What to Plant with Dill: The Ultimate Companion Planting Guide

Dill is a versatile herb that adds flavor to many dishes. Its fern-like leaves and tiny yellow flowers also make it an attractive addition to any garden. However, dill can be tricky to grow successfully on its own. The good news is that pairing dill with companion plants can help this herb thrive.

Why Companion Plant Dill?

Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together to maximize garden space and yield. Certain plants just seem to “get along” when grown side-by-side. The benefits of companion planting include:

• Making efficient use of garden space
• Repelling pests
• Improving pollination
• Enhancing flavor
• Maximizing yields

When it comes to dill, choosing the right companion plants can really make a difference. Dill’s delicate leaves are irresistible to pests like spider mites and aphids. Pairing dill with plants that repel these pests or attract beneficial insects is key. Companion plants can also help dill grow better by improving soil nutrients or creating shade on hot days.

The Best Companion Plants for Dill

Here are some of the top companion plant pairings for dill

Vegetables

• Asparagus – Dill makes an excellent companion for asparagus. Its shallow roots don’t compete for nutrients. Dill’s flowers also attract beneficial insects that keep asparagus pest-free.

• Corn – Dill helps control corn pests like earworms and armyworms. Its flowers lure hoverflies that keep these insects in check.

• Cucumbers – Cucumbers and dill are a classic pair, especially for pickling. Dill repels cucumber beetles. Both thrive in similar conditions.

• Onions – Onions mask the scent of dill, repelling carrot flies. Onions and dill complement each other in recipes too.

• Lettuce – Dill may help deter insects from munching on lettuce. Both prefer cool weather and moist soil.

• Cabbage Family – Dill attracts beneficial insects that control cabbage loopers and other brassica pests.

Herbs

• Basil – With similar growing needs, basil and dill make great companions. The scent of basil also helps repel some pests.

• Cilantro – Cilantro and dill tolerate shade and cool temps. Cilantro’s flowers also attract beneficial insects.

Flowers

• Nasturtiums – These colorful trailing flowers help keep pests away and attract pollinators to dill.

• Marigolds – Marigolds repel nematodes, slugs and other creatures that could damage dill.

• Cosmos – The bright flowers of cosmos attract beneficial insects to patrol for pests.

Plants to Avoid Planting with Dill

Some plants should not be paired with dill:

• Tomatoes – Mature dill can inhibit tomato growth. Young dill boosts tomatoes though.

• Peppers – Peppers and dill compete for nutrients, impeding growth.

• Cucumbers – In small spaces, cucumber vines can overwhelm dill.

• Carrots – Dill and carrot roots tangle, stunting growth.

Tips for Success with Dill Companion Planting

Follow these tips to get the most out of pairing dill with companion plants:

• Allow plenty of space between plants. Overcrowding causes poor growth.

• Use taller companion plants to provide afternoon shade for dill.

• Stagger planting times so mature plants don’t crowd out young ones.

• Use trellises and cages to contain sprawling companion plants.

• Consider crop rotation each season to replenish soil nutrients.

• Remove flowers from companion plants that could cross-pollinate with dill.

• Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

• Fertilize lightly to avoid promoting pest-attracting excessive foliage growth.

The Benefits of Companion Planting Dill

By pairing dill with well-suited companion plants, you can enjoy:

• Improved dill growth and flavor
• Higher garden yields
• Natural pest and disease control
• Better pollination
• Enhanced soil health
• Efficient use of garden space

The next time you plant dill, consider adding a few companion plants. This symbiotic pairing could be just what your dill needs to thrive!