Catnip shouldn't require any additional fertiliser to do well, but if growth is slow or at the first sign of leaf yellowing or other nutrient deficiencies top dress around your plants with a complete organic fertiliser. Worms and soil micro-organisms will help to incorporate the organic matter through the soil improving its structure, drainage and fertility. If your soil is sandy, heavy with clay or pale and lacking in organic matter you can improve it by placing down a layer of compost or well-rotted manure prior to planting catnip. Catnip is fairly tolerant of poor soils but will grow best when planted in a free-draining soil rich in organic matter. Catnip is drought tolerant and once established should only need watering during prolonged dry spells. Catnip will grow and flower well in full sun or in part shade. Pinch back catnip stems tips regularly to encourage them to branch out and become bushier. This however can become a problem as it'll spread like mint and you'll need to trim the runners regularly if you want to keep it in check. Oil extracted from catnip leaves via steam distillation can be used as an mosquito repellent.Ĭatnip is easy to grow and will grow quickly in most gardens. The compound iridodial found in the leaves is attractive to lacewings whose immature larval stage also feeds on aphids. The scent of catnip leaves is repellent to aphids and squash bugs, making it great for companion planting around brassicas, cucurbits and other susceptible plants. Cats aren't the only critters that find catnip irresistible, the profuse, pale-purple flowers of catnip are great for attracting bees and butterflies to the garden. Catnip has a wide native range that extends from Southern and Eastern Europe, through the Middle East and Central Asia and as far east as China.Ĭatnip is named for the cat-attracting properties of the oil contained within its leaves, although it only has an effect on two out of every three cats.
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