Dill, being a versatile herb, can actually grow well alongside various plants in the garden. While it may not be compatible with tomatoes, there are several other plants that thrive when planted alongside dill. Let’s delve into some of these companion plants and the benefits they bring to each other.
1. Cabbage: Dill is an excellent companion for cabbage family plants, including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Dill attracts beneficial insects like wasps and ladybugs, which help control pests such as cabbage worms and aphids. Additionally, dill’s tall, feathery foliage provides shade to the lower-growing cabbage plants, preventing them from bolting prematurely.
2. Carrots: Planting dill near carrots can enhance their flavor and aroma. The strong scent of dill helps deter carrot flies, a common pest that damages carrot crops. The delicate dill foliage also provides some shade to the carrot plants, preventing them from getting scorched in hot weather.
3. Lettuce: Dill acts as a natural insect repellent for lettuce plants, keeping pests like aphids and caterpillars at bay. Lettuce also benefits from the shade provided by dill’s tall stalks, which helps prevent the leaves from wilting or becoming bitter in hot weather.
4. Onions: Dill and onions make great companions in the garden. Onions can help deter pests that may affect dill, such as aphids and spider mites. On the other hand, dill attracts beneficial insects like wasps and hoverflies, which prey on onion pests like thrips and onion maggots. Planting these two together can create a mutually beneficial environment.
5. Corn: Dill can be grown near corn plants as it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. The presence of dill can increase corn pollination rates, resulting in healthier and more abundant corn ears. However, it is essential to note that dill should be planted towards the edges of the corn patch, as it may compete for nutrients if planted too close to the corn plants.
6. Cucumbers: Dill and cucumbers are often considered classic companions. The strong scent of dill helps repel pests that commonly affect cucumber plants, such as aphids, spider mites, and cucumber beetles. Additionally, when dill flowers, it attracts beneficial insects like bees, which aid in cucumber pollination.
7. Peas: Dill and peas make a great combination in the garden. Dill’s aromatic foliage can help mask the scent of young pea plants, making them less attractive to pests like pea moths and aphids. The tall dill stalks also provide support for the climbing pea vines, allowing them to grow upwards more easily.
Remember to consider the growth habits and space requirements of both dill and its companion plants when planning your garden layout. To make the most of companion planting, you can create small groupings or interplant dill with other compatible plants throughout your garden.
Dill is a beneficial herb that can enhance the growth and health of various plants when chosen as a companion. Experimenting with different combinations of companion plants can lead to a diverse and thriving garden.
