When to Plant Catnip in Jefferson 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.
Jefferson County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 559 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 23.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season.
Jefferson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Jefferson County
How your county's soil matches Catnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.6) overlaps with Catnip's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Jefferson County is excellent for Catnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). Annual compost additions will help Catnip.
How to Plant Catnip
Succession Planting Catnip
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 05 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Catnip
Catnip needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Catnip Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Jefferson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Catnip Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Catnip Planting Timeline — Jefferson County, KS
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Aug 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Jefferson County
Growing Tips for Catnip in Jefferson County
Direct sow Catnip outdoors after April 14 in Jefferson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Jefferson County receives only 24" of rain annually. Catnip needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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 →
Catnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Catnip in Jefferson County, KS?
Jefferson County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jefferson County, KS?
Jefferson County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Jefferson County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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