Companion planting for catnip is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. People have noticed that planting certain plants side by side has a positive effect on each other, increasing the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of catnip below.
Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! I’ve been growing catnip for years, and let me tell you – while this awesome herb can be a fantastic addition to your garden, it’s not always the friendliest neighbor. Today, I’m gonna share what I’ve learned about what plants you should keep far away from your catnip patch.
The Not-So-Friendly Neighbors
1. Other Mint Family Members
Look, since catnip belongs to the mint family, it’s got that same aggressive growing habit Here’s what you shouldn’t plant nearby
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- True mints
These herbs will literally fight each other for resources and trust me, nobody wins that battle! Plus, their flavors can get all mixed up over time – not what we want.
2. Delicate Plants
Catnip is basically the garden bully when it comes to smaller, fragile plants. It’ll spread like crazy with its:
- Aggressive root system
- Fast-growing rhizomes
- Dense foliage that blocks sunlight
3. Other Problem Plants
Stay away from planting these near your catnip:
- Fennel
- Dill
- Common sage
Why? Well, fennel and dill might attract the same beneficial insects, but they can also bring unwanted pests to each other. And sage? It’s got oils that’ll stunt your catnip’s growth
Better Companion Choices
Now that we know what to avoid, here’s what actually works great with catnip:
Vegetables that Love Catnip
| Vegetable | Benefit ||--------------|------------------------------|| Pumpkins | Repels squash bugs || Squash | Deters cucumber beetles || Broccoli | Keeps aphids away || Cauliflower | Fights cabbage worms || Potatoes | Repels beetles and aphids |Other Good Companions
- Eggplants
- Kale
- Collard greens
- Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
Pro Tips for Growing Catnip
-
Container Growing
I’ve learned the hard way that growing catnip in containers is often better than putting it directly in the ground. This way, you can control its spread and protect other plants. -
Strategic Placement
Want to keep cats from destroying your garden? Plant catnip on the outskirts! They’ll be so distracted by it they won’t mess with your other plants. -
Maintenance
Keep your catnip in check by:
- Regular pruning
- Removing spent blooms
- Monitoring spread
- Using root barriers
Benefits of Having Catnip in Your Garden
Despite its demanding nature, catnip brings some serious perks:
- Repels unwanted pests like:
- Aphids
- Beetles
- Moths
- Ants
- Mice
- Attracts beneficial insects
- Provides natural pest control
- Makes cats super happy (if that’s your thing!)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Overcrowding
Don’t plant catnip too close to other herbs or vegetables. Give everything plenty of space to grow. -
Ignoring Its Spread
Keep an eye on those runners! They can take over your garden faster than you’d think. -
Wrong Location
Don’t plant catnip in high-traffic areas where cats might damage other plants while trying to get to it.
Final Thoughts
Listen, growing catnip can be tricky, but it’s totally worth it when done right. Just remember to keep it away from its enemies, give it space to do its thing, and use its pest-repelling powers to your advantage.
We’ve found that the key to success is treating catnip like the strong-willed plant it is – give it boundaries, keep it contained, and it’ll be an awesome addition to your garden. Just don’t say I didn’t warn ya about its spreading habits!
What are the companion plants of catnip?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your catnip. These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your catnip.
Pumpkins, known for their gourd-like fruits and garden splendor, grow in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Full sunlight and ample space nurture their sprawling vines and prolific fruiting. Pumpkins provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, conserving moisture, and suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage.
Pumpkins and catnip make great garden buddies because pumpkins help catnip grow strong. Here’s why this pairing works:
Shade Support: Pumpkin plants have big, wide leaves that give catnip some shade. This keeps the catnip from drying out in hot weather and helps the soil stay cool and moist—just the way catnip likes it.
Pest Help: Pumpkin vines spread out and act like a natural shield, keeping pests away from the catnip. Plus, pumpkins attract bees and other pollinators, which are great for the whole garden.
Squash thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Full sunlight and ample space nurture its sprawling vines and prolific fruiting. Squash provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, conserving moisture, and suppressing weed growth with its broad leaves. Belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like pumpkins and cucumbers.
Squash is a fantastic companion for catnip, offering big benefits that help catnip grow strong and healthy. Here’s how:
Cooling Shade: Squash plants have large, sprawling leaves that give catnip plenty of shade. This keeps the soil cooler and helps it stay moist, which catnip loves. It also protects the catnip from drying out on hot, sunny days.
Natural Shelter: The vines of squash plants spread out and act like a protective cover, making it harder for pests to bother the catnip. This extra protection creates a safer space for catnip to grow.
Broccoli flourishes in diverse growing conditions. Thriving in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, it adapts to pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Adequate moisture and sunlight support vigorous growth and abundant yields. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like kale and cabbage, broccoli embodies the natural abundance and beauty found within the gardens embrace.
Light Shade: Broccoli’s tall, leafy structure provides just enough shade for catnip, helping it stay cool and preventing the soil from drying out too quickly. This is especially useful during warmer days.
Pest Protection: Broccoli and catnip work together against pests. Catnip repels harmful bugs, while broccoli’s sturdy growth creates a natural barrier, giving catnip some extra protection from being trampled or damaged.
Cauliflower thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. Adequate moisture and sunlight support vigorous growth and abundant curds. Cauliflower extends benefits to neighboring plants by enhancing soil health, promoting microbial activity, and optimizing nutrient availability. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, cauliflower epitomizes the lush abundance and natural charm found within the gardens bounty.
Potatoes grows in loose soil with a pH range between 5.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their lush foliage and tuber development. Potatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure, suppressing weed growth, and adding nutrients to the soil when left to decompose.
Moist Soil: Potato plants naturally thrive in loose, moist soil, which also suits catnip perfectly. Growing them together ensures catnip gets the soil conditions it loves.
Ground Cover: The leafy growth of potato plants helps shield the soil around catnip, keeping it cool and reducing evaporation. This means catnip stays hydrated and happy, even on warmer days.
Pest Balance: While catnip repels certain pests that might bother potatoes, potato plants give back by creating a stable environment where catnip can grow without stress.
Basil, with its aromatic leaves and culinary versatility, transcends its role as a mere herb, emerging as a cornerstone of companion gardening practices. Beyond its culinary appeal, basil offers a multitude of benefits to the garden ecosystem, serving as a beacon of fragrance and functionality in both kitchen and cultivation.
Pest Defense: Basil is well-known for repelling pests like flies and mosquitoes. By growing basil near catnip, it adds an extra layer of protection, keeping harmful bugs away from the catnip.
Garden Harmony: Basil has a compact growth habit, so it doesn’t overshadow or compete with catnip for space. Instead, it complements catnip’s growth, creating a balanced, happy garden environment.
Aromatic Boost: Both basil and catnip have strong scents that confuse pests looking to harm your plants, making them a great natural team for pest control.
Oregano grows in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 8.0. Full sunlight and occasional pruning nurture its flavorful foliage and compact growth. Oregano offers invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting pollinators, and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Pest Control: Oregano is a natural pest repellent, driving away harmful bugs like aphids and spider mites. Its presence near catnip adds an extra layer of protection, keeping the catnip safe and healthy.
Soil Health: Oregano grows well in similar soil conditions to catnip, helping maintain a balanced environment with good drainage and nutrients that both plants enjoy.
Low Competition: Oregano’s compact and spreading growth doesn’t overshadow catnip, allowing both plants to grow comfortably together without competing for light or space.
Cabbage thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained soil enriched with compost, it adapts to pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Adequate moisture and sunlight foster robust growth and ample foliage. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like kale and Brussels sprouts, cabbage epitomizes the culinary versatility and natural elegance found within the gardens domain.
Pest Protection: Cabbage is a great companion because it helps protect catnip from pests like aphids and cabbage worms. These pests often target both plants, but their presence around cabbage can help distract them from catnip.
Shade and Shelter: Cabbage’s large leaves provide some shade to catnip, keeping the soil cooler and moister, which helps catnip stay hydrated and healthy during hot days.
Improved Growth: Since both cabbage and catnip thrive in cool weather, they can grow well together, making the most of the same seasonal conditions
Peas thrive in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5, they embody adaptability and vigor. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their lush foliage and prolific growth. Peas provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by fixing nitrogen in the soil, enhancing fertility, and promoting overall garden health.
Soil Improvement: Peas are nitrogen fixers, meaning they help add nutrients to the soil that both plants can use. This creates a richer environment for catnip to grow in.
Shade and Support: Pea vines can provide some shade for catnip, protecting it from the harsh afternoon sun. This helps keep the soil moist and prevents catnip from drying out in hot weather.
Pest Protection: Peas can act as a natural barrier against certain pests that might target catnip, such as aphids, while catnip helps repel other insects like mosquitoes and flies.
Why does companion planting work?
Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:
Pest Control: Certain plants emit natural chemicals or scents that repel pests, effectively acting as natural pest deterrents for nearby plants. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.
Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.
Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.
Competition Reduction: Companion planting can help reduce competition for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients by utilizing plants with complementary growth patterns and root structures. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.
Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.
Maximizing Space: Companion planting allows gardeners to make the most of limited space by intercropping plants with different growth habits and maturity rates. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.
Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.
Something You Should Know About Catnip
FAQ
Will catmint choke out other plants?
Yes, catmint is a vigorous grower that can potentially choke out other plants, especially if they are slower-growing. For neighbors, select plants that are able to compete with catmint.
What not to do with catnip?
You may be tempted to give your cat catnip often to see their response and to make them happy. However, it’s important not to offer this treat too often. Ideally, cats should receive catnip no more than a few times per week. Over time, too much catnip can build up in your pet’s system, resulting in an intolerance.
What can I plant next to catmint?
Pair catmint with taller shrubs and perennials like elderberry, speedwell, and russian sage, depending on the available space. Hardy geraniums, petunias, and sweet potato vine are low-growing plants that create a tiered look when planted with catmint.
Is catnip good in a vegetable garden?
Catnip’s volatile oils are also believed to have sedative and antispasmodic properties in humans. These same chemicals make it a good companion plant in the vegetable garden, and it is recommended for planting alongside potatoes and leafy greens to ward off common pest insects.
Does catnip Wilt?
Catnip naturally repels pests such as aphids, squash bugs, and flea beetles, making it a great companion planting choice for organic gardeners. But catnip only thrives when planted with the right neighbors, and wilts in the presence of the wrong plants. Here are 15 excellent companion plants for catnip, along with a few to avoid planting nearby. 1.
Can catnip be used as a companion plant?
So when using catnip as a companion plant it is best to plant your catnip in a container. You can then either sit the container of catnip near your crops that you are using it as a companion plant for or you can plant the container in the ground. Make sure where you place your catnip is an area that has some room around it.
Which plants should I plant next to my catnip?
These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your catnip. Pumpkins, known for their gourd-like fruits and garden splendor, grow in various soil conditions.
Can catnip grow with brassicas?
Catnip can be an amazing companion for many plants, especially when you consider spacing. So, let’s dig into those guidelines to help your plants thrive together. When it comes to Brassicas—like kale, broccoli, and cabbage—aim for a spacing of about 12-24 inches.
Is catnip a good plant?
It features soft, fragrant, silver-green foliage, making it an ideal choice for pollinator gardens, herb patches, or cottage borders. Catnip naturally repels pests such as aphids, squash bugs, and flea beetles, making it a great companion planting choice for organic gardeners.
What plants eat catnip?
Besides Catnip, they get along well with onions and beets. Both of these can thrive alongside Brassicas, helping to keep pests away while maximizing the garden space. Squash plants flourish with Catnip, as the latter helps repel squash bugs. What’s more, they pair wonderfully with corn and beans.