When to Plant Catnip in Bayfield County, WI
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.
Bayfield County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.
At an elevation of 619 feet, Bayfield County receives approximately 36.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Catnip to ensure they mature before fall.
Bayfield County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.8
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 — Bayfield County, WI
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Sep 24 |
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 3b
Growing Season
142 days
Growing Tips for Bayfield 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 Bayfield County, WI?
Bayfield County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bayfield County, WI?
Bayfield County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Bayfield County gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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