It turns out that many plants grow well in the same garden space as dill, as it’s said to help attract certain useful insects and repel various plant pests.
However, this article is about which plants dill can grow comfortably next to. So, you’ll want to look for plants with similar light and water needs, etc.
Below is a list of some of those plants:
Good Companion Plants for Dill
Dill goes great with many herbs and veggies in the garden. Some of the best companions for Dill are:
- Cucumbers: Dill attracts beneficial insects that pollinate cucumbers [1]. Plus, it repels the cucumber beetle.
- Tomatoes: Young dill plants can help control spider mites, tomato hornworms, and other garden pests. Immature dill can also enhance the growth of tomatoes.
- Broccoli and kale: Plant dill around broccoli, kale, and other cole crops to repel cabbage loopers and cabbage worms.
- Corn: Corn will benefit from being close to dill, as dill attracts pollinators that are helpful for your corn plants.
- Lettuce: Dill helps repel the aphids and other pests that feed on lettuce.
On the whole, dill makes a great companion for your home vegetable or herb garden. Interplanting it throughout your garden beds will help naturally control certain pests, boost pollination, and more.
Other plants that you can place next to dill include asparagus, marigolds, basil, chervil, and onions. It also pairs well with celery, garlic, squash, cabbage, and zucchini.
What Not to Plant with Dill
Dill does not grow well with every herb, flower, or vegetable in the garden. This aromatic herb can overpower more delicate plants with its strong fragrance, and it can also cross-pollinate with others.
These are some bad companions for Dill:
- Fennel: Dill and fennel are closely related, so they cross-pollinate easily and produce bitter, undesirable seeds. Plant them at opposite ends of the garden.
- Carrots: Dill attracts carrot flies that attack carrots. The pests can quickly get out of control if dill is planted nearby.
- Spinach: Dill may stunt the growth of young spinach.
- Hot peppers and bell peppers: Dill can also affect the health of these pepper plants.
- Cilantro can cross-pollinate with dill.
Other bad companions include angelica, eggplants, caraway, parsley, potatoes, and lavender.
How to Grow Dill
To grow dill successfully, follow these easy steps:
Plant it in a spot with plenty of sunlight and fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. Mix compost or other organic matter into the soil.
Sow dill seeds directly in the garden from late spring to mid-summer. Bury the seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 to 2 inches apart. The seeds germinate quickly in warm soil, sprouting in 10 to 14 days.
Water dill plants regularly (but do not overwater), especially as seedlings, to keep the soil consistently moist. Water stress can cause these plants to bolt, producing flowers and seeds prematurely. This occurs mostly in hot, dry weather.
Once the seedlings are 2 to 4 inches tall, thin them so the plants are 12 to 18 inches apart. This gives them enough room to grow into mature plants.
Fertilizer Requirements
To keep your dill plant healthy, it will require some fertilizer during the growing season. You do not need to fertilize often [1].
An all-purpose organic fertilizer works well for it. Organic options include fish emulsion, compost or compost tea, and seaweed extract.
Garden Pests to Look Out For
Several common garden pests are attracted to dill and can damage your plants if left uncontrolled. It’s important to regularly inspect your dill patch for signs of these unwanted visitors.
Look out for aphids, spider mites, armyworms, carrot flies, and cutworms.
Plant Diseases to Look Out For
Dill, like any plant, can be susceptible to diseases that may affect its health and growth. Two of the most common diseases to watch out for with dill are downy mildew, damping-off, and powdery mildew [2].
How to Harvest
Check your dill regularly once it starts growing. When the leaves are highly aromatic and green and the plant is at least 6 inches tall, it’s ready for harvesting.
Also, harvest the leaves before the plant flowers for the most potent flavor.
To harvest, grasp a few stems at a time and use scissors to cut them at the base, where they meet the main stem. Make sure not to cut more than 1/3 of the plant at a time. This will allow it to continue producing new growth, so you can have multiple harvests.
Rinse the fresh dill immediately after harvesting to remove any dirt or debris. Next, lay them on a paper towel or hang them upside-down to dry.
How to Store Dill
The easiest way to store dill long-term is by drying the leaves.
After harvesting, secure your bundles of dill with rubber bands or something similar. Next, hang the bundles of dill upside-down in a dark, dry place that is well-ventilated.
Let the herbs dry out for two weeks. When the dill leaves are completely dry, you can remove them from the stems. Then store the dried leaves in an airtight storage container.
Another option is to refrigerate fresh dill leaves. After rinsing, pat dry them, then wrap them in moist paper towels. Next, place the bundle into a plastic container or bag that can be sealed.
Store fresh dill for up to a week in the refrigerator in your crisper drawer. You can also store fresh dill for six to twelve months in your freezer.
Where to Buy Seeds
When it comes time to buy seeds to start your herb garden, you have a few options.
There are many reputable seed companies that sell organic seeds online. Some of the top options include eBay, SeedsNow, and Amazon.
Many garden centers, nurseries, and home improvement stores with garden departments also sell packs of seeds, especially in the spring. Buy seeds from a store near you to avoid paying for shipping.
Takeaway
So there you have it: some of the best and worst companion plants for dill in your garden.
Pairing dill with the right companions will help it thrive and boost your whole garden’s health and productivity. Give some of these plant combinations a try this or the next growing season.
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