When to plant Catnip in Dade County, GA
Dade County sits in cold Zone 7b. Plant Catnip April 8–April 22 for the single annual harvest; the October 31 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Catnip in Dade County, GA
Your July gardening checklist
July rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Dade County, Georgia.
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Bring in the catnip
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
August will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: catnip
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.
Dade County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.
At an elevation of 77 feet, Dade County receives approximately 60.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Catnip, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Catnip root diseases.
Dade County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Catnip 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 Dade County
How your county's soil matches Catnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Catnip's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Dade County is excellent for Catnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Catnip.
How to Plant Catnip
Succession Planting Catnip
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 12 to harvest before frost.
Catnip Water Budget
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 | — | 5.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 6.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Dade 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 — Dade County, GA
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | June 10 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
213 days in Dade County
Growing Tips for Catnip in Dade County
Direct sow Catnip outdoors after April 01 in Dade County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Dade County's clay soil (32% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Catnip. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Dade County, GA?
Dade County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dade County, GA?
Dade County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is October 31.
When should I plant Catnip in Dade County, GA?
In Dade County, GA, plant Catnip after the last frost (around April 1) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dade County, GA for Catnip?
Dade County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Catnip grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Catnip grow in Dade County's climate?
Yes — Catnip grows well in Dade County's temperate climate. Dade County averages a 213-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 1 and first frost around October 31.
Your Dade County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dade County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.