How to Grow Catnip

easyGardening60-90 days6 steps

Safety Warnings

stainless steel hand trowel — standard 12-inch

plastic drainage pot — 10-inch diameter with drainage holes

lightweight potting soil — well-draining mix(as needed)

catnip seeds or cuttings — Nepeta cataria(1-2 plants)

Prepare a site with light, moist soil that provides good drainage, similar to a stream bank environment.

Tip: Ensure the location receives either full sun or partial shade.

Place catnip in a 10-inch pot with drainage holes to contain the root system and prevent it from becoming invasive.

Tip: You can sink this pot directly into the ground or keep it above ground.

Sow seeds or plant cuttings approximately two feet apart if planting multiple containers in a garden area.

Tip: Planting in a separate raised bed is a good alternative if you want it as a ground cover.

Water the soil regularly to keep it moist, ensuring the plant has consistent hydration.

Tip: Avoid waterlogging the soil to prevent root rot.

Monitor growth as the plant reaches one to two feet in height; use as a companion plant to repel aphids, ants, and flea beetles.

Tip: Catnip is particularly effective when planted near beans.

Harvest leaves or stems once the plant is established and reaching its mature height.

Tip: Harvesting can be done throughout the growing season.

Catnip is excellent for repelling flea beetles, ants, and aphids in the garden.
To prevent the plant from stealing nutrients from other crops, always keep it contained in pots.

Synthesized from 6 verified sources:

Companion Planting DatasetView →

Wind River Greens Plant DatabaseView →

Old Farmer's AlmanacView →

GrowstuffView →

Gutenberg: War Gardens GuideView →

Old Farmer's AlmanacView →