When to Plant Catnip in Wahkiakum County, WA
May to-do list for Wahkiakum County, Washington
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Wahkiakum County, Washington this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- 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.
Wahkiakum County, Washington is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.
At an elevation of 180 feet, Wahkiakum County receives approximately 35.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season.
Wahkiakum County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.3
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 Wahkiakum County
How your county's soil matches Catnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.3) is more acidic than Catnip prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Wahkiakum County is excellent for Catnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Catnip will thrive.
How to Plant Catnip
Succession Planting Catnip
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 16 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0.6" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0.7" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Wahkiakum 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 — Wahkiakum County, WA
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
205 days in Wahkiakum County
Growing Tips for Catnip in Wahkiakum County
Direct sow Catnip outdoors after April 13 in Wahkiakum 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 Wahkiakum County, WA?
Wahkiakum County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wahkiakum County, WA?
Wahkiakum County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is November 4.
Your Wahkiakum County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Wahkiakum County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.