Companion Planting with Dill
Anethum graveolens
Dill
Anethum graveolens
Dill (Anethum graveolens) is an aromatic herb with feathery, delicate leaves and a unique flavor profile. It’s a popular companion plant in vegetable gardens due to its ability to attract beneficial insects, repel pests, and enhance the flavors of certain vegetables. Here are some vegetables that grow well with dill:
Cabbage family (Brassicaceae):
Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts all benefit from dill’s ability to deter pests like cabbage worms.
Dill attracts beneficial insects that can help control aphids, a common pest on lettuce plants.
Cucumbers:
Dill and cucumber are often used together in recipes, and they also make good garden companions. Dill attracts pollinators and beneficial insects that help control cucumber pests like aphids and spider mites.
Both onions and dill can help deter pests, making them good companions. They also have different root structures, which means they won’t compete for nutrients.
Dill can help repel harmful insects, such as asparagus beetles, which can damage asparagus plants.
Corn:
Dill can help attract beneficial insects that prey on corn pests, like corn earworms.
Tomatoes (with caution):
Dill can help protect tomatoes from pests like hornworms, but it’s important to note that mature dill can stunt the growth of tomato plants. Therefore, it’s best to plant young dill plants near tomatoes and remove them before they grow too large.
Avoid planting dill near carrots and members of the nightshade family (such as peppers, eggplants, and potatoes). Dill may compete with carrots for resources and can attract pests that damage nightshade plants.
Remember to rotate your crops each year to prevent the buildup of pests and diseases in the soil, and to maintain soil fertility.
Companion Plants That Will Thrive with Dill
Companion planting is a gardening technique where different plants are grown in close proximity to each other, creating a beneficial relationship. Certain plants have natural properties that can help others grow better, repel pests, or improve soil health. Dill is a popular herb that can thrive with a number of companion plants. Here are five great options:
- Cabbage: Dill is an excellent companion plant for cabbage. It can help repel cabbage moths, which can damage cabbage plants. Planting dill near your cabbage can protect them from this pest.
- Carrots: Dill and carrots are excellent companion plants, as dill can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and wasps, which can help control pests that can damage carrots. Additionally, dill can improve the flavor of carrots when planted nearby.
- Lettuce: Dill is a great companion plant for lettuce. It can attract hoverflies, which are beneficial insects that can help control aphids, a common pest that can damage lettuce plants.
- Onions: Dill and onions are both members of the Allium family and make great companion plants. Dill can help repel onion maggots, which can damage onion plants, while onions can help repel carrot flies, which can damage dill and carrot plants.
- Corn: Dill is an excellent companion plant for corn. It can attract tachinid flies, which are beneficial insects that can help control corn earworms, a common pest that can damage corn plants. Planting dill near your corn can help protect them from this pest.
Companion planting is an excellent way to improve the health and yield of your garden, and dill is a great herb to incorporate into your companion planting strategy. By choosing the right companion plants, you can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits all the plants in your garden.
Now you know What to plant with dill
