When to plant Catnip in Buchanan County, MO
In Buchanan County, Catnip is a spring-only crop. Plant April 20–May 4 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Catnip in Buchanan County, MO
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.
Buchanan County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 1,340 feet, Buchanan County receives approximately 31.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Catnip to ensure they mature before fall.
Buchanan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.1
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Buchanan County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Catnip Planting Timeline — Buchanan County, MO
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 |
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
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
194 days in Buchanan County
Growing Tips for Buchanan 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 Buchanan County, MO?
Buchanan County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Buchanan County, MO?
Buchanan County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Catnip in Buchanan County, MO?
In Buchanan County, MO, plant Catnip after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Buchanan County, MO for Catnip?
Buchanan 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 Buchanan County's climate?
Yes — Catnip grows well in Buchanan County's temperate climate. Buchanan County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 24.
Your Buchanan County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Buchanan 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.