Dill

Although potted nursery starts are available, it's usually best to sow dill seeds directly in the garden because it has a long taproot that doesn't like to be disturbed.

It will germinate best at soil temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Seedlings will appear in 10 to 14 days, and for continued harvest, you can sow additional seeds every two weeks.

Dill is an essential plant for culinary-minded gardeners. You can harvest the leaves at any time, though dill generally blooms about eight weeks after sowing. Once the flowers develop, the plants stop producing foliage and focus on seed development.

The seeds can be harvested as they begin to turn brown. Keep a close watch, or they’ll disperse on their own. They can be used fresh or stored in the refrigerator for two to three weeks. Dill can be frozen or dried for use later in breads, salads, soups, and party dips, and on potatoes, salmon and other fish dishes, as well as lamb and many vegetables, including peas, beets, and asparagus.