Quick summary
- Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie, learning how to grow dill in Melbourne is a rewarding journey.
- Once the seeds have dried completely, remove them from the flower heads and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
- Growing dill in Melbourne is a rewarding experience that brings a touch of freshness and flavour to your garden and kitchen.
Melbourne’s temperate climate and ample sunshine make it a haven for growing herbs, and dill is no exception. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie, learning how to grow dill in Melbourne is a rewarding journey. This fragrant herb adds a burst of flavour to your dishes and attracts beneficial insects to your garden.
Understanding Dill’s Needs
Dill (Anethum graveolens) is an annual herb that thrives in cool weather. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. The key to success lies in understanding the specific needs of dill in Melbourne’s climate.
Sunlight and Temperature
Dill loves the sunshine! Aim for a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In Melbourne’s summer, a bit of afternoon shade can be beneficial, especially for seedlings. Dill is frost-tolerant, meaning it can withstand light frosts, making it suitable for planting in early spring or late autumn.
Soil and Drainage
Dill prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid planting in heavy clay soil, as it can lead to root rot. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve its structure and fertility.
Planting Dill in Melbourne
Direct Sowing
The easiest way to grow dill is by direct sowing. Sow dill seeds directly into the garden bed after the last frost has passed, typically in late August or early September.
- Spacing: Space dill seeds 15-20cm apart.
- Depth: Sow seeds 1cm deep.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Starting Dill Indoors
If you want to get a head start on the growing season, you can start dill seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost.
- Seed Trays: Sow seeds in seed trays filled with seed-starting mix.
- Thinning: Once seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them out to the strongest seedling.
- Hardening Off: Before transplanting outdoors, gradually acclimatize the seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day.
- Transplanting: Once the weather is warm enough, transplant the seedlings into your garden bed, spacing them 15-20cm apart.
Caring for Your Dill Plants
Watering
Dill needs consistent moisture, especially when it’s young. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing
Dill is a light feeder. You can fertilize your plants once or twice during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Pest and Disease Control
Dill is generally pest and disease resistant. However, aphids and spider mites can occasionally be a problem. You can control these pests by spraying the plants with a strong jet of water or using insecticidal soap.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Dill
Dill is ready to harvest once the plants are about 30cm tall.
Harvesting Leaves
- Pinch: Pinch off the leaves you need for cooking.
- Cut: Cut stems with a sharp knife or scissors.
- Harvest Regularly: Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more leaves.
Harvesting Seeds
- Wait for Flowers: Allow the dill to flower and produce seeds.
- Cut Flower Heads: Cut the flower heads once the seeds have turned brown.
- Dry Seeds: Hang the flower heads upside down in a dry, well-ventilated space.
- Store Seeds: Once the seeds have dried completely, remove them from the flower heads and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Dill in Your Melbourne Garden
Dill is a versatile herb that can be incorporated into various parts of your garden.
Companion Planting
Dill is a great companion plant for many vegetables, including tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, and beans. It attracts beneficial insects that help control pests.
Cut Flower Garden
Dill’s delicate, feathery foliage adds a touch of elegance to cut flower arrangements.
Container Gardening
Dill can be successfully grown in containers. Choose a pot that is at least 30cm in diameter and fill it with well-draining potting mix.
The Final Word on Dill in Melbourne
Growing dill in Melbourne is a rewarding experience that brings a touch of freshness and flavour to your garden and kitchen. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this fragrant herb throughout the growing season.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: When is the best time to plant dill in Melbourne?
A: The best time to plant dill in Melbourne is in late August or early September after the last frost has passed. You can also start dill seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost.
Q: How often should I water my dill plants?
A: Water your dill plants deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Q: Can I grow dill in a pot?
A: Yes, dill can be successfully grown in containers. Choose a pot that is at least 30cm in diameter and fill it with well-draining potting mix.
Q: What are some pests that can affect dill plants?
A: Dill is generally pest and disease resistant. However, aphids and spider mites can occasionally be a problem. You can control these pests by spraying the plants with a strong jet of water or using insecticidal soap.
Q: Can I save dill seeds for next year’s planting?
A: Yes, you can save dill seeds for next year’s planting. Allow the dill to flower and produce seeds. Cut the flower heads once the seeds have turned brown and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated space. Once the seeds have dried completely, remove them from the flower heads and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
