When to plant Catnip in Morton County County,
Morton County County's 180-day season only supports one Catnip planting per year. Sow between April 27 and May 11 for the best chance at full maturity before October 17.
When to Plant Catnip in Morton County, KS
What to do in June
June is a pivotal month for Morton County, Kansas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Bring in the catnip
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
July prep starts now
- 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.
Morton County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.
At an elevation of 1,054 feet, Morton County receives approximately 23.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season.
Morton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.4
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 Morton County
How your county's soil matches Catnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.4) is within Catnip's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Morton County is excellent for Catnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.5%). Annual compost additions will help Catnip.
How to Plant Catnip
Succession Planting Catnip
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 29 to harvest before frost.
Catnip 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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Morton 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 — Morton County, KS
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Harvest | June 29 | Jun 29 – Aug 31 |
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
180 days in Morton County
Growing Tips for Catnip in Morton County
Direct sow Catnip outdoors after April 20 in Morton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Morton County receives only 24" 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 Morton County, KS?
Morton County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morton County, KS?
Morton County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Catnip in Morton County, ?
In Morton County, , plant Catnip after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Morton County, for Catnip?
Morton 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 Morton County's climate?
Yes — Catnip grows well in Morton County's temperate climate. Morton County averages a 180-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 17.
Your Morton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Morton 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.