Catnip

What you'll need:

Catnip seeds or small catnip plants (you can find these at garden centers or online)

A pot or a patch of soil in your garden

Standard potting soil (or garden soil if planting directly outside)

Watering can or spray bottle

When to start:

Catnip is pretty hardy and loves the sun, so spring or early summer is perfect for planting. If you're starting indoors, begin about 4-6 weeks before the last frost. But don’t worry—catnip is tough and will grow in almost any season as long as it isn’t freezing.

Choosing a spot:

Catnip loves sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. So, pick a sunny corner of your garden or a windowsill that gets plenty of light if you’re growing it indoors. Make sure the spot has good drainage because catnip doesn't like soggy roots!

Quick Tip:
If you have cats around, make sure to plant extra! They’ll love this herb, and once they find it, they may nibble on it or roll around in it.

If using seeds:

1. Fill a small pot or seed tray with moist soil.
2. Sprinkle the catnip seeds on top of the soil (don’t bury them too deep; just press them lightly into the surface).
3. Lightly water the soil, keeping it damp but not soaking wet.
4. Keep the pot in a warm, bright place (but not in direct sunlight yet).
5. Seeds should sprout in about 7-10 days. Once they have a few leaves, they’re ready to move to larger pots or your garden.

If using seedlings:

1. Dig a hole slightly bigger than the root ball of the seedling.
2. Place the seedling in the hole, cover the roots with soil, and gently pat down.
3. Water immediately after planting.

Spacing:
If planting outdoors, space each catnip plant about 18-24 inches apart. They can grow quite bushy!

Important:
After planting, give the soil a good watering, but don’t overdo it. Catnip likes to dry out a bit between waterings.

Watering:

• Catnip prefers its soil on the drier side, so water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• When you do water, give it a good soak rather than frequent light sprinkles.
• If you notice yellowing leaves, you might be overwatering—ease up a bit!

Sunlight:

• Catnip thrives in full sun but can handle partial shade.
• If growing indoors, make sure it gets at least 5-6 hours of sunlight per day. A south-facing window works best.

Pruning & Trimming:

• To keep your catnip bushy and healthy, trim it back by about one-third after it flowers. This encourages new growth and prevents it from getting too leggy.
• You can also pinch off the tips of young plants to encourage them to branch out.

Dealing with Cats:

• If your cat can’t resist rolling in the catnip, consider protecting the plant with a small fence or placing a wire mesh around it until it’s well-established.
• Alternatively, grow some extra for your furry friend to enjoy!

Pest Control:

Good news—catnip naturally repels many pests like mosquitoes and aphids. However, watch out for spider mites or whiteflies. If you see any, spray the plant with water or use a mild insecticidal soap.

When to Harvest:

• You can start harvesting catnip once the plant reaches about 6-8 inches tall.
• The best time to harvest is right when the plant starts flowering, as this is when the oils are most potent.
• Morning is the ideal time to harvest, as the essential oils are strongest then.

How to Harvest:

• Use scissors or pruning shears to cut stems just above a leaf node (where the leaves meet the stem).
• Don’t take more than one-third of the plant at a time to ensure it keeps growing.

Drying Catnip:

• After harvesting, tie the stems together and hang them upside down in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
• Once dried (usually in 1-2 weeks), strip the leaves and store them in an airtight container.

Using Fresh Catnip:

• Fresh catnip can be used immediately for teas or to delight your cats. Just chop it up finely and sprinkle where needed!

Q: My catnip plant is getting too tall and falling over, what should I do?

A: Trim it back! Prune the plant by about one-third to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy. You can use the trimmed parts for drying or sharing with your cat.

Q: Can I grow catnip indoors?

A: Yes! Catnip grows well indoors as long as it gets enough light. Place it near a sunny window, and it should thrive. Rotate the pot every few days to ensure even sunlight exposure.

Q: Why does my catnip look droopy?

A: Droopiness could be due to either too much or too little water. Check the soil—if it's dry, water it; if it's soggy, hold off on watering for a few days. Catnip prefers to dry out a bit between waterings.

Q: Is catnip invasive?

A: Catnip can spread through seeds, so if you’re planting it in your garden, keep an eye on it. To prevent spreading, remove flower heads before they go to seed, or grow it in a contained area like a raised bed or pot.

Q: Does catnip attract pests?

A: Actually, catnip repels many insects like mosquitoes and flies! However, it can sometimes attract aphids or spider mites. Wash the plant with water or use a mild soap solution if you notice pests.