When to Plant Catnip in Deuel County, NE
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.
Deuel County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.
At an elevation of 1,096 feet, Deuel County receives approximately 22.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Catnip to ensure they mature before fall.
Deuel County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.4
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 Deuel County
How your county's soil matches Catnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.4) is within Catnip's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Deuel County is excellent for Catnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.5%). Annual compost additions will help Catnip.
How to Plant Catnip
Succession Planting Catnip
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 19 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Catnip Planting Timeline — Deuel County, NE
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
156 days in Deuel County
Growing Tips for Catnip in Deuel County
Direct sow Catnip outdoors after May 04 in Deuel County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Deuel County receives only 23" 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
Level Up Your Garden
Catnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Catnip in Deuel County, NE?
Deuel County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Deuel County, NE?
Deuel County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Deuel County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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