Leaf to seed, dill is all good
Versatile dill
Dill is really easy to grow. It likes full sun, good drainage, rich soil and regular watering. If it dries out in summer it will bolt to seed, but that’s not really a problem as the flowers attract beneficial insects and the seeds are as useful as the feathery leaves.
Sow seed direct (seeds are available online from Kings Seeds) or raise in peat pots and plant out when very small as the delicate tap root doesn’t like disturbance. Plants mature in 6-8 weeks and successive sowings from spring to autumn will give you a steady supply.
Dill grows to 80cm tall. Stake or grow in a clump of several plants so it’s less susceptible to wind damage.
When the flowers turn brown, collect the seed heads in a large paper bag and hang them in a warm, dry, well-ventilated room out of direct sunlight to finish the ripening process. The seeds will fall out when they’re ready. Once seeds are completely dry (any earlier and they may rot or go mouldy), store them in an airtight container. Let a few plants drop their seeds and you’ll get self-sown dill seedlings for free.
Make more hydrangeas
Select your favourite hydrangeas and look for new growth (lighter green) stems which don’t have a flower.
Cut sections of stem about 10cm long with a clean, sharp knife or secateurs. Cut just below a leaf node and the stem should have at least one other set of leaves. Strip off all except the top set of leaves and cut these top leaves in half crosswise to reduce the leaf surface area where water is lost by transpiration.
If you like, dip the bottom cut end in hormone powder or liquid to stimulate root formation, although this isn’t always necessary as fresh cuttings taken now root fairly reliably.
Push the cutting into damp but free-draining mix of sand or pumice and potting mix.
Cover with a plastic bag or other clear covering and place in a bright, sheltered spot out of direct sunlight. Keep watered and the cutting should have roots in about six to eight weeks.
Water is key to success this month
Plants can dry out extremely quickly on a hot day, especially if it is windy.
Remember that watering deeply every so often is better than giving plants a sprinkle every day (dig down into the soil and ensure the water has soaked through to at least a hand’s depth), but always water a plant as soon as you notice it’s showing signs of water stress.
It should improve your yield – tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and beans will all keep producing for longer if irrigation is kept up, while leafy greens and herbs that dry out are likely to bolt and stop producing.
Remember that weeds are competing with crops for the available water resource (and for the available space, nutrients, and light as well), so keep yanking out those usurpers to ensure your edibles get the water they need.
Birds and insects are feeling the heat too, so top up birdbaths daily.