When to Plant Catnip in Cavalier County, ND
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.
Cavalier County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 138 days.
At an elevation of 568 feet, Cavalier County receives approximately 27.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Catnip to ensure they mature before fall.
Cavalier County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.4
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Catnip Planting Timeline — Cavalier County, ND
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Harvest | July 22 | Jul 22 – Sep 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 3a
Growing Season
138 days
Growing Tips for Cavalier 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 Cavalier County, ND?
Cavalier County is in Zone 3a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cavalier County, ND?
Cavalier County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Cavalier County gardeners in Zone 3a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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