You can absolutely grow dill on your balcony and enjoy that fresh, summery flavor all season long! In fact, if your backyard has heavy, clay-like soil, a balcony container might actually be the better choice. Plus, dill is super low-maintenance once it gets going.
What’s the Best Spot for Balcony Dill?
If you want your dill to thrive, it’s all about location, location, location. Since dill has a long taproot, you’ll need a pot that is deep enough for the roots to stretch out—standard shallow window boxes usually won’t cut it. Place your container in a spot that meets these criteria:
- Full sun or partial shade
- Protected from the wind
- Sheltered from harsh weather
Here’s a pro tip: only the flowering heads really crave the sun. It’s perfectly fine if the pot itself (and the roots) stays in the shade behind your balcony railing. Also, try to find a spot where the plant won’t get drenched by every rainstorm, as wet dill tips are more prone to disease. Finally, dill is a bit of a homebody—it hates being transplanted—so it’s best to sow your seeds directly into their permanent home.
How Do You Care for Balcony Dill?
Dill isn’t very demanding. As long as you plant it in decent, nutrient-rich potting soil, you can usually skip the fertilizer entirely for the whole season. The main thing is keeping it hydrated. If it gets too dry during a summer heatwave, it will wilt. On the flip side, soggy soil leads to root rot, which causes dill to turn brown. To avoid this, make sure your pot has drainage holes and add a drainage layer at the bottom using:
- Broken terracotta shards
- Expanded clay pebbles (hydroton)
- Gravel
During the peak of summer, keep a close eye on the water. You want the soil to stay consistently moist. Once the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch, give it a good soak. Just be sure to water at the base of the plant to keep the delicate fronds and flowers dry!
