When to Plant Catnip in Bayfield County, WI
This month in Bayfield County, Wisconsin
A quick May briefing for Bayfield County, Wisconsin gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Move catnip from tray to bed
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
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.
Bayfield County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.
At an elevation of 619 feet, Bayfield County receives approximately 36.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Catnip to ensure they mature before fall.
Bayfield County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.8
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 Bayfield County
How your county's soil matches Catnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.8) overlaps with Catnip's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Bayfield County is excellent for Catnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
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 Jul 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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Bayfield 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 — Bayfield County, WI
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Sep 24 |
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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
142 days in Bayfield County
Growing Tips for Catnip in Bayfield County
Direct sow Catnip outdoors after May 14 in Bayfield 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 Bayfield County, WI?
Bayfield County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bayfield County, WI?
Bayfield County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 3.
Your Bayfield County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Bayfield County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.