When to Plant Catnip in Collingsworth County, TX
Top priorities for Collingsworth County, Texas gardeners in May
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Collingsworth County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 223 days.
At an elevation of 4,944 feet, Collingsworth County receives approximately 48.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Catnip may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Catnip will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Collingsworth County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.4-8.6
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 Collingsworth County
How your county's soil matches Catnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.4–8.6) is more alkaline than Catnip prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Collingsworth County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Catnip will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.0%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Catnip.
How to Plant Catnip
Succession Planting Catnip
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 18 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 | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Collingsworth 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 — Collingsworth County, TX
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Harvest | June 6 | Jun 6 – Aug 8 |
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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
223 days in Collingsworth County
Growing Tips for Catnip in Collingsworth County
Direct sow Catnip outdoors after March 28 in Collingsworth County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Collingsworth County dries quickly — mulch Catnip with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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 Collingsworth County, TX?
Collingsworth County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Collingsworth County, TX?
Collingsworth County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 6.
Your Collingsworth County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Collingsworth County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.