Blog

When to Plant Catnip in Carbon County, UT

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.

Carbon County, Utah is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 133 days.

At an elevation of 5,755 feet, Carbon County receives approximately 14.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Catnip to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Catnip successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Carbon County, UT (Zone 6a) Short season
133 days
Last Spring Frost May 17
133 growing days
First Fall Frost September 27

Carbon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-8.3

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 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.3" 3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.3" 3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Carbon County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Catnip Planting Timeline — Carbon County, UT

Catnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 24 May 24 – Jun 7
Harvest July 26 Jul 26 – Sep 27

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

60–80 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

133 days in Carbon County

Growing Tips for Carbon 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Catnip in Carbon County, UT?

Carbon County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Carbon County, UT?

Carbon County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is September 27.

🌱

Your Carbon County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Carbon County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Carbon County, UT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.