When to Plant Catnip in Emery 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.
Emery County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 146 days.
At an elevation of 7,259 feet, Emery County receives approximately 15.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Catnip successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Emery County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.9
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 Emery County
How your county's soil matches Catnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.9) overlaps with Catnip's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Emery County is excellent for Catnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Catnip.
How to Plant Catnip
Succession Planting Catnip
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 16 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Catnip
Catnip needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Catnip Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Emery County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Catnip Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Catnip Planting Timeline — Emery County, UT
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Harvest | July 20 | Jul 20 – Sep 21 |
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
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
146 days in Emery County
Growing Tips for Catnip in Emery County
Direct sow Catnip outdoors after May 11 in Emery County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Emery County receives only 16" 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Catnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Catnip in Emery County, UT?
Emery County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Emery County, UT?
Emery County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Emery County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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