Mulching Dill
Dill is affected by competing weeds, so a 2 to 4 inch layer of mulch spread on the soil around the plants when they are about 6 inches tall protects them by discouraging weeds. Mulch also helps keep soil moist and contributes organic matter to the soil as it gradually breaks down over the season.
Use organic material such as chopped leaves, hay, or straw on the soil around dill plants. Mix peat moss with coarser materials such as chopped leaves or shredded paper to prevent it from forming a crust that repels water. As the mulch decomposes in the summer heat, add more to maintain optimal mulch depth.
For more information seeUsing_Mulch In the Veggie Garden
Watering and Fertilizing Dill
Dill prefers fairly moist soil throughout the growing season. Once plants have established good root systems, if your soil is decent and you use mulch, you need to water only when rainfall is sparse. If your soil is thin and poor and you do not mulch it, you will have to water a couple of times a week when it does not rain.
Dill is a light feeder, so it needs no supplemental fertilizer over and above the slow acting granular fertilizer worked into the soil in the spring.
Growing Dill Hydroponically
Dill can be grown in a hydroponic environment. Start seeds in rock wool cubes or in potting mix just as you would for transplanting outside. When the seedlings are about 2 to 3 inches tall, set the rock wool cubes in the hydroponic system or carefully wash the potting mix from seedlings rooted in the soil and place them in the hydroponic system.
The plants will thrive under high intensity lights but will also do fine under fluorescent lights. The bushier Fernleaf variety is probably the best plant for hydroponic growing since common dill can grow 2 feet tall and will need staking.
