When to Plant Catnip in Harney 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.
Harney County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 17 and the first fall frost is September 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 81 days.
At an elevation of 679 feet, Harney County receives approximately 22.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season.
Harney County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.4
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 Harney County
How your county's soil matches Catnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.4) overlaps with Catnip's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Harney County is excellent for Catnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.5%) — Catnip will thrive.
How to Plant Catnip
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Catnip Planting Timeline — Harney County, OR
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 24 | Jun 24 – Jul 8 |
| Harvest | August 26 | Aug 26 – Oct 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
81 days in Harney County
Growing Tips for Catnip in Harney County
Direct sow Catnip outdoors after June 17 in Harney County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 81.0-day growing season in Harney County is tight for Catnip (60.0-80.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Harney County receives only 22" 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 Harney County, OR?
Harney County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 17. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Harney County, OR?
Harney County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 17 and first fall frost is September 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Harney County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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