When to Plant Catnip in Mitchell 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.
Mitchell County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 627 feet, Mitchell County receives approximately 34.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Catnip to ensure they mature before fall.
Mitchell County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.1
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Catnip Planting Timeline — Mitchell County, KS
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Aug 27 |
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
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
60–80 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
185 days
Growing Tips for Mitchell 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
Catnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Catnip in Mitchell County, KS?
Mitchell County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mitchell County, KS?
Mitchell County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 18.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Mitchell County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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