When to Plant Catnip in Kearney County, NE
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.
Kearney County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 1,041 feet, Kearney County receives approximately 25.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Catnip to ensure they mature before fall.
Kearney County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Catnip Planting Timeline — Kearney County, NE
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Sep 9 |
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
164 days in Kearney County
Growing Tips for Kearney 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 Kearney County, NE?
Kearney County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kearney County, NE?
Kearney County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 10.
Your Kearney County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kearney 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.