When to plant Catnip in Ingham County, MI
In Ingham County, Catnip is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 9–May 23 for an 60–80-day harvest, finishing well before the October 13 first frost.
When to Plant Catnip in Ingham County, MI
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.
Ingham County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 554 feet, Ingham County receives approximately 31.4 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.
Ingham County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Catnip
Catnip needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Catnip Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Ingham County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Catnip Planting Timeline — Ingham County, MI
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Harvest | July 11 | Jul 11 – Sep 12 |
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 6a
📆 Growing Season
164 days in Ingham County
Growing Tips for Ingham 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 Ingham County, MI?
Ingham County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ingham County, MI?
Ingham County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 13.
When should I plant Catnip in Ingham County, MI?
In Ingham County, MI, plant Catnip after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ingham County, MI for Catnip?
Ingham County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Catnip grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Catnip grow in Ingham County's climate?
Yes — Catnip grows well in Ingham County's temperate climate. Ingham County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 13.
Your Ingham County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ingham 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.