When to Plant Catnip in Graham County, KS
This month in Graham County, Kansas
Here's what deserves your attention in Graham County, Kansas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6a and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
Graham County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.
At an elevation of 891 feet, Graham County receives approximately 31.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Catnip to ensure they mature before fall.
Graham County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Graham County
How your county's soil matches Catnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.7) overlaps with Catnip's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Graham County is excellent for Catnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Catnip.
How to Plant Catnip
Succession Planting Catnip
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 28 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Graham 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 — Graham County, KS
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Sep 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
176 days in Graham County
Growing Tips for Catnip in Graham County
Direct sow Catnip outdoors after April 23 in Graham County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Graham County, KS?
Graham County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Graham County, KS?
Graham County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 16.
Your Graham County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Graham County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.