When to Plant Catnip in Richland Parish, LA
Richland Parish, Louisiana gardeners: here's your May plan
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Richland Parish, Louisiana.
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It's harvest week for catnip
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- 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.
Richland Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 250 days.
At an elevation of 341 feet, Richland Parish receives approximately 59.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Catnip may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Catnip root diseases.
Richland Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7
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 Richland Parish
How your county's soil matches Catnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.0) is within Catnip's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Richland Parish is excellent for Catnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Catnip.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Catnip.
How to Plant Catnip
Succession Planting Catnip
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 26 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Richland Parish). 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 — Richland Parish, LA
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Harvest | May 18 | May 18 – Jul 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
250 days in Richland Parish
Growing Tips for Catnip in Richland Parish
Direct sow Catnip outdoors after March 09 in Richland Parish 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 Richland Parish, LA?
Richland Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Richland Parish, LA?
Richland Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 14.
Your Richland Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Richland Parish (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.