Growing Cat Nip.

I haven't tried it yet, but want to give it a go too. Post again with how it worked for you, please! I've been using up little scrap bits of yarn and crocheting little balls and the kittens love them. I'd like to tuck a small amount of catnip in the stuffing before stitching it up.

I haven't tried catnip for my Bigguy yet but I have thought about growing it myself. Can you tell me how you got started? I'm very interested in trying it out.

I haven't done this myself, either. Not yet, anyways! I know at petco they sell it already growing. Here is some information I've found: Catnip (Nepenta cataria) is a perennial herb than causes most cats to fall into a state of unbridled ecstasy, complete with half-lidded eyes and copious drooling. It is rare for a cat to be unresponsive to this plant, and since it is harmless to them, there is no reason to deprive your pets of the pleasure. The very best catnip is grown in your garden and dried for use in the winter. HARVEST AND STORAGE You can begin harvesting catnip as soon as the stems get to about one foot tall, and continue cutting all summer. In mild climates, the plant will maintain a low rosette of leaves and can be picked through the winter. During the summer, you can cut a few sprigs of fresh catnip for kitty whenever you want to give him a treat. Don't be alarmed if kitty eats all the leaves. Cut the stems when the leaves are dry of morning dew and hang upside down in an airy, shaded place to cure. When completely dried and crunchy, crumble the leaves into a paper bag and discard the stems. Store in plastic bags under lock and key. It has been my experience that many cats are able to open cupboards and remove bags of catnip. Most cats will have no trouble tearing open a plastic bag to get at the catnip inside. When you give your cat toys filled with catnip, remember to keep a few extras inside the bag for later. Pom-poms of yarn are very nice cat toys that can be purchased at craft shops or made at home. A few of these kept in with the dried catnip will ensure a ready supply for rotating. (Source: http://www.essortment.com/all/growingcatnip_rdgh.htm)

We used to have catnip growing in the garden, but it's long since gone. Last year I decided that I'd like to see if I could get it going again and grew some seedlings from seed. However they did not survive very long after I planted them out, they very quickly got destroyed by the cats of which there are quite a lot around here (apart from my own four that is)

Any herb that you want to harvest, you dry it out by hanging it upside down tied with a piece of yarn. I grow cat nip and cat grass. My cats love to eat their grass, I put it in a large low pot on the floor for them once it starts to grow. Let me know how your cat nip comes out!!

I used to grow it at our old house. It's very easy to grow and spreads like a weed. You can actually harvest it just about anytime. Pick off the ends of the plant and it will keep growing. You can hang the stalks to dry or use them fresh. I used to pull off a branh and use it to play with our cat and he'd go nuts - even for the fresh herb. When he would occasionally escape from the house we'd never have to look far for him. We would always find him in the catnip patch. I should start a patch of it here at the new place too. The kitties really enjoy it.

My cat was completely crazy for catnip, so I never tried to grow it as there was no way to keep it safe. My friend grew it though and gave me plenty. I think it was before it flowered but not sure. Good luck growing it though, it isn't a difficult herb to grow. Did you know it's also good for humans. Double check as my memory isn't the greatest but I think menstruation problems, colds/fevers and for nervousness.