When to Plant Catnip in Milwaukee 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.
Milwaukee County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 167 days.
At an elevation of 1,100 feet, Milwaukee County receives approximately 38.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season.
Milwaukee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.8
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
Catnip Planting Timeline — Milwaukee County, WI
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Harvest | July 6 | Jul 6 – Sep 7 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
167 days
Growing Tips for Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee County, WI?
Milwaukee County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Milwaukee County, WI?
Milwaukee County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Milwaukee County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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