Good and Bad Dill Companion Plants

Many plants grow well alongside dill because its flowers attract beneficial insects that help pollinate crops and prey on common garden 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 help pollinate cucumbers [1]. It may also attract natural enemies of common garden pests.
• Tomatoes: Flowering dill attracts beneficial insects that may help reduce populations of certain garden pests. Some gardeners also report improved tomato growth when dill is planted nearby.
• Broccoli and kale: Flowering dill attracts beneficial insects, including parasitic wasps that may help control cabbage worms and cabbage loopers.
• Lettuce: Aphids often affect lettuce. However, flowering dill attracts lady beetles, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects that feed on aphids.

• Swiss chard: Dill attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and lady beetles. These insects may help reduce aphid populations on Swiss chard and other leafy greens.

On the whole, dill makes a great companion for your home vegetable or herb garden. Planting it in your garden beds may help support natural pest control, improve pollination, and attract beneficial insects.

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.

Beneficial Insects Attracted by Dill

One of dill’s greatest benefits in the garden is its ability to attract helpful insects. Its umbrella-shaped flower clusters provide nectar and pollen that many beneficial insects need.

Some of the most common beneficial insects attracted to dill include:

• Lady beetles (ladybugs): Feed on aphids, whiteflies, and other soft-bodied pests.
• Hoverflies: Their larvae consume large numbers of aphids and other garden pests.
• Green lacewings: Known as “aphid lions,” their larvae feed on aphids, mealybugs, and small caterpillars.
• Parasitic wasps: Help control tomato hornworms, cabbage worms, caterpillars, and other destructive pests.
• Predatory bugs: Certain species feed on aphids, mites, caterpillars, and insect eggs.

By attracting these beneficial insects, dill can help create a healthier garden ecosystem and reduce the need for pest control measures.

Dill is also a host plant for black swallowtail butterfly caterpillars, which feed on its foliage during their development. This makes dill a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.

What Not to Plant with Dill

Dill does not grow well with every plant. In some cases, it may cross-pollinate with related plants or compete with nearby crops for space and resources.

Fennel: Dill and fennel may cross-pollinate. So, plant them at opposite ends of the garden.

Other Plants Some Gardeners Avoid Planting Near Dill

• Carrots: Because dill and carrots are closely related, some gardeners avoid planting them together. Flowering dill may attract carrot rust flies in some regions, potentially increasing pest pressure on nearby carrots.
• Spinach: Dill may stunt young spinach’s growth.
• Beans: Some gardeners avoid planting large dill plants near beans because they may compete for space and sunlight.

Other bad companions include angelica, eggplants, caraway, parsley, 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 when they are seedlings. Keep the soil moist, but do not overwater.

Once the seedlings are 2 to 4 inches tall, thin them to 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

Although dill attracts many beneficial insects, it can also attract a few common garden pests that may damage plants if left uncontrolled.

Therefore, 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.

Three 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 green and fragrant, and the plant is at least 6 inches tall, it is ready for harvest.

Also, harvest the leaves before the plant flowers for the most potent flavor.

To harvest, grasp a few stems at a time and cut them at the base where they meet the main stem.

Make sure not to cut more than one-third 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 dill bundles 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 for one to two weeks, or until the leaves crumble easily. 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.

Fresh dill typically stays usable for about one to two weeks in the refrigerator when stored properly. 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 sell organic seeds online. Some of the top options include Seed Needs, SeedsNow, and Burpee.

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 shipping costs.

Takeaway

So there you have it: some of the best and worst companion plants for dill in your garden.

Pairing dill with suitable companions may help it thrive and support a healthier, more productive garden. Try some of these plant combinations this growing season or next.