When to Plant Catnip in Storey County, NV
Top priorities for Storey County, Nevada gardeners in May
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Storey County, Nevada this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Transplant catnip outside
Harden off for 7 days — a little more sun each day — before planting. That's the difference between a seedling that thrives and one that stalls.
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.
Storey County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 4,167 feet, Storey County receives approximately 11 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 94°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.
Storey County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.2-8.2
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 Storey County
How your county's soil matches Catnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.2–8.2) is more alkaline than Catnip prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Storey County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Catnip will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Catnip.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Catnip.
How to Plant Catnip
Succession Planting Catnip
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 22 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 0.3" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.4" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1" | 1.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Storey 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 — Storey County, NV
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 2 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Sep 22 |
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 | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Storey County
Growing Tips for Catnip in Storey County
Direct sow Catnip outdoors after May 12 in Storey County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Storey County dries quickly — mulch Catnip with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Storey County receives only 11" 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 Storey County, NV?
Storey County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Storey County, NV?
Storey County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 10.
Your Storey County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Storey County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.