When to Plant Catnip in Elko County, NV
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.
Elko County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 5 and the first fall frost is September 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 102 days.
At an elevation of 5,859 feet, Elko County receives approximately 15.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Catnip will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Catnip successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Elko County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.2-8.5
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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 0.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Elko County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Catnip Planting Timeline — Elko County, NV
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jun 26 |
| Harvest | August 14 | Aug 14 – Oct 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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
102 days in Elko County
Growing Tips for Elko 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 Elko County, NV?
Elko County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 5. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Elko County, NV?
Elko County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 5 and first fall frost is September 15.
Your Elko County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Elko 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.