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The Dos and Don’ts of Indoor Catnip Cultivation
The Dos and Don’ts of Indoor Catnip Cultivation: Do you want to find out how to grow catnip (Nepeta cataria)? Why wouldn’t you be? Millions of videos of beautiful kitties freaking out about the green gunk can be found on Instagram.
Catnip, on the other hand, isn’t just for cat owners; it’s also a terrific addition to any window herb garden and may be enjoyed by humans. Catnip tea can help with both stress and digestion.
Learn how to grow this lovely herb here.
Catnip propagation is an easy way to grow this lovely herb. There are four choices. Each is described in greater detail below:
Seeds
Catnip seedlings develop faster when they are layered. A 12- to 24-hour soak increases germination. Many gardeners recommend freezing seeds for an hour or two before putting them in water. This is something more you could try. After stratifying, sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep in a seed mix. They germinate in about 5 to 20 days.
Instead of planting catnip from seed, get a few transplants from a nearby nursery.
Cuttings
Planting 4 to 6 cm long stems below the leaf node in rich, damp potting soil is a rapid technique to replicate catnip during the growth season. To increase the chances of success, spray rooting hormone on the cut ends.
Layering
Layering flexible and immature catmint stems allows you to quickly produce new plants. The hidden stem nodes will allow the roots to grow quickly. Use permeable potting soil and keep the plant in a well-lit, warm location. This method works nicely in the spring and fall. Check out this article from the University of Florida to have a better understanding of the subject.
Division
Catmint can be reproduced by division if it is lush and established. Excess dirt can be removed from the soil by removing the plant. Using a sharp tool, cut the root ball into one or two neat sections. Place the multiplied plants in different pots.
Choose a container with a depth and width of at least 8 inches. This will allow the plant to thrive and grow. When the plant outgrows its current pot, repot it into a one to two size larger container (10 to 12 inches). Divide the root ball in two and place them in separate pots before repotting to acquire extra catmints.
Quick tips
When growing this herb for your pet, use a larger container and put numerous plants together.
Planters made of brittle materials, like clay pots, should be avoided.
Catnip can be grown alongside other plants.
Catnip can be cultivated in conjunction with other herbs that have similar growing requirements, such as hyssop, mint, sorrel, and nasturtium. Catmint roots, on the other hand, spread quickly and choke out neighbouring plants.
The Dos and Don’ts of Growing Catnip
Allow as much sunshine as possible to reach your plant. Too little sunshine makes the plant limp and hinders the formation of new growth.
Place the plant in well-draining soil to avoid root rot. If the soil retains too much moisture, problems will arise.
Fertilize once a month.
Distribute your catnip. Who doesn’t want some more catnip? Place a snip in a pot filled with new dirt. If you give the cutting enough light and water, it will sprout again.
Collect the leaves for your feline pal. Use them immediately or hang them to dry.
Allow your plants some breathing space. Make sure there is enough room between the pots for the catnip to breathe.
Plant catnip in your garden. Catnip grows well on a balcony or in a garden.
What not to do when cultivating catnip
Bring home a bug-infested plant. Before you bring your new baby home, meticulously inspect the catnip you intend to buy at the nursery for pests.
Allow your catnip to mature. Remove any budding stems to encourage the plant to thrive.
Allow unrestricted access to your feline companion. Cats will destroy your plant by rubbing up against it or sitting on it, but they will not overdose on it. Consider growing it in a hanging pot.
Float the catnip. Make sure your content has drainage holes! Standing water at the bottom of a closed container might be fatal to your plant.
Allow moisture to build up on the leaves. This encourages the growth of pests and mould. Concentrate on the soil rather than the foliage when watering.
Don’t worry if you forget to water. Catmint heals well when given plenty of water.
Potting soil is recyclable. If you have lost a plant to a fungus or bug, it is possible that it is still living in the soil. Before using the pot again, remove the infected mixture and thoroughly clean it with hot soap and water.
Catnip does not bother cats as long as the leaves are not crushed. Crushing the leaves releases the essential oil’s aroma, which attracts cats, forcing them to brush up against and nibble on the plant.
Keep catnip out of reach of your cat if you grow it for culinary purposes.
According to numerous research, catnip has a euphoric effect on 70 to 80 per cent of cats.
Did you realise that? Catnip cannot cause addiction in cats. When they’ve had enough of the plant, they turn away from it and refuse to eat or play with it.
Growing catnip sounds like a fun project! It’s cool that it’s not just a treat for our furry friends but also a fantastic herb for us humans. I love the idea of having a little indoor garden filled with it. Plus, who doesn’t want to whip up some homemade catnip tea for a calming evening? Those tips on seed germination are super helpful, especially the freezing trick. I’ll definitely give that a try. Can’t wait to see my kitties go wild!
Growing catnip does sound like a great project, doesn’t it? It’s like creating a little slice of kitty paradise right in your living room. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to treat themselves to a calming cup of catnip tea after a long day? It’s like pampering yourself while also being a superhero for your cat. Talk about a win-win.
It sounds like you’re really excited about diving into catnip gardening, and I totally get that! Creating a little indoor garden can be such a rewarding experience, plus it’s nice knowing your kitties will appreciate the effort. Catnip tea can be a nice touch, too—who knew something for the cats could also be a cozy treat for us?
It’s great to hear you’re excited about growing catnip! Setting up an indoor garden filled with it sounds like a wonderful way to bring a bit of nature inside. Besides being a fun project for you and a treat for your cats, catnip really does have some interesting benefits for us humans. Its calming properties can be a nice addition to your evening routine—especially when brewed into tea. Have you thought about mixing it with other herbs like chamomile or lemon balm for an even more relaxing brew?
Growing catnip really is a fun project. It’s great to hear you’re excited about the idea of an indoor garden! Catnip’s versatility is one of its best features—besides making our cats go bananas, it can also be a soothing addition to your herbal repertoire.
I’m glad you feel the excitement about catnip gardening! It really is special to create a space that both we and our pets can enjoy. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching the plants grow and knowing your kitties will have a blast with them.
Growing catnip can really transform your indoor space into a vibrant little ecosystem. It’s interesting how this herb can be appreciated on two fronts—both by our feline friends and by us. Not only can it spice up a cat’s day, but it’s also packed with benefits for humans. Drinking catnip tea can be quite soothing; it’s known to help with digestion and may even promote better sleep.
You make a good point about growing catnip creating a lively space for both cats and people. It’s fascinating how one plant serves such diverse needs. You’re right that cats react to it in ways that are amusing and joyful, and that adds a dynamic element to any indoor environment.
It’s great to hear your enthusiasm for catnip gardening! It’s really fascinating how something that brings so much joy to our cats can also be beneficial for us humans. When I first started my own little catnip patch, I was surprised by how easy it was to grow. Catnip thrives in a sunny spot and doesn’t require a lot of fuss, which makes it perfect for anyone looking to start an indoor garden.
Growing catnip really does sound like a great project, doesn’t it? It’s pretty fascinating how something so simple can create that little slice of kitty paradise in your home. I’ve found that having plants around adds such a warm touch to the space, and catnip is a fantastic choice, especially since it’s so low-maintenance. Plus, it can be really enjoyable to watch the cats interact with it; their antics can be absolutely entertaining.
You’re spot on about catnip! It really does add a lively touch to an indoor environment, bringing a little slice of nature right into our homes. I love that you highlighted its dual benefits. Watching a cat go wild over catnip is such a joy—it’s pure entertainment.
Sounds like you’ve got a great plan! An indoor garden filled with catnip can really brighten up a space and make it feel alive. Plus, watching your kitties react to it is such a joy—they always surprise us with their antics.
You’ve hit on a really beautiful aspect of growing catnip. It’s fascinating how a single plant can create such a lively atmosphere for both cats and humans. Watching a cat dive into a patch of catnip is pure joy—they seem to get lost in their own little world, and that playful energy can lift the mood of any room.
I appreciate your thoughts! There’s something really special about creating that little indoor oasis, isn’t there? Watching the cats interact with the catnip is such a joyful experience. And you’re right about the tea—who would have thought something meant for our furry friends could double as a cozy drink for us? I’ve started experimenting with blending some of my favorite herbs into the catnip tea. Adding a hint of chamomile really enhances the flavor and makes for a soothing evening brew. Have you tried any of your own twists on it?
You’re spot on about the fun of growing catnip! It really is fascinating how this simple plant has a way of capturing our furry friends’ attention. Watching them get all playful over something we’ve nurtured makes the whole gardening experience even more rewarding.
It’s great to hear you share the excitement about growing catnip! I’m really looking forward to seeing how my indoor garden flourishes. It’s true that catnip can offer some interesting benefits beyond our furry friends enjoying it. The calming properties you mentioned are something I’ve been curious about. I’ve read that catnip tea can help promote relaxation, which sounds perfect after a long day.
It really does feel like a little piece of nature can transform the indoor space. I’ve always thought fostering plants in the home adds not just beauty, but also a certain energy. Growing catnip seems like a fun way to bridge that connection with my cats, who get so playful with it.