Choosing the right dill companion plants can do wonders for your vegetable garden. If you’re an avid gardener or love cooking with fresh herbs, you’re probably familiar with dill. This versatile herb is not only delicious but also offers numerous health benefits. It’s no wonder many gardeners grow dill in their backyard gardens or potagers.
However, did you know that certain plants thrive when planted alongside dill? In this article, we will explore the world of dill companion planting and discover the perfect companion plants for dill. We will also discuss which plants should be avoided when planting dill.
So, let’s dive in and learn more about the beautiful world of dill companion plants!
Summary of How to Grow Dill
Before we delve into dill companion planting, let’s briefly touch upon the basics of growing dill.
Dill is an annual herb that belongs to the celery family. It is known for its feathery green leaves and delicate yellow flowers.
Dill requires full sun and well-draining soil to thrive. It’s a relatively low-maintenance herb that can grow up to three feet tall.
To grow dill successfully, sow the seeds directly in the ground after the last frost has passed. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and provide support if needed, as dill can become top-heavy.
Best Conditions for Growing Dill
| Best Climate | In well-drained soil, dill thrives in cool to moderate climates with temperatures between 15-21°C (60-70°F). |
| Plant Spacing | 10–12 inches (25-30 cm) |
| Planting Depth | 1/4 inch (6mm) |
| Time till Harvest | 6-8 weeks |
| Position | Full-sun |
| Life cycle | Annual |
Best Dill Companion Plants
Now that we understand how to grow dill, let’s move on to the exciting world of dill companion plants!
Corn
Companion planting dill and corn make a fantastic option. The tall stalks of corn provide shade to the delicate dill plants, protecting them from excessive heat and preventing them from bolting.
In return, dill attracts beneficial insects that help pollinate the corn plants. This mutually beneficial relationship between corn and dill makes them ideal companions in the garden.
Cucumber
Dill and cucumber are not only a dynamic duo in the kitchen but also in the garden. Planting dill near cucumbers can help improve the flavor and growth of cucumbers.
Moreover, dill attracts insects that prey on common cucumber pests, such as aphids and cucumber beetles. This natural pest control makes cucumber an excellent companion plant for dill.
Lettuce
Lettuce and dill are a match made in heaven when it comes to companion planting. The tall and lacy dill plants provide shade for the low-growing lettuce, preventing it from bolting in hot weather. Also, dill’s strong aroma can deter pests attracted to lettuce, such as slugs and snails.
Onion
Companion planting dill and onions can result in a beneficial relationship. Onions can help deter pests that may be attracted to dill, such as aphids and spider mites. On the other hand, dill can attract beneficial insects that prey on onion pests, like onion flies.
You can create a harmonious and pest-resistant garden by planting onions and dill in close proximity.
Cabbage
Cabbage is an excellent companion plant for dill and other brassica family members. It helps repel cabbage worms, aphids, and other pests that commonly afflict cabbage.
Additionally, the strong scent of dill confuses pests and acts as a deterrent.
Worst Dill Companion Plants
Here are five companion plants for dill that should be avoided:
Tomatoes
Companion planting dill and tomatoes are not ideal. Tomatoes release chemicals that can inhibit the growth of dill and other herbs.
Additionally, both plants require different growing conditions, with tomatoes preferring warmer temperatures and dill thriving in cooler environments.
It’s best to keep these two plants separate in your garden.
Carrots
Due to their different growth requirements, carrots and dill are not ideal planted together. Carrots prefer loose soil without competition from other plants, while dill grows best in richer soil with companions that provide shade and support.
Planting dill near carrots can hinder the growth and development of both plants, so it’s best to avoid this pairing.
Cilantro
Cilantro and dill are herbs with strong flavors but do not make good companions in the garden. These herbs can cross-pollinate, resulting in undesirable flavors and textures.
It’s best to plant cilantro and dill in separate areas to maintain the distinct qualities of each herb.
Peppers + Other Nightshades
Peppers and other nightshade plants, such as eggplants and potatoes, should not be planted near dill. Dill can attract pests such as aphids and spider mites that harm nightshade plants.
Additionally, the strong aroma of dill can interfere with the flavors of peppers and other nightshades. Keep these plants at a distance to ensure their optimal growth.
Lavender
While lavender is a beautiful flowering plant, it is not a suitable companion plant for dill. Lavender requires well-drained soil, while dill prefers slightly moist conditions.
Moreover, lavender can overshadow delicate dill plants, hindering its growth. Planting lavender and dill in separate areas is best to allow both plants to thrive.
FAQs for Dill Companion Planting
Are parsley and dill companion plants?
Despite sharing similar light, soil, and water requirements, dill and parsley do not make suitable companion plants. This is because both belong to the carrot family (like carrots and fennel), they will attract similar pests that damage these other crops.
Are peas and dill companion plants?
Peas and dill are not considered ideal companion plants. Peas have different growth requirements and can overshadow delicate dill plants. It’s best to avoid planting them together to ensure the optimal growth of both plants.
Is dill hard to grow?
No! Dill is one of the easiest herbs to grow and keep alive, with fast growth rates, flexible growing needs, and self-seeding properties. Just be careful that it doesn’t overtake your growing space.
Can you plant dill near tomatoes?
Dill is an interesting exception among herbs (along with basil) that can be grown alongside tomatoes. When young, dill plants actually benefit tomatoes by repelling aphids; those pesky little pests that tend to wreak havoc in gardens.
However, as dill matures and starts producing seeds, it can hinder the growth of tomato plants if too many dill plants start popping up and they begin to take over and become too established.
Final Thoughts on Dill Companion Planting
Dill companion planting can significantly benefit your garden by enhancing growth, deterring pests, and improving flavor. Consider shade, soil conditions, and pest resistance when choosing dill companion plants. You can create a harmonious and thriving garden ecosystem by strategically pairing dill with compatible plants.
Herb & Vegetable Companion Planting Guides
About the Author
Elle Reed is a passionate gardener and advocate for teaching beginner gardeners how to grow their own food. Elle’s mission is to inspire and empower people to get back to basics, grow their own produce, and embrace a sustainable lifestyle. “Whether it’s a few herb pots in an apartment, a potager or a full garden plot, we can all ‘start somewhere’ to grow our own food, and in doing so, provide healthier food for ourselves and those we love”.
