When to Plant Catnip in Ravalli County, MT
Your May game plan for Ravalli County, Montana
May is a pivotal month for Ravalli County, Montana gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Set out catnip seedlings
Your last frost (May 21) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
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.
Ravalli County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 21 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 122 days.
At an elevation of 7,813 feet, Ravalli County receives approximately 15.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Catnip to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Catnip successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Ravalli County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.8
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 Ravalli County
How your county's soil matches Catnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.8) overlaps with Catnip's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Ravalli County is excellent for Catnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Catnip.
How to Plant Catnip
Succession Planting Catnip
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 02 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.9" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Ravalli 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 — Ravalli County, MT
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 11 |
| Harvest | July 30 | Jul 30 – Oct 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
122 days in Ravalli County
Growing Tips for Catnip in Ravalli County
Direct sow Catnip outdoors after May 21 in Ravalli County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Ravalli County receives only 15" of rain annually. Catnip needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Ravalli County, MT?
Ravalli County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 21. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ravalli County, MT?
Ravalli County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 21 and first fall frost is September 20.
Your Ravalli County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Ravalli 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.