When to plant Catnip in Guthrie County, IA
Plant Catnip in Guthrie County during the brief May 3–May 17 window. With 163 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 6.
When to Plant Catnip in Guthrie County, IA
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.
Guthrie County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.
At an elevation of 1,378 feet, Guthrie County receives approximately 31.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Catnip to ensure they mature before fall.
Guthrie County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Catnip Planting Timeline — Guthrie County, IA
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Harvest | July 5 | Jul 5 – Sep 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
163 days in Guthrie County
Growing Tips for Guthrie 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 Guthrie County, IA?
Guthrie County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Guthrie County, IA?
Guthrie County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Catnip in Guthrie County, IA?
In Guthrie County, IA, plant Catnip after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Guthrie County, IA for Catnip?
Guthrie County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Catnip grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Catnip grow in Guthrie County's climate?
Yes — Catnip grows well in Guthrie County's temperate climate. Guthrie County averages a 163-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 6.
Your Guthrie County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Guthrie County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.