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When to Plant Catnip in Lac qui Parle County, MN

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.

Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.

At an elevation of 643 feet, Lac qui Parle County receives approximately 34 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Catnip to ensure they mature before fall.

Lac qui Parle County, MN (Zone 4a) Moderate season
155 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
155 growing days
First Fall Frost October 4

Lac qui Parle County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (21 days to spare)
Transplant: May 4 🍅 Harvest: Jul 6 – Sep 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (22 days to spare)
Transplant: May 9 🍅 Harvest: Jul 11 – Sep 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (19 days to spare)
Transplant: May 22 🍅 Harvest: Jul 24 – Sep 25

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
0.9″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Catnip needs ~910 GDD — county provides 2,015 GDD Excellent fit

Catnip Planting Timeline โ€” Lac qui Parle County, MN

Catnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 9 May 9 โ€“ May 23
Harvest July 11 Jul 11 โ€“ Sep 12

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 4a

Growing Season

155 days

Growing Tips for Lac qui Parle 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 Lac qui Parle County, MN?

Lac qui Parle County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lac qui Parle County, MN?

Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 4.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Lac qui Parle County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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