Blog

When to Plant Catnip in Greeley County, KS

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.

Greeley County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.

At an elevation of 963 feet, Greeley County receives approximately 21.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season.

Greeley County, KS (Zone 5b) Moderate season
163 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
163 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Greeley County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (30 days to spare)
Transplant: May 3 🍅 Harvest: Jul 5 – Sep 6
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (30 days to spare)
Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Jul 9 – Sep 10
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (31 days to spare)
Transplant: May 20 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Sep 23

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.5″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 185 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Catnip needs ~1,068 GDD — county provides 2,485 GDD Excellent fit

Catnip Planting Timeline โ€” Greeley County, KS

Catnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 7 May 7 โ€“ May 21
Harvest July 9 Jul 9 โ€“ Sep 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

60โ€“80 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

163 days

Growing Tips for Greeley 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Catnip in Greeley County, KS?

Greeley County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Greeley County, KS?

Greeley County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 10.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Greeley County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Greeley County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.