Dill - Not Just for Pickles

Overview:

Dill is a showy herb, with a tall, thin stem and airy flowers. Most recognized in pickles, dill offers great taste to fish, summer salads and dressings. Dill dries very well and is most commonly found this way. Because of its height, dill makes a lovely backdrop to other herbs or even in a landscaping layout. It can add height and drama to an otherwise hard to garden area.

Latin Name:

Anethum graveolens

Common Name:

Dill, garden dill

USDA Hardiness Zone:

Annual, grown in all zones

Exposure:

Full sun, well drained soil

Harvest:

Mid summer to fall. Harvest leafy parts as needed and seeds later in season.

Uses:

Historically used in gardens, dill has always been associated with soothing gastrointestinal issues. It is gentle enough for babies and can reduce their gas based colic with a few sips of cooled dill seed tea.

Dill is a wonderful companion plant for corn and cucumbers but should not be planted next to its distant cousin, the carrot. Do not disturb dill once it is growing. It doesn't transplant well. If the area that dill is growing in dries out too much, the plant will quickly go to seed. All in all, a very easy herb to grow and should be included in everyone's garden.

Well known as an ingredient in pickled vegetable mixes, dill also pairs well with chicken, egg dishes, fish and dressings. Try some in your next bread recipe and enjoy the fresh flavor it brings.