When to Plant Catnip in Clackamas County, OR
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.
Clackamas County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 199 feet, Clackamas County receives approximately 53.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Catnip root diseases.
Clackamas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.3
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 Clackamas County
How your county's soil matches Catnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.3) overlaps with Catnip's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clackamas County is excellent for Catnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.7%) — Catnip will thrive.
How to Plant Catnip
Succession Planting Catnip
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 09 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Catnip Planting Timeline — Clackamas County, OR
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Aug 25 |
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
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
197 days in Clackamas County
Growing Tips for Catnip in Clackamas County
Direct sow Catnip outdoors after April 14 in Clackamas County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Clackamas County, OR?
Clackamas County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clackamas County, OR?
Clackamas County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Clackamas County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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