Got a cat at home? Growing your catnip is a fun and rewarding project. Catnip is a plant that many cats love; it not only brings joy to your pet but is also an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to keep them entertained. Imagine the satisfaction of watching your cat play in a patch of fresh, homegrown catnip! Growing catnip is super easy and requires minimal effort and no gardening experience.
With a little attention and care, you can grow it indoors or outdoors so your cat always has a supply of their favourite treat. Plus, fresh catnip can be more potent than store bought so it’s a special treat for your furry friend. Whether you use it for cat toys, treats or even calming purposes, having a homegrown stash will keep your cat happy and stress-free.
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Get into these easy steps and you will be harvesting your catnip at home!
What Is Catnip?
Catnip is an herb scientifically known as Nepeta cataria in the mint family that is famous for its effects on cats. It contains a compound called nepetalactone, which causes playful, euphoric and sometimes calming responses in many cats when they sniff or ingest it.
While it is most well known for its use on felines, catnip has mild calming properties. Not all cats are affected by it but those that are will show excitement and playfulness around the plant or dried herb.
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How To Grow Catnip At Home
Choose The Right Spot
Catnip loves the sun, so pick a spot that gets at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight a day. If you are growing indoors, place the pot near a sunny window. Catnip can grow in partial shade but full sun helps it grow and develop strong flavours that cats love.
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Pick A Pot Or Ground Space
Catnip can be grown in pots or directly in the ground. If using a pot, make sure it has drainage holes. A 10–12-inch-deep container is ideal for root growth. If planting outdoors, choose well-drained soil to avoid waterlogged roots, which can cause plant diseases.
Good Soil
Catnip likes light, well-draining soil that is slightly sandy. While it is a tough plant, adding some organic compost to the soil will give it a boost. If planting in a pot, you can use a standard potting mix with perlite or sand to ensure good drainage.
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Plant The Catnip Seeds Or Transplants
If you are starting from seeds, plant in early spring or late summer. Press the seeds into the soil and cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist until the seeds sprout (7-10 days). If using transplants, dig a small hole, put the plant in, and firm the soil around it.
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Watering And Care
A catnip plant does not need a lot of water. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the germination period. Once the plants are established, you can water less often as catnip is fairly drought tolerant. But do not let the soil dry out completely as this will affect the plant’s growth.
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Prune Regularly For Growth
To keep your catnip healthy and bushy, prune it regularly. Trimming the leaves will encourage new growth and prevent the plant from getting too leggy. You can pinch off the top growth or cut back by about one-third every few weeks to keep its shape.
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Harvest And Store
You can start harvesting catnip once the plant is 12–18 inches tall. Cut the stems just above a leaf node. Fresh catnip can be used immediately or dried for later use. To dry, hang the stems upside down in a cool, dry place for a week. Once dry, crumble the leaves and store in an airtight container.