How to grow dill in a raised bed

Dill is the feathery, aniseed-scented herb that partners fish, potatoes and pickles — and its flowers are a five-star magnet for beneficial insects. It's quick, easy and a little short-lived, so sow often.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun
• Spacing: 20–30 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 23 cm+ depth
• Time to harvest: 8–10 weeks

When to plant: Dill grows best in the cooler months in warm areas, spring to autumn in cooler ones. Sow directly — it dislikes transplanting — and sow a fresh patch every few weeks. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

Growing it in a raised bed: Sow seed where it's to grow, as dill has a taproot that resents disturbance. Give it a sheltered spot, as the tall stems can blow over.

Watering and feeding: Keep the mix evenly moist for lush foliage; a light feed is plenty.

Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids and caterpillars — though most herbs are pleasingly pest-resistant. See our safe pest guide.

Common problems: the main one to watch is powdery mildew and damping-off, usually from damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow and morning watering prevent most.

Companion plants: Let some flower and it draws in hoverflies, lacewings and parasitic wasps; keep it away from carrots. See our companion planting guide.

Harvest and storage: Pick leaves young for the best flavour, and let some heads go to seed for pickling. Use the leaf fresh — it loses punch when dried.

More growing guides: coriander, parsley and chervil.

Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Ermell, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.