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When to Plant Catnip in Hancock County, IN

Catnip is a hardy perennial herb in the mint family known for its effect on cats. It also makes a calming tea and is a useful companion plant that repels some pests.

Hancock County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 583 feet, Hancock County receives approximately 41.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season.

Hancock County, IN (Zone 6a) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19

Hancock County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Catnip

Catnip needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Catnip Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 1.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.7" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.4" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4" 0.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 2.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 2.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Hancock County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Catnip Planting Timeline โ€” Hancock County, IN

Catnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 24 Apr 24 โ€“ May 8
Harvest June 26 Jun 26 โ€“ Aug 28

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

60โ€“80 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

185 days in Hancock County

Growing Tips for Hancock County

Direct sow or start indoors. Catnip is very easy to grow and can become invasive. Harvest leaves before flowering for tea. Protect young plants from cats.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Catnip in Hancock County, IN?

Hancock County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hancock County, IN?

Hancock County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 19.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Hancock County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Hancock County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.