Tasty Tips for Growing and Harvesting Dill and Other Herbs
Everyone loves dill as a garnish, whether it be on seafood or in soup. There are many food companies that sell dill, but have you ever thought of growing and harvesting it yourself? If so, you’re in luck, as dill is one of the easiest herbs to grow and care for. It grows well in almost any soil, and typically reaches heights between two and four feet. You can even grow dill in a container. Added bonus: it is rather fragrant.
Additionally, after the growing season is over, dill gently falls to the ground where it lingers for a while before forming seeds. In late spring to early summer, dill will flower and produce white petals. Yellow dill is also rich in iron.
Planting and Growing Advice
Dill is an easy herb to grow that can be used fresh or dried. It can be planted by seeds or by seedlings. However, seeds can be tricky and tend to germinate slowly. You should plant the seeds in a shallow box or pot in the spring, and transplant them into larger boxes or pots in summer. Cutting off the top half of the roots spurs faster germination.
Keep in mind that dill stems are rather weak so you should use a stake to support the plant as it grows.
Dill grows best in full sun and soil that is rich in organic matter. It also benefits from regular watering and fertilizing with compost. Dill is a perfect filler herb between other vegetables and thrives in Mediterranean-style gardens.
Other Popular Herbs and Vegetables for Home Growth
In addition to dill, there are a cornucopia of other herbs that are ideal for everyday cooking and can also be grown at home. These include basil, parsley, tarragon, oregano and more.
As for vegetables, if you have limited space or not enough time to prepare a garden, consider growing them in containers. An average cup of potting soil should suffice. Be aware that vegetables planted in the ground require less watering.
Harvesting Herbs
Harvest your herbs as you are cooking to ensure freshness. Herbs do not require a lot of preparation for great flavor. Therefore, it is best to harvest herbs when you are going to use them in cooking. This way you will always have a fresh supply to cook with or freeze for later use. With the right planning, you can harvest enough herbs for your everyday needs.
Growing and harvesting your own dill, as well as other herbs and vegetables, is something anyone can do. You don’t need a green thumb to produce your own tasty garnishes. It just takes a little water and some tender loving care, and you’ll be cooking in no time.
