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When to Plant Catnip in Carbon County, UT

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.

Carbon County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 133 days.

At an elevation of 5,755 feet, Carbon County receives approximately 14.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Catnip to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Catnip successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Carbon County, UT (Zone 5b) Short season
133 days
Last Spring Frost May 17
133 growing days
First Fall Frost September 27

Carbon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (4 days to spare)
Transplant: May 14 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Sep 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (0 days to spare)
Transplant: May 24 🍅 Harvest: Jul 26 – Sep 27
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 15 🍅 Harvest: Aug 17 – Oct 19

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

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.5″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 73 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Catnip needs ~910 GDD — county provides 1,729 GDD Excellent fit

Catnip Planting Timeline โ€” Carbon County, UT

Catnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 24 May 24 โ€“ Jun 7
Harvest July 26 Jul 26 โ€“ Sep 27

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

60โ€“80 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

133 days

Growing Tips for Carbon 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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Catnip in Carbon County, UT?

Carbon County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Carbon County, UT?

Carbon County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is September 27.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Carbon County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Carbon County, UT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.