10 Plants for Amazing Summer Squash Growth

7. Dill: The Fragrant Hero That Smells as Good as It Performs

Okay, so here’s a confession—I didn’t plant dill in my garden for the squash. Nope. I did it because I love pickling cucumbers and wanted fresh dill on hand for all my summer snack experiments. 🥒 But guess what? My squash started thriving, too. Turns out, this herb is a total MVP—especially when you’re trying to keep those pesky squash bugs at bay.

Why I Now Call Dill My Garden’s Secret Weapon

Let me rewind a bit. A few summers ago, I was dealing with a full-on squash bug invasion. They were everywhere—on the leaves, under the stems, probably even throwing tiny garden parties while I slept. I tried everything: neem oil, manual removal, even talking (okay, yelling) to them. Nothing worked like I hoped.

Then I planted dill. Not expecting much. And within a week or two? Fewer bugs. More ladybugs and lacewings flitting around. That’s when I learned that dill attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which are basically nature’s pest control squad.

So yeah, I’m not mad about it. In fact, I’ve since added dill to every corner of my garden where squash grows. If you’re into natural pest control in gardens and want to skip the harsh chemicals, dill is your friend.

More Than Just a Bug Repeller

Beyond its superpower status, dill just looks happy in the garden. Tall, feathery, and gently swaying in the breeze—it adds a fragrant, decorative touch to the garden that I can’t get enough of.

And if you’re someone who loves food, cooking, or hosting (like me), then you already know how versatile dill is. Fresh from the garden, it goes great in salads, dressings, roasted veggies, and yes—homemade pickles. 🍎🥒

I actually set up a little herb patch near my back porch so I could snip it easily while meal prepping. Total game-changer for anyone who enjoys food styling, DIY kitchen projects, or just wants their garden to double as a pantry.

Dill Works Anywhere (Even Your Balcony!)

Here’s another win: dill works well in container gardens and herb patches, making it perfect for apartment dwellers or small-space gardeners. I grew some in a deep pot right next to my potted squash plants and it thrived—bonus points for being low-maintenance and drama-free.

If you’re into urban gardening tips or looking for companion plants for cucurbits that pull double duty, dill deserves a spot on your list.

👉 Ready to bring in a minty-fresh powerhouse? Click Next to find out why mint isn’t just for mojitos—it’s also a secret ally for summer squash!