When to Plant Catnip in Montgomery County, NC
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.
Montgomery County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.
At an elevation of 163 feet, Montgomery County receives approximately 42.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Catnip, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Montgomery County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.7
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
Catnip Planting Timeline — Montgomery County, NC
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Harvest | June 7 | Jun 7 – Aug 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| 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 7b
Growing Season
218 days
Growing Tips for Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, NC?
Montgomery County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Montgomery County, NC?
Montgomery County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Montgomery County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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