Happy Earth Day:
Plant Some Nip!

Catnip


A member of the mint family, catnip will easily grow in a container. Fresh catnip has always made my kids happy.
Here are some tips, though: don't over-fertilize.  Most herbs don't benefit from a lot of fertilizers.  Stay away from fertilizers high in Phosphorus -- the P in NPK, which is the middle # of fertilizers -- like a basic 10-10-10 fertilizer would be the highest P I'd go... stick to an organic fertilizer like compost, compost tea, or fish emulsion and you'll be fine... stay away from the Miracle Gro or Scott's Bloom Plus for these plants, which can be as high as 30 in the P range ---- as in 10-30-10.  The P (phosphorus) helps encourage blooms in plants, which is not what you're going for in 'nip - you want leaves.
Most herbs, like catnip, are highest in essential oils right before they bloom.  Pinching off emerging flower buds will help your plants be not only bushy but high in essential oils - the part that drives kitties wild!
Along with using natural fertilizers, NEVER use systemic herbicides or insecticides around herbs!  Systemic chemicals are absorbed by the plants and remain in the leaves.  My advice is to avoid insecticides altogether with herbs - catnip in a sunny, moist location grows like a weed anyway, what's a few bug-chewed leaves?
Some cats like fresh 'nip, most prefer dried - the essential oils are concentrated in dried 'nip.
I prefer to grow catnip in pots, so I can control its growth.  Remember - it is a member of the mint family, and you don't want them taking over your garden.  Why not plant a pot of catnip for Earth Day?
cheers,
Not The Mama

Mo and The Purries

4 comments :

  1. We are thrilled ta have just received some plants in the mail. 2 of them are 1 catmint and 1 catnip! So thanks fer the growin advice!

    ReplyDelete
  2. That is one excellent idea!!! Happy Earth Day everyone!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Excellent. Although the Woman likes to have it in the garden because then SOMETHING is growing...

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for a great post! I am making my human read it... and take notes!

    ReplyDelete

We ♥ comments!

But all spam comments will be deleted - so don't even bother spamming us, or we will scratch your eyes out!!!

Instagram