When to plant Catnip in Waldo County, ME
In Waldo County, Catnip is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 15–May 29 for an 60–80-day harvest, finishing well before the October 6 first frost.
When to Plant Catnip in Waldo County, ME
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.
Waldo County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 966 feet, Waldo County receives approximately 46 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Catnip to ensure they mature before fall.
Waldo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Catnip Planting Timeline — Waldo County, ME
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Sep 18 |
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 5b
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Waldo County
Growing Tips for Waldo 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 Waldo County, ME?
Waldo County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Waldo County, ME?
Waldo County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Catnip in Waldo County, ME?
In Waldo County, ME, plant Catnip after the last frost (around May 8) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Waldo County, ME for Catnip?
Waldo County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Catnip grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Catnip grow in Waldo County's climate?
Yes — Catnip grows well in Waldo County's temperate climate. Waldo County averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 8 and first frost around October 6.
Your Waldo County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Waldo County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.