Good and Bad Dill Companion Plants

Many plants grow well in the same garden space as dill, as it is said to help attract certain beneficial insects and repel various plant pests.

Below is a list of plants that you can grow next to dill:

Good Companion Plants for Dill

Dill pairs well with many herbs and vegetables 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. Planting it in your garden beds will help control pests, improve pollination, and more.

Other plants that can be placed 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 strong-smelling herb can overshadow more delicate plants. It can also cross-pollinate with them.

These are some bad companions for Dill:

• Fennel: Dill and fennel may cross-pollinate. So, 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.

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 to improve its quality.

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, especially as seedlings. Keep the soil moist, but don’t overwater. Water stress can cause these plants to bolt, resulting in the premature production of flowers and seeds. This occurs mostly in hot, dry weather.

Once the seedlings are 2 to 4 inches tall, thin them out so that the remaining plants are 12 to 18 inches apart.

Fertilizer Requirements

To keep your dill plant healthy, it will require some fertilizer during the growing season. You do not need to fertilize often [2].

An all-purpose organic fertilizer works well for it. Organic options include fish emulsion, compost, 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 essential 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 [3].

How to Harvest

Check your dill regularly once it starts growing. When the leaves are highly aromatic, 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 enable it to continue producing new growth, allowing for multiple harvests..

Rinse the fresh dill immediately after harvesting to remove any dirt or debris. Next, lay it flat on a paper towel or hang it 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 a similar material. Next, hang the bundles of dill upside down in a dark, dry, well-ventilated place.

Let the herbs dry out for two weeks. When the dill leaves are 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 them dry, then wrap them in moist paper towels. Next, place the bundle in a sealed plastic container or bag.

Store fresh dill in the refrigerator for up to a week in your crisper drawer. You can also store fresh dill in your freezer for six to twelve months.

Where to Buy Seeds

When it comes time to buy seeds to start your herb garden, you have a few options.

Numerous reputable seed companies offer organic seeds for sale online. Some of the top options include eBay, SeedsNow, and Amazon.

Many garden centers, nurseries, and home improvement stores sell seed packs. This is especially true in 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 enhance the overall health and productivity of your entire garden. Try some of these plant combinations this growing season or next.