Who needs action movies when you can have a thrilling garden adventure right in your backyard? Meet dill and cilantro, the dynamic duo of the herb world. These two plants not only add flavor to your dishes but also work together as companion plants in the garden. Belonging to the same carrot family, cilantro and dill team up to keep pests at bay. So, if you're looking to spice up your cooking while keeping your garden safe, planting cilantro and dill is the way to go.
The beneficial insect effect of cilantro and dill
What makes dill and cilantro such a powerhouse duo when it comes to controlling garden pests is that they attract good insects to your garden. These beneficial insects are common enemies of many common garden pests and will help drive them away and reduce their population. Examples of beneficial insects that dill and cilantro plants will draw in are lacewing flies, ladybugs, hoverflies, and parasitoid wasps. These critters love the blooms from these beloved culinary herbs because they can feed from their flowers. By knowing which insects are likely to be the most beneficial, you can be sure that adding cilantro or dill to your garden will be worth it.
Growing dill and cilantro plants in your garden can help you get a hold of your pest problem, but you have to get acquainted with your pest first to know its natural enemies. Lacewing flies and ladybugs are some of the best beneficial insects you will ever introduce to your garden because you don't ever have to worry about them posing a threat to you, your kids, or your pets. These insects don't bite or sting; instead, they chow down on harmful piercing-and-sucking pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and scale insects, which literally suck the life out of your plants by draining them of the nutrients in their sap. They are also some of the more common garden pests, affecting a wide range of fruit, herbs, and trees. Ladybugs and lacewing flies prey on these pests at all life cycle stages and even eat their eggs.
Wasps, often feared for their painful stings, play a crucial role in managing pests like aphids and caterpillars. Contrary to popular belief, most wasps are not aggressive towards humans but are beneficial for controlling harmful insects. By growing dill and cilantro together, you can attract these helpful wasps and other beneficial insects to your garden.
Other benefits to growing dill and cilantro together
Dill and cilantro not only help in pest management but also attract beneficial insects that are expert pollinators. Wasps, ladybugs, and whiteflies are proficient pollinators that benefit from the nectar and pollen of these plants. Planting dill and cilantro at least 12 inches apart in full sun and well-drained soil will ensure their growth. Both plants have similar water requirements, needing watering one to two times per week.
Using dill and cilantro for biological pest control is an eco-friendly alternative to pesticides. Pesticides may eliminate harmful pests but can also harm beneficial insects. By attracting beneficial insects through natural means, you can maintain a healthy garden ecosystem without the use of harmful chemicals.
