Bert Swope
Growing catnip in your garden is simple, but there are a few things that you should know regarding how to grow catnip properly. Catnip flowers are hard and must be staked or containerized, after which they must be divided. This is done by placing the flowers in a shallow dish of water, overnight and then putting the flowers in a container or stake in your garden. Each morning, remove the petals from the flower and replace them in the flower’s container.
During the growing season, cut off any blooms that have grown too big for your pot. After the growing season, repot the plants. During this time, your plants will not produce as much pollen. When it is time to repot, remove the plant from the pot and place it in a large pot with a light covering on top. Do not put the plant in the sun, as it may burn.
Your catnip will not grow unless it gets plenty of moisture. So, feed your plants daily with compost or well-rotted manure. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Once a week, backfill your garden with topsoil and place your newly planted flowers into the holes. This will help them grow roots and develop their new environment.
You can find starter packs at your local nursery that includes all the soil, compost, and plant food you will need. The great thing about growing herbs in your home is that you do not have to spend a lot of money on supplies. In addition, they are easy to grow from the natural soil that is in your garden.
As for how to grow catnip for cats, it is similar to how you grow mints. They are annual herbs, so there is no need to prune them. Instead, just clip off the dead and dried flowers. Keep the young and thriving buds from becoming deformed. You may want to use a string to tie your catnip bundle up to the indoor plant pot. When the plant starts to flower, the tiny flowers will be covered with small hairs.
Your indoor plant pot should have good drainage so that excess water will drain out. Once you have successfully grown your catnip plants, you may find that you enjoy taking care of them even more. One way you can make your home smell like catnip plants is to mist the area with a catnip mist. This helps to draw the scent away from your carpet or furniture. Just remember to place the mister at least three inches away from your carpet or furniture.
Catnip plants are considered invasive in some areas. If you are growing them, then you should consult with your local nursery. They can provide you with specific information about how to care for your new, flowering plants. They can also tell you whether it would be considered invasive or not.
The best way to grow catnip is to have it planted in partial shade during the hottest part of the day. If the soil is dry, it will benefit from some fertilizer before being planted. The mint flavor of the plant is quite strong, so it should be used in its whole form, either fresh or dried. Try not to over-dry the plant; it will lose much of its flavor. When purchasing catnip, always look for the perennial version, as it will provide year-round coverage.
