Companion Planting is the placement of various crops in close physical proximity to one another so as to symbiotically compliment each others health, vigor, growth and the flavor of their produce. It also naturally involves separating plants whose development is antagonistic to each other.
It is believed , but not proven, that young dill actually enhances plant vigor of its neighbors and mature Dill stunts the growth of some plants including carrots and tomatoes.
Dill and carrot are actually closely related plants. If dill bolts or is allowed to flower, it can cross pollinate with carrots and vice versa. The same can be said of other carrot family plants [Umbellifers] such as parsley and fennel.
Other carrot family plants should also be avoided as neighbors not only to avoid cross pollination but because they share many of the same diseases. Other Umbellifers include celery, parsnip, anise, coriander, angelica, celeriac, caraway and lovage.
Dill draws many beneficial insects to the garden Parasitic wasps, Ladybugs, Praying mantis Hoverflies and pollinators such as Honeybees and Butterflies while at the same time discouraging some harmful ones such as cabbage loopers mites and aphids.
Good Companions for Dill
- Brassicas – Cabbage Family Plants
- Bok choy, chinese cabbage, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cauliflower, Kale
- Kohlrabi
- Turnips
- Rutabaga
- Most plants labeled ‘cress’
- Lettuce and Dill grow well together, dill repels some insects that feast on lettuce leaves.
- Beans and Legumes, [but not pole beans]
- Asparagus
- Onions
- Basil
Bad Companions for Dill
- Carrots
- Tomatoes – Dill, when planted too close has been demonstrated to stunt Tomato Plant growth. It does serve as a good trap crop for Tomato Horn worm but should be kept at a safe distance.
- Celery
- Parsnip
- Anise
- Coriander
- Angelica
- Celeriac
- Caraway
- lovage
Related: Oregano Companion Planting Guide