When to Plant Catnip in McCurtain County, OK
Your May game plan for McCurtain County, Oklahoma
Your garden in McCurtain County, Oklahoma is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- First harvests: catnip
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.
McCurtain County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.
At an elevation of 468 feet, McCurtain County receives approximately 28.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season.
McCurtain County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.2
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 McCurtain County
How your county's soil matches Catnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.2) is within Catnip's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in McCurtain County is excellent for Catnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Catnip.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Catnip will thrive.
How to Plant Catnip
Succession Planting Catnip
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 15 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 2.2" | 1" | 1.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in McCurtain 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 — McCurtain County, OK
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Harvest | June 11 | Jun 11 – Aug 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
215 days in McCurtain County
Growing Tips for Catnip in McCurtain County
Direct sow Catnip outdoors after April 02 in McCurtain County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 McCurtain County, OK?
McCurtain County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McCurtain County, OK?
McCurtain County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 3.
Your McCurtain County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for McCurtain County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.