How to Grow Great Catnip

Catnip is an herb that has several uses. Most people know that cats love this herb. It can also be used as an herbal remedy. You can easily grow this herb in your home garden. Here are some tips to help you grow great catnip in your garden.

The scientific name for catnip is Nepeta cataria. In addition, catmint is another common name for this herb. The name catmint probably stems from the fact that this plant is a member of the mint family. The plant is a perennial, so be sure to plan for that when you plant it.

Set out the seeds or seedlings for catnip in an area that will get full sun or partial shade in light. The plant will be more fragrant if it is planted in full sun. The soil needs to be well drained. You should do this in the fall or early spring. Catnip will spread rapidly. The plants can grow up to three feet tall. Catnip is easy to grow and very low maintenance. It will require very little care to thrive in your home garden.

If there are any neighborhood cats, they will love your patch of catnip. They tend to rub themselves on the plant. At times, they will even roll on the plants and damage them. The fragrance of the catnip is what attracts the cats to the plant. Your feline friend may chew on the plant, but it will probably only be to break the leaves and get more of the scent out of the catnip. It is also pleasant to many people, as well. If you enjoy birds in your yard, do not plant catnip anywhere near where the birds might be. It will attract natural predators of your winged friends. If it is planted in containers, however, it can make a wonderful addition to any deck or terrace garden.

When harvesting the plant, gather the leaves and tops in the late summer. This should be done when the plant is in full bloom. They should be dried in a warm and dry place. Store the dried leaves away from any moisture.

The leaves are coarse, grayish green and heart shaped. They are delicious either fresh or dried. The leaves can be brewed into a tasty tea in either form. It will help with insomnia and upset stomachs.

Catnip was thought, incorrectly, to prevent leprosy during the Middle Ages. The plan catnip was first introduced to America when colonists came from Europe. It was considered a necessity at that time. The first geographer to do a survey of America listed it as a commercial crop in 1796.

Growing herbs in your home garden is a wonderful hobby. You can grow many herbs right along side your vegetables. Hopefully, these tips will help you grow an abundant crop of catnip for you, your family, and your feline friends to enjoy.

SOURCE

Editors "Better Homes and Gardens" magazine. "New Garden Book". 1990. Better Homes and Gardens Books. Des Moines, Iowa.

Editors of Rodale Organic Gardening Magazine and Books. "Rodale Organic Gardening Basics: Herbs Volume 5". 2001. Pennsylvania, USA.