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Catnip
is closely related to mint and is similarly hardy. If
you plant catnip in the vegetable garden, be prepared
to pull out self-sown seedlings and creeping shoots to
control its spread and grow it in an unused area. Zones
6-9. Full sun to partial shade. Dry, sandy garden soil.
Height 1 – 3 feet, new stems each season from perennial
root, heart-shaped, toothed, grayish green leaves. Flowers
summer to early fall bloomer, white, purple, dotted flowers
in branching spikes. Usually free from pest and diseases,
planting near susceptible plants such as eggplants and
turnips appear to reduce infestations of flea beetles.
Catnip can however carry cucumber mosaic virus, a problem
on most crops of the squash family. The vapor also chases
away spittlebugs, ants, Japanese beetles, weevils and
a dozen other species. In late summer, strip topmost leaves
from stems and spread them to dry on a screen upside down.
Store in tightly sealed containers. Made a tea from the
dried leaves to use as a carminative, tonic and mild sedative.
Use fresh leaves in salads. Bruise a few leaves and leave
them near your cat’s food. The scent that is released
will make the cat feel like a playful kitten. These pretty
purple blooms are good fillers in fresh arrangements and
contrast well with white flowers. Grow catnip in pots
to contain the aggressive spread. |
