Can I Plant Dill with Tomatoes?

Tomatoes and dill are both popular herbs in the kitchen, so the question is often asked whether they can be planted together. The answer is yes, dill and tomatoes can be planted in close proximity as they are beneficial to each other. Here's some more information on how the two plants can coexist happily in your garden.

Companionship in the Garden

Dill is considered to be a good companion plant for tomatoes since it attracts many beneficial insects, including pollinators and pest predators. The flowers on dill plants attract lots of bees and other pollinators to help fertilize the flowers on the tomato plants. Dill also helps to repel aphids, which are common pests that can damage the tomato plant. Furthermore, the strong scent of dill masks the scent of tomato plants, making it harder for pests to locate them.

Important Considerations

While it's true that dill and tomatoes can be planted together, there are still some important things to consider. Firstly, dill should not be planted too close to younger tomato plants. This is because the large leaves of the dill plant may block the sun and stunt the growth of the tomato plant. It's best to plant dill in a separate area of the garden, or to wait until the tomato plant is established before planting dill nearby.

Secondly, dill has a tendency to self-seed and can quickly take over a garden. This can be prevented by regularly harvesting the dill plant before it goes to seed. Alternatively, consider planting dill in a container to prevent it from spreading throughout the garden.

How to Plant Dill and Tomatoes Together

When it comes to planting dill and tomatoes together, it's important to plan ahead to create a harmonious garden. Follow these basic steps for planting:

Choose a sunny spot for planting both plants. Both dill and tomatoes love sunlight.

Prepare the soil by adding compost and fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

Plant the tomato plants first, spacing them according to their mature size. This allows them to get established before planting the dill.

Plant the dill seedlings near the tomato plant, about 18 inches away. This allows for good air flow and helps to avoid overcrowding.

Water the plants regularly and ensure they have adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Harvest the dill regularly to keep it from going to seed and potentially taking over the garden.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planting dill with tomatoes can be beneficial in many ways. Dill attracts beneficial insects, helps to repel pests, and can add a lovely aroma to the garden. However, it's important to plant dill in a separate area at first, and to keep it regularly harvested to keep it under control. With the right planning, both plants can coexist happily in your garden and provide many benefits.