Growing and Using Catnip
By Brenda Hyde
When we bought our first house the backyard was a basically
gravel and weeds, except for a couple of lone plants. One was
catnip. I thought of it as annoying because it was popping up
all over, but I found it pulled up easy and I could keep it where
I wanted it as long as I paid attention. Since I first met this
tough little herb I have found out many interesting tidbits about
it.
First the basics: Nepeta cataria is a perennial herb in Zones
3-9. You can easily grow it from seed by rubbing it lightly with
fine sandpaper, then either direct seeding it into your garden
or starting it inside and transplanting. It's drought tolerant and
carefree once established. Keep it moist when small, and
harvest anytime after it reaches 8-10 inches. It needs regular
garden soil, no fertilizing and will self-sow, so cut off the blooms
before they turn to seed. I've grown it in full sun and shade.
There are seeds and pictures here listed under nepeta.
Yes, most cats love it, and appear to be a little crazed around it,
but some like our new kitty, could care less. Not all cats have
the gene that makes them sensitive to catnip. The toys you
buy in the store most likely have been sitting on a shelf for a
long time and have weakened. You are better off making your
own little pouches for kitty to play with. Dry catnip in a very low
oven, by hanging small bunches in a airy location, or on screens.
When it's dry, crumble it and store in jars until ready to use in
tea, pouches or for other uses.
Catnip is also a pest repellent, which is what really led me to
feature it today. Amazing studies by scientists, not herbalist
who already knew this, found that the oils in catnip repels
cockroaches and mosquitoes, as well as some other insects!
You do have to use caution though, as with any herbal repellent,
when it's used as a strong infusion it can irritate skin, especially
in children or sensitive adults. The essential oil of catnip, which
can be purchased is especially strong and should be diluted and
used very carefully. That said, the easiest thing to try first, is to
grow catnip around your garden and try it in various locations to
act as a general pest deterrent. Second, dry it and put it in small
muslin bags to place in cupboards and other areas that may be
a problem. Catnip can also be made into a strong tea that you
allow to brew or infuse for half hour or more, strain and add to a
spray bottle. Spray around baseboards and cupboards. As far
as a mosquito repellant you could try the spray, or make one
with essential oils, but again, be cautious and spray on clothing
rather than skin.
Catnip isn't just for cats though. It makes a nice comforting tea
also. Try this simple blend, and make your own adjustments
depending on the herbs you have on hand. You could use
any of the lemon herbs or mints with the catnip.
Comforting Tea Blend
Ingredients:
1/2 cup dried catnip
3/4 cup dried chamomile
1 cup dried lemon balm
1/4 cup dried mint-pineapple or apple mint is nice
Mix the herbs together, and store in an air tight container.
2 tsp. in a cup of boiling water for tea. Steep for 5 minutes
and strain. Sweeten with honey or sugar if desired.
About the author:
Brenda Hyde is editor of Old Fashioned Living, a freelance writer,
cook, gardener and Mom. Growing and using herbs has become one of
her favorite things. For information on subscribing to our newsletters Click
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