How To Grow Your Own Cat Nip In Flower Pots!
If you’re a proud cat owner, you’ve probably noticed how much your feline friends adore catnip. Catnip is not only a great treat for cats, but it’s also a fun plant to grow indoors or on your balcony.
With its easy-growing nature and delightful smell, having your own catnip supply can be a rewarding hobby. In this detailed guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to grow your own catnip in flower pots.
Why Grow Your Own Catnip?
Before diving into the process, let’s explore why growing your own catnip is a great idea. First and foremost, it’s an all-natural way to provide your cat with a healthy treat. You know exactly what went into growing the plant—no pesticides or harmful chemicals—giving you peace of mind.
Not only that, catnip can also be used in teas and herbal remedies for humans! Its leaves have calming properties that are great for relieving stress and anxiety.
Additionally, growing catnip in flower pots allows you to bring a touch of greenery into your home or balcony. The fresh scent of catnip leaves is pleasant to humans, and the flowers can attract bees and other pollinators to your garden if you place them outside.
Choosing the Right Catnip Variety
Not all catnip plants are created equal. There are several varieties of catnip (Nepeta cataria), and while any variety will be a hit with your cat, some may grow better in different conditions.
The traditional variety is Nepeta cataria, which has those familiar heart-shaped leaves and lavender or white flowers. It is hardy, easy to grow, and ideal for indoor or outdoor pots.
You can also find different hybrids of catnip, such as lemon-scented catnip (Nepeta citriodora), which adds a citrusy note to the fragrance. If you’re growing for both yourself and your cats, experiment with different varieties to see which one suits you best.
What You Need to Get Started
Before planting your catnip, it’s essential to gather the right supplies. Luckily, catnip is a low-maintenance herb, and growing it in flower pots only requires a few basic materials:
- Pots or containers: Choose a pot with a diameter of at least 12 inches to give the roots room to grow. Make sure it has drainage holes.
- Soil: A well-draining potting mix with organic compost will give your catnip the best chance to thrive.
- Seeds or seedlings: You can start catnip from seeds or buy seedlings from a nursery.
- A sunny spot: Whether indoors by a window or outside on a patio, catnip loves sunshine.
Planting Catnip Seeds or Seedlings
Once you’ve gathered your materials, it’s time to plant! If you’re using seeds, begin by lightly scattering them over the surface of the soil in your flower pot. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and gently water. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a sunny location.
Seedlings are a quicker option if you want a head start. Simply transplant your seedlings into the flower pot, making sure to bury the root ball deeply enough so that the base of the plant is even with the soil. Water immediately after planting to help the seedlings settle in.
Sunlight and Watering Needs
Catnip is a sun-loving plant, so it thrives in bright, indirect light. Ideally, your catnip should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. If you’re growing it indoors, place your pots by a sunny window or invest in a grow light if natural sunlight is limited.
Water your catnip regularly but allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. It’s better to water thoroughly but less frequently rather than giving it a little water every day.
Fertilizing and Pruning Your Catnip
Catnip doesn’t require heavy fertilization. In fact, over-fertilizing can diminish the strength of the oils in the leaves that cats find irresistible. Using an organic fertilizer once a month during the growing season should be more than enough.
Pruning your catnip plant is essential for keeping it healthy and encouraging growth. Trim the leaves frequently, especially if you’re harvesting for your cat. This will help the plant grow bushier rather than tall and lanky. Remove any flowers as they appear if your goal is to increase the potency of the leaves. However, leaving the flowers can enhance the plant’s beauty, and bees love them!
Dealing with Common Catnip Pests
Even though catnip is a hardy plant, it can sometimes attract pests. Aphids and spider mites are the most common, especially if you’re growing your plant outdoors. Regularly check the undersides of leaves for pests, and if you find any, treat the plant with a gentle insecticidal soap.
Keeping your catnip well-pruned and providing good air circulation around the plant can help prevent infestations.
Harvesting Catnip for Your Cats
When harvesting catnip for your furry friend, snip the leaves and stems after the plant has reached a height of at least 6 inches. Catnip’s potency is at its highest just before the plant flowers, so this is the ideal time to harvest.
You can give fresh catnip directly to your cat, or dry it by hanging the stems upside down in a warm, dark place for a week or so. Once dried, crush the leaves to release the essential oils and store them in an airtight container.
Fun Ways to Use Catnip
Now that your catnip is flourishing, you can get creative with how to use it! Besides giving your cat a fresh sprig or dried leaves to play with, you can make catnip-infused toys, add it to scratching posts, or even bake catnip treats.
Don’t forget—catnip is good for you too. Brew a calming tea with the leaves, add it to potpourri, or use it in herbal sachets to freshen your home.
Growing your own catnip in flower pots is a fun and rewarding way to treat your cat and beautify your living space. With a little patience and care, you’ll soon have a thriving supply of this beloved herb, ready to entertain your feline friend and bring a bit of nature into your home!
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