Companion Plants for Catnip: The Ultimate Guide

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Catnip: A Plant with Benefits

Catnip, also known as Nepeta cataria, is a member of the mint family and is famous for its effect on cats. However, it's not just cats that benefit from this lovely plant. It has several uses as an herbal remedy, including as a calming agent, digestive aid, and headache treatment.

If you grow catnip in your garden, you might wonder if there are other plants that would pair well with it. Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together in a way that benefits both. In this article, we'll explore some of the best companion plants that go well with catnip.

The Best Companion Plants for Catnip

1. Lavender

Lavender is a popular herb that pairs well with catnip. Both plants have similar care needs and can thrive in the same growing conditions. Additionally, lavender is known for its calming properties, which makes it an excellent companion for catnip. Plus, the two plants together will create a beautiful and fragrant garden display.

How to Grow:

Plant lavender in well-draining soil and full sun. Water regularly but don't let the soil become waterlogged. Prune back after blooming to promote bushier growth.

2. Chamomile

Chamomile is another herb that goes well with catnip. It's a gentle, soothing plant that helps calm the nerves and promote relaxation. Growing chamomile near catnip can help keep pests away while providing a lovely scent to your garden.

How to Grow:

Chamomile prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Water regularly but don't allow the soil to become too wet. Harvest the flowers when they are fully open.

3. Bee Balm

Bee balm, also known as Monarda, is a beautiful flowering plant that attracts bees and butterflies. It's also a great companion for catnip because it repels pests like aphids and spider mites. Additionally, bee balm has antimicrobial properties that can help keep your garden healthy.

How to Grow:

Plant bee balm in well-draining soil in full sun or partial shade. Water regularly but don't let the soil become waterlogged. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.

4. Oregano

Oregano is another member of the mint family that makes a great companion for catnip. It has similar care needs and can grow well alongside catnip. Additionally, oregano is a natural insect repellent that can help protect your garden from pests.

How to Grow:

Plant oregano in well-draining soil and full sun. Water regularly but don't let the soil become waterlogged. Prune back after blooming to promote bushier growth.

5. Thyme

Thyme is an herb with a strong, earthy flavor that pairs well with catnip. It's also a natural insect repellent that can help keep your garden pest-free. Additionally, thyme has antifungal properties that can help prevent diseases in your garden.

How to Grow:

Plant thyme in well-draining soil and full sun. Water regularly but don't let the soil become waterlogged. Prune back after blooming to promote bushier growth.

6. Marigolds

Marigolds are a bright and cheerful flower that makes an excellent companion for catnip. They repel many garden pests, including nematodes and whiteflies. Additionally, marigolds attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.

How to Grow:

Plant marigolds in well-draining soil and full sun. Water regularly but don't let the soil become waterlogged. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.

7. Sage

Sage is an herb with a strong, savory flavor that pairs well with catnip. It's also a natural insect repellent that can help keep your garden pest-free. Additionally, sage has antifungal properties that can help prevent diseases in your garden.

How to Grow:

Plant sage in well-draining soil and full sun. Water regularly but don't let the soil become waterlogged. Prune back after blooming to promote bushier growth.

8. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a lovely flowering plant that makes an excellent companion for catnip. They attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies while repelling pests like aphids and spider mites. Additionally, nasturtiums are edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish.

How to Grow:

Plant nasturtiums in well-draining soil and full sun. Water regularly but don't let the soil become waterlogged. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.

9. Dill

Dill is an herb with a unique, tangy flavor that pairs well with catnip. It's also a natural insect repellent that can help keep your garden pest-free. Additionally, dill attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.

How to Grow:

Plant dill in well-draining soil and full sun. Water regularly but don't let the soil become waterlogged. Prune back after blooming to promote bushier growth.

10. Fennel

Fennel is an herb with a sweet, licorice-like flavor that pairs well with catnip. It's also a natural insect repellent that can help keep your garden pest-free. Additionally, fennel attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.

How to Grow:

Plant fennel in well-draining soil and full sun. Water regularly but don't let the soil become waterlogged. Prune back after blooming to promote bushier growth.

11. Yarrow

Yarrow is a flowering plant that makes an excellent companion for catnip. It attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies while repelling pests like aphids and spider mites. Additionally, yarrow has medicinal properties and can be used as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments.

How to Grow:

Plant yarrow in well-draining soil and full sun. Water regularly but don't let the soil become waterlogged. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.

12. Echinacea

Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a beautiful flowering plant that attracts bees and butterflies. It's also a great companion for catnip because it repels pests like aphids and spider mites. Additionally, echinacea has medicinal properties and can be used as a natural remedy for colds and flu.

How to Grow:

Plant echinacea in well-draining soil and full sun. Water regularly but don't let the soil become waterlogged. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.

13. Calendula

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a beautiful flowering plant that attracts bees and butterflies. It's also a great companion for catnip because it repels pests like aphids and spider mites. Additionally, calendula has medicinal properties and can be used as a natural remedy for skin irritation.

How to Grow:

Plant calendula in well-draining soil and full sun. Water regularly but don't let the soil become waterlogged. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.

14. Tansy

Tansy is a flowering herb that makes an excellent companion for catnip. It repels many garden pests, including ants, flies, and moths. Additionally, tansy has medicinal properties and can be used as a natural remedy for headaches.

How to Grow:

Plant tansy in well-draining soil and full sun. Water regularly but don't let the soil become waterlogged. Prune back after blooming to promote bushier growth.

15. Chives

Chives are a member of the onion family and make an excellent companion for catnip. They repel many garden pests, including aphids and spider mites. Additionally, chives are edible and can be used in cooking.

How to Grow:

Plant chives in well-draining soil and full sun. Water regularly but don't let the soil become waterlogged. Prune back after blooming to promote bushier growth.

FAQs

1. Can I grow catnip indoors?

Yes, catnip can be grown indoors in a sunny window or under grow lights. Be sure to give it plenty of room to grow and water regularly.

2. How do I harvest catnip?

Harvest catnip by cutting the stems just before the flowers bloom. Dry the leaves and store them in an airtight container for later use.

3. How often should I water my companion plants?

Water your companion plants regularly, but don't let the soil become waterlogged. The frequency will depend on the plant and growing conditions.

4. How do I keep pests away from my garden?

Companion planting is one way to naturally repel pests. Other methods include using organic pest control methods like neem oil or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs.

5. Can I use companion plants with other herbs?

Yes, companion planting works well with many different types of plants, including herbs. Experiment with different combinations to see what works best for your garden.

In catnip is a versatile herb that has many uses in the garden and beyond. By pairing it with some of these companion plants, you can create a beautiful and healthy garden that benefits both you and your furry friends. Remember to choose plants with similar care needs and experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your garden. Happy planting!

Great! Just to clarify, do you have any specific requirements for the style or tone of the blog post? And are there any particular companion plants for catnip that you'd like me to focus on, or should I cover a broad range of options? Alright, sounds good! I'll get ed on the blog post and make sure to include a variety of companion plants for catnip. Is there anything else you'd like me to keep in mind as I write?

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