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Want to grow catnip?
You’re in the right place!
Catnip is easy and fun to grow. Discover 8 simple tactics to make your catnip thrive.
Your cats will thank you!
Ready to get started? Let’s go!
Pick the Right Spot
Your catnip needs a sunny spot to thrive. Choose a location in your garden that gets about 6 hours of sunlight every day.
If you’re growing catnip indoors, place it near a bright window. Catnip is pretty hardy, but it won’t be too happy in a shadowy corner.
Give it the sunshine it craves!
Prepare the Soil
Catnip loves well-drained soil. If your garden’s soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to lighten it up.
A pH level between 6.1 and 7.8 works great for catnip. Loosen up the soil with a garden fork so the roots can spread easily.
Happy roots equal a happy plant!
Plant the Seeds
When planting catnip seeds, sprinkle them on the soil surface and gently press them in. You don’t need to cover them with a lot of soil.
A light dusting will do. Water the seeds lightly and keep the soil moist until you see seedlings sprout.
In a couple of weeks, you’ll spot tiny green shoots.
Watering
Keep your catnip well-watered, especially during the germination period. Once established, catnip is drought-resistant, but a regular watering schedule helps it grow lush and full.
Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be cautious not to overwater, as catnip hates soggy roots.
Pruning
To keep your catnip bushy, pinch back the top growth every so often. This encourages the plant to spread out rather than grow tall and skinny.
Deadhead the flowers to prevent it from self-seeding all over your garden. Regular pruning keeps your catnip looking fresh and tidy.
Fend Off Pests
The good news is that catnip is generally pest-resistant. However, watch out for aphids and spider mites.
If you spot these little troublemakers, spray your catnip with a mix of water and a few drops of dish soap. This home remedy usually does the trick without harming your plant.
Harvest Time
When harvesting catnip, snip off stems just above a leaf set. You can start harvesting once the plant is at least 6 inches tall.
Dry the leaves and flowers by hanging them upside down in a shady spot. Once dry, store them in airtight containers.
Your feline friend will thank you!
Protecting Your Plants
Cats love catnip – sometimes a little too much! To protect your young plants, consider using a mesh or wire cage until they are sturdy enough to handle a bit of feline loving.
Once the plants are mature, they should be able to withstand most cat antics.