Growing Dill

GROW YOUR OWN DILL 

Dill is a decorative, hardy annual herb, with fern like foliage and delicate yellow/green flowers. Dill or dill weed belongs to the same family as parsley, bay leaf and cumin. It originated from the Mediterranean region and has been used to flavor foods and to treat various ailments since ancient times. It is used in salads, to make pickles, in soups, and other dishes. It's a great way to add extra flavor to a dish without drastically increasing the calorie or fat content of a meal. No garden is complete without some dill growing and growing your own, will give you fresh dill weed for your pickle recipes. Dill is also a good choice for growing in a container garden.

Recommended Varieties

Fern-leaf dill, which is good in potato salads, cucumber soup, and fish dishes.

Planting

• Choose a location that has full sun exposure. 
• Sow dill seeds about 1/4-inch deep and 18 inches apart in rich soil, then gently rake the seeds into the soil. The soil should be around 60 to 70ºF for best results.
• Dill does not grow well when transplanted, so start the seeds fresh in the garden in early summer. Make sure to shelter the plants from strong winds.
• After 10 to 14 days, the plants should appear in the soil. Wait another 10 to 14 days, then thin the plants to about 12 to 18 inches apart.
• In your garden, plant dill next to cabbage or onions, but keep the dill away from carrots.

Care

• Water the plants freely during the growing season.
• In order to ensure a season-long fresh supply of dill, continue sowing seeds every few weeks. For an extended harvest, do not allow flowers to grow on the plants.
• If the soil remains undisturbed throughout the growing season, more dill plants will grow the next season.

Container Growing

• Dill can grow in a container, as long as it is deep. 
• Cover the drainage holes with shard pieces or rocks and fill with potting soil. 
• Sow the seeds spacing them 9 inches apart and cover them lightly with soil. 
• Water the soil in the container gently, but thoroughly.
• The shorter varieties of dill work better in containers, but if you buy the taller ones, you may need to stake or support them in some way. 
• Water the soil often to keep it moist.

Harvesting And Storage

• The plants are ready for harvesting from about eight weeks after sowing. Pinch off the leaves or cut them off with scissors.
• Cut the foliage down to ground level and the plants should re-grow to provide a second flush. 
• If you have a lot of plants, you can pinch off entire stalks.
• Have a tarp, or piece of plastic under the drying heads to catch the seeds as they fall out. 
• Give the seed heads a shake to remove the rest of the seeds once the dill is dry, and then place them in an airtight container. 
• Fresh dill can remain in the refrigerator for 1 week.

Few Health Benefits Of Dill Herb

• Digestive Benefits- Dill contains properties which may improve digestive functioning. It may help to manage stomach acid levels which may help to reduce the occurrence of bad breath and acid reflux. It also soothes upset stomach, prevents diarrhea, and reduces the amount of gas produced in the intestines. Additionally, dill contains dietary fiber which is beneficial for optimal digestive health.
• Hiccup Treatment- Dill is a traditional remedy for hiccups. It is said that mixing a spoonful of fresh dill into boiling water, straining the water, and then drinking the liquid will get rid of hiccups. Some people say that just drinking a few ounces of dill pickle juice will do the trick.
• Headache Help- Dill has been used as a headache remedy since ancient times. Use the same method for treating hiccups - place fresh dill into boiling water, strain it, and then drink the resulting tea to reduce the pain of a headache or drink dill pickle juice for a faster option.
• Calming Effect- The essential oils in dill may have a calming effect on the body. It is sometimes used along with chamomile in order to promote calmness and relaxation.
• Sleep Aid- The calming effect of dill may also help fight insomnia. In fact, dill has been used since ancient times as a remedy for insomnia. Dill was consumed in water or the seeds were chewed for their calming effect. Some cultures placed dill leaves over the eyes to aid sleep.

Seared Tilapia With Lemon Dill Butter Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 fresh Tilapia Fish fillets
• kosher salt
• freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter
• zest and juice of one lemon
• 1/4 cup of dry white wine or fish stock
• 1/4 cup of fresh dill, chopped

Cooking Method:

• Season the fresh Tilapia Fish fillets with a pinch of salt and pepper. 
• Heat oil and butter in a medium non-stick skillet, on medium high heat, and place the fish gently into the pan. 
• Sear the fish on both sides. It should take no more than 3 minutes per side, flip when the fish is nice and brown on the edges.
• When you flip the fish to cook on the other side, sprinkle lemon zest over top and squeeze the juice all over the fish fillets. 
• Once you start to see the fish brown on the edges, pour the white wine or fish stock over and let the alcohol cook off for a minute. 
• Quickly add in the fresh dill, swirl the pan around to incorporate the herb. 
• Take the pan off the heat and serve immediately.