Dill: Herb That Attracts Benficial Insects

Growing dill in your garden is a great way to add flavor to your meals, attract beneficial insects, and support the health of your garden. Dill is known for its tangy, slightly sweet taste and its delicate fronds, which are commonly used to flavor pickles and fish dishes.

Plus - I think the fronds are really pretty and they look great in flower displays.

In addition to being a tasty addition to your meals, dill also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which can help control pest populations in your garden.

Finally, dill is quite easy to grow and requires little maintenance, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Best Dill Varieties

When selecting the best dill varieties for your garden, consider the amount of space you have, the intended use of the plant, and your own personal taste preferences.

With a little bit of planning and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh dill all season long.

Bouguet dill

Bouquet Dill

Bouquet is my favorite variety. I use both the leaf and the seeds. The flowers are edible and tasty and plus make the dish look colorful.

Bouquet dill is a tall and vigorous variety that grows up to 3 feet tall. It produces abundant foliage and seeds that are less pungent than other varieties, making it perfect for use in salads and sauces.

Dukat Dill

Dukat dill is a robust and productive variety that produces large harvests of tender leaves and dill heads. It has a mild, sweet flavor that is perfect for use in cooking and seasoning.

Fernleaf Dill

Fernleaf dill is a compact and versatile variety of dill that is well-suited for small gardens and containers. It grows up to 18 inches tall with delicate, lacy foliage, and produces abundant seeds for pickling or seasoning.

Mammoth Dill

Mammoth dill is a classic and popular variety of dill that grows up to 4 feet tall. It has larger leaves and produces flavorful seeds for pickling. This variety is also well-suited for drying and preserving.

Long Island Mammoth Dill

Long Island mammoth dill is a tall and hardy variety that can grow up to 6 feet tall in the right conditions. Mammoth can grow 6 feet tall and is pretty impressive looking in the garden. Make sure to grow mammoth in an area where its not to windy since a strong wind can blow it over. It produces flavorful seeds and large, aromatic leaves that are perfect for pickling and seasoning.

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How to Grow Dill

Dill is a delicious herb that is commonly used in cooking and pickling. It's easy to grow and doesn't require a lot of maintenance.
Dill is a sun-loving plant, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. It also prefers well-draining soil that is not too rich in organic matter.
Before planting, add some compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to improve its texture and fertility. If the soil is heavy or prone to waterlogging, add some sand to improve drainage.

Seeding

Plant dill seeds directly in the garden after the last frost date in your area. Sow seeds thinly, about ¼ inch deep and 18 inches apart to allow enough space for the plants to grow. Water the soil gently after planting.

Dill is best when direct sown in the garden. You can transplant it but it may wilt from transplant shock. Sow seeds 1/4" deep, four inches apart, in rows at least 3" apart. You can easily thin them if needed.

Dill is an annual but will reseed itself. So you may want to let some of the seeds fall to the ground.

Water

Dill needs a moderate amount of water to grow. Water the plants deeply once a week, or more often in hot and dry weather.Dill also likes to be moist so make sure it gets enough water.

Containers

Dill does great in containers although you may have to prune it back to keep it manageable. That ok because you can use the trimmings in cooking. Fernleaf is a shorter variety that does well in containers.

For square-foot gardeners, I've seen recommendations for anywhere from 1 plant to 9 per square. Im going to say depends on variety. I would only plant one mammoth but I would go with 4 bouquets per square. Dill doesn't mind being crowded but does need room to grow.

Pests

Dill (Anethum graveolens) is a popular herb among gardeners and cooks, but it is not immune to pest problems.

Aphids

Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants, including dill. They are usually found on the undersides of the leaves, and their feeding can cause yellowing and curling of the foliage.

Aphids reproduce quickly, so it's important to catch them early and deal with them promptly. You can wash them off with a strong spray of water or use an insecticidal soap.

Slugs and Snails

Slugs and snails are mollusks that can feed on dill leaves, causing irregular holes in the foliage. They are most active at night and during wet weather. To control them, you can set out shallow dishes of beer to attract and drown them or handpick them off the plants early in the morning.

Carrot Rust Fly

The carrot rust fly is a small black and yellow fly that lays its eggs near the roots of dill, carrots, and related plants. The larvae feed on the roots, causing stunting and wilting of the plants. To prevent infestations, you can use floating row covers to exclude the flies or plant dill and carrots away from each other.

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Does Dill Make a Good Companion Plant?

The answer to this question is a resounding yes, as dill is one of the best companion plants for a variety of vegetables grown in the garden. I tend to tuck dill in various parts of the garden.

One of the main benefits of planting dill in the garden is its ability to attract beneficial insects. Dill attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies, which help to prey on common garden pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.

This characteristic makes dill an excellent companion plant for tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, as these plants are particularly susceptible to pest infestations.

Another reason why dill makes a great companion plant is its ability to improve soil health. Dill is a natural biofumigant, which means it releases compounds that help to suppress soil-borne diseases and pests.

Dill deters cabbage worms and loopers and repels aphids. Dill is a natural biofumigant, which means it releases compounds that help to suppress soil-borne diseases and pests.

This can be especially helpful to plants like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, which are prone to soil-borne diseases like clubroot. Planting dill alongside these vegetables can help to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks and improve overall soil health.

The only plants you should not plant dill near are carrots. They are related and can cross-pollinate. Also, dill may attract carrot rust flies.

Beneficial Insects

One of the most important beneficial insects that dill attracts is the ladybug. Ladybugs, also known as lady beetles, are an excellent addition to any garden because they feed on aphids, mites, and other harmful pests that damage plants.

The adult ladybugs and their larvae both love to feast on these pests, making them an ideal pest control solution for gardeners.

Another beneficial insect that is attracted to dill is the hoverfly. Hoverflies are beneficial because they help pollinate plants and their larvae happily consume aphids, mealybugs, thrips, and other detrimental insects.

Eastern Black Swallowtail Butterfly

Also, the Eastern Black Swallowtail butterfly, which is a beautiful addition to any garden, depends on dill as a host plant for the caterpillars. By planting dill in your garden, you can support this butterfly species in your local ecosystem.

If you see this caterpillar don't kill it! This is a baby black swallowtail butterfly. The dill plant is a host for these caterpillars.

Harvest

Dill leaves can be harvested as soon as they are large enough to use, usually around 6-8 weeks after planting. Cut the leaves near the base of the stem, leaving some leaves on the plant to continue growing.

Preserve the harvest

Dill leaves can be used fresh or dried for later use. To dry the leaves, hang them in a dark, well-ventilated area for a week or two until they are crispy and dry. Store them in an airtight container and use as needed.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh dill throughout the growing season. Happy gardening!

Cooking

I think we all think of pickles when we hear the word dill. However, lots of things can be pickled for preservation. In addition, dill is fun to add to salads and potato dishes, and is recommended for fish dishes, and makes yummy dips. The dill seeds and the greens can both be eaten.

Dill is also high in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, making it a nutritious addition to a healthy diet.

Its feathery, fragrant foliage makes a great addition to salads, sauces, and marinades, and its seeds are commonly used in pickling.

Ways to Use Dill Herb
Dill is an aromatic herb that not only adds a unique flavor to dishes but also provides various health benefits. Here are some creative ways to incorporate dill into your culinary adventures:
1. Seasoning for Fish: Dill pairs exceptionally well with seafood. Sprinkle freshly chopped dill on fish fillets before grilling or baking for a burst of freshness.
2. Pickling: Dill is a classic ingredient in pickling recipes. Add fresh dill sprigs to your homemade pickles for a delightful and tangy flavor.
3. Salads: Add chopped dill leaves to salads for an interesting twist. It pairs particularly well with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese. Dress the salad with a lemon-dill vinaigrette for a zesty kick.
4. Infused Water: Simply infuse water with fresh dill leaves and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing and aromatic beverage. It's a healthy alternative to sugary drinks.
5. Dip or Sauce: Blend dill with Greek yogurt, garlic, and lemon juice to create a delicious and creamy dill dip or sauce. Perfect for serving with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or grilled meats.
6. Potato Dishes: Sprinkle chopped dill over roasted potatoes or stir it into mashed potatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
7. Homemade Bread: Add a tablespoon of dried dill to bread dough for a unique herbaceous twist to your homemade loaf.
8. Egg Dishes: Sprinkle fresh dill over scrambled eggs or omelets to elevate their taste. It complements the richness of eggs perfectly.
9. Sauces and Marinades: Incorporate dill into sauces and marinades for grilled chicken, pork, or vegetables. It adds a tangy and fresh element to the dish.
10. Garnish: Use dill as a garnish to enhance the visual appeal of your dishes. Sprinkle it over soups, stews, or even avocado toast for a pop of green.
11. Herbal Butter: Mix freshly chopped dill into softened butter along with some garlic, salt, and pepper. Allow it to chill and use it as a spread or to top grilled meats and vegetables.
12. Herbal Tea: Make a soothing herbal tea by steeping dried dill leaves in hot water. It's known for its calming properties

Author, Ame Vanorio, is an avid Master Gardener and author. Check out her books here.