill is somewhat difficult, since the seeds are saturated with essential oils and sprout for a long time. But there are tricks, for example, preplant seed treatment, which contributes to the rapid germination. The optimum temperature for growing greens + 20 C.
In winter, dill is grown in a greenhouse, where the temperature does not fall below + 10-15 C. At the same time, sowing is carried out not in the ground, but in boxes with a nutrient mixture, which are additionally covered. In addition, additional lighting will be required, as during the winter months there is not enough natural light.
How to prepare a garden and choose a place for planting dill: features of spring and autumn planting of greens
There is an opinion that dill grows like a weed, and this is partly true. However, self-seeding should not be allowed, since dill is not combined with all cultures, and even harms some. When mixed landings take care of the "neighbors". Planting dill on potatoes, garlic, next to cucumbers, all kinds of cabbage and onions goes well. This approach stimulates the growth of both cultures. Avoid the proximity of dill with carrots, parsley, fennel, caraway seeds and parsnips.
Important! It is noted that fragrant seasoning grows well on fertile, loose soils. But in acidic, swampy areas, dill may not even germinate or its growth will be inhibited.
For spring planting of dill, a garden bed is prepared in the fall. The soil is dug up to a depth of 20-25 cm, organic matter and mineral fertilizers are added. In spring, the bed is loosened, grooved, watered and compacted so that the seeds are not pulled too deep. After planting, the place is mulched with humus to preserve moisture. It is not necessary to water the garden until the seedlings appear so that a crust does not form, otherwise it will be difficult for the seeds to break out.
When sowing for winter, the soil is prepared 14-20 days before the planned planting. The seeds are sown a little deeper than in the spring, and the earth is not compacted in the grooves. When the snow melts, the seeds will be drawn to the desired depth.
To get a good harvest of dill, it is important to consider the characteristics of the crop:
• green seasoning prefers plenty of light and heat;
• loves well-moistened fertile soil;
• does not tolerate acidic soil.
Therefore, place the beds in a well-lit sunny place, deoxidize the soil before planting with lime and fertilize the beds well with organic matter.
Preplant planting of dill seeds or how to plant dill in the summer (photo)
Seed treatment before planting is necessary if it is planned to sow in spring or summer. Before winter, plant fennel with dry seeds that germinate well in the spring on their own, for this there is enough moisture in the soil.
Preparing seeds for planting is best done a week before sowing.
1. Fold the seeds in a gauze cloth and soak in water, the temperature of which is 50 C for 72 hours. Regularly change the colored water in the container to fresh, at least 5 times a day.
2. Remove the seeds and spread on a damp cloth, covering with a thin layer of wet sawdust for 96 hours. Watch the temperature in the room, it should not fall below +20 C.
3. Dry the seeds for 30 minutes and start sowing.
Shoots appear in 10-14 days. Dill is sown in wide grooves with a zigzag, which facilitates the care of the crop.
Advice! Planting and growing dill in the hot summer is not a problem if you have drip irrigation equipped. It does not clog the soil, prevents the formation of crust, deeply moisturizes the soil.
Planting dill in the winter on the windowsill
For home cultivation, it is better to choose early high-yielding varieties of greens: Gribovsky, Richelieu or Grenadier. Seeds are prepared in advance, as in summer sowing. Grow green seasoning in seedling boxes, which are filled with nutrient substrates. The bottom must be drained with expanded clay or other material.
Sowing is carried out to a depth of 1-2 cm in moist soil, after which the containers are covered with glass or film. For germination, the containers are cleaned in a dark place until the first sprouts appear. As soon as the dill hatch, they take it out to the most lighted window sill.
Dill is grown on the windowsill at a temperature of 15-20 ° C, a higher temperature helps to draw seedlings, the greens are of poor quality. Do not forget to water and spray greens in time, but only with well-maintained and warm water.
The secrets of growing lush green dill in open ground
It’s difficult to grow juicy greens without proper care, therefore adhere to the following rules:
• cut off flower stalks to enhance the growth of lateral branches;
• water dill in the evening so that burns do not appear on delicate leaves;
• regularly loosen the soil to a depth of 5 cm;
• remove weeds until seedlings reach 10 cm in height;
• feed the plants with nitrogen fertilizers, but remember about nitrates, the best option is fermented grass.
Remember that dill is often damaged by aphids. Do not use chemistry on the beds, especially 14 days before harvesting. Treat greens with a solution of fermented grass or other organic fertilizers.
If dill is affected by powdery mildew, the reason lies in the high humidity and temperature. Colloidal sulfur treatments will help.
The best varieties of dill for giving
Varieties of dill are distinguished by their productivity, ability to stem formation, color of leaves. Among the fans of this seasoning, the following varieties are most common:
• Gribovsky - An early high-yielding variety, suitable for cultivation in the soil and on the windowsill, resistant to diseases and pests. Bush height - 25 cm;
• Umbrella - An early variety for greenhouse cultivation, ripens 40 days after germination;
• Borea - medium-ripening variety for open ground, the height of the outlet is 40 cm, the leaves are dark and fragrant;
• Alligator - medium bush variety, harvested 40-50 days after germination;
• Salute - tall late variety, has a strong aroma, the ability to not let out an umbrella for a long time and an abundance of greenery;
• Kutuzovsky - late variety for freezing, drying or pickles, leaves are large - up to 20 cm, dark and fragrant.
Dill - fragrant greens, from which you do not need to refuse planting, especially since it is not difficult to do. Be sure to follow the recommendations and everything will work out.
