When to Plant Catnip in Johnson County, WY
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.
Johnson County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 127 days.
At an elevation of 8,281 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 23.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Catnip to ensure they mature before fall.
Johnson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.8
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.
Soil Compatibility in Johnson County
How your county's soil matches Catnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.8) overlaps with Catnip's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Johnson County is excellent for Catnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Catnip.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Catnip.
How to Plant Catnip
Succession Planting Catnip
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 03 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Johnson 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 — Johnson County, WY
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | July 26 | Jul 26 – Sep 27 |
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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
127 days in Johnson County
Growing Tips for Catnip in Johnson County
Direct sow Catnip outdoors after May 17 in Johnson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Johnson County receives only 24" 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 Johnson County, WY?
Johnson County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Johnson County, WY?
Johnson County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is September 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Johnson County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.