Fresh greens on the windowsill is not only interesting, useful, but also economical. Of course, starting on a large scale is not recommended; just start with a small box. Bright, juicy greens on your windowsill will be a great start in this matter.
Greens - a storehouse of vitamins and minerals that the body needs so much in the winter. Dill grown by yourself will be environmentally friendly, which is important. So, how to grow dill on the windowsill?
Is it possible to grow dill at home?
Everyone knows that each type of plant has its own growth preferences. Therefore, not every greenery can grow indoors. Dill belongs to a number of plants that prefer cool weather. For this reason, it is quite easy to grow at home.
Many do not know how to grow dill on the windowsill. This is actually quite simple. No need to have special skills, make special efforts. Like any other plant, dill has its own characteristics and preferences in growing. To achieve a positive result, you need to:
- prepare high-quality seed;
- comply with all sowing rules;
- properly care for seedlings.
The first shoots of dill can be seen shortly after planting. After 6-8 weeks, its leaves can be cut off and eaten. A feature of growing greenery in winter is additional watering and good lighting.
The main features of dill growing in winter
Observing all the rules of sowing and growing, you can achieve a good result. Your juicy, bright greens will delight you daily on the table. But you should know some features of the growth of dill. Pay particular attention to such points:
- Sowing needs regular timely watering.
- Dill is a photophilous plant, therefore it is better to plant pots with sowing on a well-lit, south side.
- It is imperative to provide additional illumination to the crop. You can use a fluorescent lamp for this. The distance from the tank to the lighting device should be about 50 cm. The general lighting mode should be 15 hours a day, so the lamp must be turned on every morning for at least 5 hours.
Knowing these simple features of the growth of greenery, you can easily grow it in your apartment.
Seed selection
So what needs to be prepared first? How to grow dill on the windowsill in the apartment? First of all, you need to choose the right seed. Breeders do not produce a particular variety that is suitable for growing at home. All known varieties of dill are slightly different from each other. The main difference between them is the ripening period. According to this principle, dill can be divided into:
Early varieties of dill build up green mass in a short period of time. The disadvantage of this green is the rapid pulling into flower stalks.
Late-ripening varieties also allow you to get a lush green mass for a minimum period. Moreover, they are characterized by a late ripening period. Therefore, during the summer period, they do not have time to ripen. It is these dill varieties that are ideal for growing at home.
Experienced housewives who like to grow greens on window sills recommend paying attention to such late-ripening species:
- Salute;
- Qibray
- Buyan;
- Amazon
- Alligator;
- Dill.
You should also pay attention to the mid-season variety Richelieu and early ripening Grenadier.
Dill Gribovsky refers to the precocious. It is unpretentious, tolerates temperature extremes, resistant to many diseases and pests. It is characterized by high productivity. It is also worth remembering that this variety has a pleasant taste and aroma.
So, how to grow dill on the windowsill?
Dill lighting
Having decided to engage in the cultivation of greenery, you should pay special attention to lighting. If it is not enough, the color of the plants will turn light green. As you know, dill refers to photophilous plants. It is enough to provide the plant with a well-lit place on the windowsill, and you can enjoy the juicy bright greenery. For dill, it is important to stay at least 6 hours in the sunlight.
Additional illumination is necessary for plants in the autumn and winter, because daylight hours are quite short. If seeding was carried out from March to August, the use of additional lighting devices is optional.
Temperature for dill
Many are interested, but how to grow dill on a windowsill in the winter? The main thing is to ensure optimal temperature and humidity. Dill - a culture of undemanding, hardy and resistant to cold. The ideal temperature for its growth is 17-20 ° C.
Sometimes containers with dill in warm weather are taken out to the open balcony. Under such conditions, the plant can grow only in the absence of frost. Experienced housewives know that it is possible to grow greens safely on the balcony before the onset of autumn cold weather.
Air humidity
Dill is sensitive to air humidity. An excessive increase as well as excessive dryness negatively affects his condition. High humidity can provoke the development of fungal diseases, for example, powdery mildew.
Recommended air humidity for dill is 40-50%.
Growing greens on the windowsill, pay attention to the condition of the windows. They should not be cold to the outside. After all, this can cause the leaves to freeze, which will lead to the death of the plant as a whole.
The choice of capacity for landing
Many compatriots can say with confidence that dill is a favorite spice on the table. Proper care of greenery ensures its constant presence in the house. So, how to grow dill on the windowsill in the apartment?
At first glance, this is not a troublesome task. But you need to choose the right container, prepare the substrate and planting material, prepare and sow the seeds correctly. In addition, proper growing conditions must be ensured.
The choice of capacity for landing
Dill does not need preliminary landing in a separate container. It is sown immediately at a constant place of growth. As a container for growing herbs, simple flower pots and special containers are suitable. They can be purchased or made independently from wooden boards.
The volume of containers directly depends on the planned volume of the crop. But first, it’s better to try to grow greens in a small pot, with a volume of 1-2 liters. Remember, the containers should be deep so that the long roots of dill have a place to grow.
Be sure to ensure that there are drainage holes in the pot to drain excess water. Containers with greens need to be installed on pallets.
Some housewives plant seeds initially in small peat pots. After growing seedlings, they are planted in a permanent place in a large capacity.
A container for greens should also be selected, given its appearance. After all, the container should not spoil the overall decor of the room.
Soil features
For the cultivation of dill, you can use any fertile land. But make sure that it is not acidic. Having decided to grow dill indoors, you should properly prepare the soil mixture. How to grow dill at home on the windowsill, preparing the right soil?
Growing greens at home, you should prepare the soil well. In autumn, it is necessary to prepare loose garden soil. Immediately before planting, it must be mixed with humus, peat or acquired soil for indoor plants. Loose soil is the key to the successful cultivation of greenery. After all, moisture is well retained in it, and this is very necessary for greenery. Sand is also recommended in the prepared soil.
Of course, do not forget about the drainage layer. It will allow you to get rid of excess water during irrigation. Tanks must be put on a pallet.
Preparing planting material
Dill seeds in high concentration contain essential oils. Therefore, they germinate for a long time, regardless of whether they were sown in open ground or in a container. Therefore, experienced agronomists recommend soaking the seed in warm water, a solution of potassium permanganate, or a growth stimulator.
Seeds are placed in a container with liquid, and on top cover with a piece of gauze. In the container with potassium permanganate, the seed should be 2-3 hours, with water - up to 20 hours, with a growth stimulator - according to the instructions. During this period, water needs to be changed 2-3 times.
Experienced gardeners know that for planting, do not use seeds that have remained afloat.
After the seeds are dried and sown in a container filled with soil. So, how to grow dill and parsley on the windowsill?
Planting dill
To enjoy the lush greenery in winter, planting should begin in mid-autumn. When planting, one should take into account the fact that green bushes love space. In no case should they interfere with each other. Therefore, for a good growth of dill, he needs an adequate area of nutrition. With proper planting, after 1.5 months you will receive the desired crop.
So, how to grow dill at home on a windowsill in winter? Planting should be carried out in well-moistened soil. First you need to pour water to a depth of 1 cm, without touching the edges of the grooves. After evenly distribute the seed and sprinkle on top of the dry prepared soil.
Many are interested, but how much time passes from planting to the first shoots? For those who will sow the seeds of dill for the first time, it is important to remember that seedlings will not appear quickly. Only after 2 weeks you can see the first results.
Features of dill care: watering, top dressing, lighting
To grow dill on the windowsill from the seeds is easy enough. Many people know that dill is a drought-tolerant plant, but it will grow better with regular watering. Experts recommend checking the soil before watering, it should be almost dry.
As you know, you can grow dill on the windowsill. At the same time, you need to remember that the pot of greens needs to be rotated daily. So the sprouts will not stretch, they will take a direct shape.
For the active development of seedlings, they need fertilizer. But remember that top dressing should be done no more often than every 6 weeks. Dill tolerates a lack of nutrients better than their overabundance. As a top dressing, you can use any complex liquid fertilizer intended for indoor plants.
As you can see, growing dill at home is a fairly simple process. This green does not require any difficult conditions, all that is needed is water and light. Fluffy green dill bushes will become an adornment of your windowsill.
As soon as flower buds begin to form on the plant, it is necessary to stop feeding. The plant must be cut from the base of the stem.
After 6-8 weeks, the greens are ready to harvest. Harvesting is recommended from the top. This method stimulates the growth of new branches, which means you can extend the harvest.
Conclusion
Many housewives ask, is it possible to grow dill on the windowsill? It is possible and necessary. After all, when greens are always at hand, you can cook delicious, colorful dishes for the whole family. In addition, everyone knows that there are a lot of trace elements and vitamins in greens that are so necessary in winter and spring.