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The Fresh Catnip Plant: Complete Guide and Care Tips
Have you ever seen a cat go crazy over a plant? Chances are, that plant was catnip.
Catnip is a herbaceous perennial plant, native to Europe and Asia but now widely grown all over the world.
It’s known for its ability to attract cats with its unique scent and produce a euphoric reaction in them.
If you’re thinking of adding fresh catnip plants to your garden, here’s everything you need to know about their care.
Choosing the Right Spot
The first step in growing fresh catnip plants is finding the right spot in your garden.
These plants require full sun exposure, so choose an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.
Catnips also grow well in well-drained soil types with neutral pH levels between 6-7.
- Choose an area with good drainage as excessive water can cause root rot.
- Avoid planting near walkways or areas where people sit as it will attract cats who might damage the plant while playing around.
- You can keep it indoors near windows as they love soaking up sunlight too much!
Preparing the Soil
Catnips prefer soil that is loose and fertile.
Before planting your fresh catnip plants, prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure into it for better nutrient content retention and water-holding capacity.
- Mix equal parts of potting mix/soilless mix along with perlite/growstones (for better drainage) if planting indoors or small pots.
- If planting outdoors dig holes about twice size than root ball size leaving around a gap of 15-18 inches between two plants.
- Catnip plant will benefit from regular fertilization while growing, so you can add fish emulsion or seaweed extract every two weeks to encourage growth and blooming.
Planting Process
The best time to plant fresh catnip plants is in the spring after the last frost.
You can buy seedlings from your local nursery or propagate them through stem cuttings.
If transplanting seedlings, make sure they are spaced at least 18 inches apart.
When planting, ensure that the crown is level with the soil surface and water immediately after planting.
- If you’re propagating using stem cuttings simply snip off stems from established plants and place them in a pot filled with moist soil mix until new roots form within 2 weeks before transplanting outside or larger pots indoors.
- Water regularly for at least first few months to keep soil moist (not soggy).
- You can mulch around catnips to retain moisture and prevent weed growth around it
Maintenance Tips
Catnips are fairly easy to maintain once established in the garden.
Here are some tips on how to take care of your fresh catnip plants:
- Prune regularly as they grow fast which will encourage bushier growth instead of tall ones.
If cats start playing around too much prune it enough that they don’t spoil entire plant instead only play around lower portion of branches.
If grown outside protect young tender shoots during extreme heat by shading with light-colored fabric clothes etc.
Pick leaves regularly when needed as it encourages more growth and can be used for making teas or giving your cats a little treat.
Conclusion
Catnip plants are easy to grow and maintain in the garden, making them a great addition to any cat lover’s outdoor space.
By following these simple care tips, you can ensure that your fresh catnip plants thrive and keep your feline friends happy.
So go ahead and add a few of these herbaceous plants to your garden today!
