What to Plant with Dill? The Best Companion Plants

Dill is a versatile herb with a unique flavor that complements a variety of dishes. It also offers several benefits when planted alongside other vegetables and herbs in your garden. Companion planting with dill can enhance growth, improve flavor, and help manage pests. Here’s a detailed guide on what to plant with dill for a thriving and productive garden.

Benefits of Companion Planting with Dill

1. Pest Control: Dill can attract beneficial insects that prey on garden pests and deter harmful insects.
2. Enhanced Growth: Certain plants benefit from the presence of dill, which can improve their growth and flavor.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: Dill’s delicate, feathery foliage and yellow flowers add beauty to the garden.
4. Disease Prevention: Dill can help prevent some fungal diseases by promoting good air circulation around other plants.

Best Companion Plants for Dill

1. Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus)

   • Benefits: Dill attracts pollinators like bees and beneficial insects that can help with cucumber pollination. It also repels pests like aphids and cucumber beetles.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The tall, feathery dill plants contrast nicely with the sprawling cucumber vines.
   • Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

2. Carrots (Daucus carota)

   • Benefits: Dill can help repel carrot flies and enhance the flavor of carrots.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The delicate, fern-like leaves of dill complement the feathery foliage of carrots.
   • Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

3. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

   • Benefits: Dill can help deter aphids and other pests that might attack lettuce.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The various leaf colors and textures of lettuce provide a nice contrast to dill’s feathery foliage.
   • Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

4. Beets (Beta vulgaris)

   • Benefits: Dill can improve the growth and flavor of beets. It also helps repel pests that might affect beets.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The colorful beet foliage and roots pair well with the green, airy dill plants.
   • Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

5. Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)

   • Benefits: Dill can help repel cabbage moths and other pests that target cabbage plants.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The broad cabbage leaves provide a contrast to the fine, lacy foliage of dill.
   • Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

6. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

   • Benefits: Dill can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that prey on pests such as aphids and tomato hornworms. It can also help improve the flavor of tomatoes.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The combination of dill’s tall, airy foliage and tomato plants’ robust growth creates a visually interesting garden.
   • Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

7. Onions (Allium cepa)

   • Benefits: Dill can repel pests like aphids and improve the growth of onions.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The tall, slender onion stalks complement the more delicate dill foliage.
   • Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

8. Chard (Beta vulgaris)

   • Benefits: Dill can help repel pests that might affect chard and improve its growth.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The colorful, vibrant leaves of chard contrast beautifully with the green dill plants.
   • Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

9. Radishes (Raphanus sativus)

   • Benefits: Dill can help repel pests that might attack radishes and improve their growth.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The fast-growing radish plants provide a nice contrast to the taller dill.
   • Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

10. Squash (Cucurbita spp.)

    • Benefits: Dill attracts pollinators and can help deter pests that affect squash plants.
    • Aesthetic Appeal: The sprawling nature of squash plants contrasts well with the upright dill.
    • Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Tips for Successful Companion Planting

1. Consider Plant Spacing:

   • Ensure there is adequate space between plants to allow for proper air circulation and growth. Dill can become quite tall, so plan accordingly.

2. Match Growing Conditions:

   • Pair dill with plants that have similar sunlight, soil, and water requirements for optimal growth and health.

3. Plan for Bloom Times:

   • Choose companion plants with overlapping bloom times to maximize the benefits of beneficial insects and pollinators.

4. Monitor for Pests and Diseases:

   • Regularly check your garden for signs of pests and diseases. Early intervention can prevent severe infestations and ensure healthy plants.

5. Maintain Soil Health:

   • Use compost and organic matter to enrich the soil and improve its structure. Mulching can help retain moisture and reduce weed competition.

By selecting and planting companions with dill, you can create a productive and visually appealing garden that benefits from improved growth and reduced pest problems. Happy gardening!