When to Plant Catnip in Houston County, GA
Top priorities for Houston County, Georgia gardeners in May
Your Houston County, Georgia garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Basket week: catnip
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- 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.
Houston County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 251 days.
At an elevation of 484 feet, Houston County receives approximately 53.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°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.
Houston County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Catnip
Catnip needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Catnip Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Houston County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Catnip Planting Timeline — Houston County, GA
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Harvest | May 18 | May 18 – Jul 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
251 days in Houston County
Growing Tips for Houston 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Catnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Catnip in Houston County, GA?
Houston County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Houston County, GA?
Houston County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 15.
Your Houston County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Houston County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.