When to plant Catnip in Harvey County, KS
Harvey County sits in cold Zone 6b. Plant Catnip April 22–May 6 for the single annual harvest; the October 24 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Catnip in Harvey County, KS
Top priorities for Harvey County, Kansas gardeners in July
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this July, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Bring in the catnip
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Looking ahead to August
- 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.
Harvey County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 872 feet, Harvey County receives approximately 23.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season.
Harvey County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.1
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 Harvey County
How your county's soil matches Catnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.1) is within Catnip's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Harvey County is excellent for Catnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Catnip will thrive.
How to Plant Catnip
Succession Planting Catnip
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 05 to harvest before frost.
Catnip Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Harvey 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 — Harvey County, KS
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Aug 26 |
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 | 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
192 days in Harvey County
Growing Tips for Catnip in Harvey County
Direct sow Catnip outdoors after April 15 in Harvey County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Harvey County receives only 23" of rain annually. Catnip needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Harvey County, KS?
Harvey County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Harvey County, KS?
Harvey County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Catnip in Harvey County, KS?
In Harvey County, KS, plant Catnip after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Harvey County, KS for Catnip?
Harvey County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Catnip grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Catnip grow in Harvey County's climate?
Yes — Catnip grows well in Harvey County's temperate climate. Harvey County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 24.
Your Harvey County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Harvey County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.