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When to plant Catnip in Nome Census Area County,

Plant Catnip in Nome Census Area County, between June 10 and June 24 — the only viable window. Zone 3b's short season (91 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Catnip in Nome Census Area, AK

Nome Census Area, Alaska Zone 3b June

Your June planting checklist for Nome Census Area, Alaska

June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Nome Census Area, Alaska.

Avg. last frost June 3
Avg. first frost September 2
Soil temp (4") 54°F
Watering Moderate
Pest pressure Moderate
Daylight 20.6 hrs
  1. Plant out catnip

    Your last frost (June 3) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.

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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.

Nome Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 3 and the first fall frost is September 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 91 days.

At an elevation of 2,593 feet, Nome Census Area receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 61°F, so choose short-season varieties of Catnip to ensure they mature before fall.

Nome Census Area, AK (Zone 3b) Very short season
91 days
Last Spring Frost June 3
91 growing days
First Fall Frost September 2

Nome Census Area Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Catnip Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 7 🍅 Harvest: Aug 9 – Oct 11
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 10 🍅 Harvest: Aug 12 – Oct 14
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 19 🍅 Harvest: Aug 21 – Oct 23

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 Nome Census Area

How your county's soil matches Catnip's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.0–6.7) is more acidic than Catnip prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Nome Census Area is excellent for Catnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Catnip prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (6.2%) — Catnip will thrive.

How to Plant Catnip

0.5"
Planting Depth
8"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Catnip Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

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 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Jun 2.2" 3.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 2.2" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 2.2" 6.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 2.2" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Nome Census Area). 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 needs ~0 GDD — county provides 0 GDD May not mature

Catnip Planting Timeline — Nome Census Area, AK

Catnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 10 Jun 10 – Jun 24
Harvest August 12 Aug 12 – Oct 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May
June Transplant Outdoors
July
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 3b

📆 Growing Season

91 days in Nome Census Area

Growing Tips for Catnip in Nome Census Area

Direct sow Catnip outdoors after June 03 in Nome Census Area when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 91.0-day growing season in Nome Census Area is tight for Catnip (60.0-80.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Catnip in Nome Census Area, AK?

Nome Census Area is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of June 3. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Nome Census Area, AK?

Nome Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 3 and first fall frost is September 2.

When should I plant Catnip in Nome Census Area, ?

In Nome Census Area, , plant Catnip after the last frost (around June 3) and before the first frost (around September 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Nome Census Area, for Catnip?

Nome Census Area sits in USDA Zone 3b. Catnip grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Catnip grow in Nome Census Area's climate?

Yes — Catnip grows well in Nome Census Area's temperate climate. Nome Census Area averages a 91-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 3 and first frost around September 2.

🌱

Your Nome Census Area Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Nome Census Area (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Nome Census Area, AK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.