When to plant Catnip in Monroe County, MI
In Monroe County, Catnip is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 4–May 18 for an 60–80-day harvest, finishing well before the October 17 first frost.
When to Plant Catnip in Monroe County, MI
Your June game plan for Monroe County, Michigan
June is a pivotal month for Monroe County, Michigan gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Monroe County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.
At an elevation of 1,202 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 40.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.2
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 Monroe County
How your county's soil matches Catnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.2) overlaps with Catnip's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Monroe County is excellent for Catnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Catnip.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Catnip will thrive.
How to Plant Catnip
Succession Planting Catnip
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 29 to harvest before frost.
Catnip 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Monroe 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 — Monroe County, MI
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Harvest | July 6 | Jul 6 – Sep 7 |
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
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
173 days in Monroe County
Growing Tips for Catnip in Monroe County
Direct sow Catnip outdoors after April 27 in Monroe County 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 Monroe County, MI?
Monroe County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, MI?
Monroe County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Catnip in Monroe County, MI?
In Monroe County, MI, plant Catnip after the last frost (around April 27) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Monroe County, MI for Catnip?
Monroe 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 Monroe County's climate?
Yes — Catnip grows well in Monroe County's temperate climate. Monroe County averages a 173-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 27 and first frost around October 17.
Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe 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.