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When to plant Catnip in Gooding County, ID

In Gooding County, Catnip is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 10–May 24 for an 60–80-day harvest, finishing well before the October 3 first frost.

When to Plant Catnip in Gooding County, ID

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.

Gooding County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.

At an elevation of 5,631 feet, Gooding County receives approximately 16.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Catnip successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Gooding County, ID (Zone 7a) Moderate season
153 days
Last Spring Frost May 3
153 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Gooding County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Catnip Planting Timeline — Gooding County, ID

Catnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 – May 24
Harvest July 12 Jul 12 – Sep 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

153 days in Gooding County

Growing Tips for Gooding 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Catnip in Gooding County, ID?

Gooding County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Gooding County, ID?

Gooding County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 3.

When should I plant Catnip in Gooding County, ID?

In Gooding County, ID, plant Catnip after the last frost (around May 3) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Gooding County, ID for Catnip?

Gooding County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Catnip grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Catnip grow in Gooding County's climate?

Yes — Catnip grows well in Gooding County's temperate climate. Gooding County averages a 153-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 3 and first frost around October 3.

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Your Gooding County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Gooding County (Zone 7a). 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 Gooding County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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