Steve Yoder
I'm Steve, a 30-something urban gardener fascinated by companion planting research. Growing up surrounded by greenery sparked my passion for gardening early on. I enjoy transforming my small backyard, experimenting with companion planting techniques and eco-friendly practices. Sustainability matters—I advocate for native plants and composting.
Table of Contents
Catnip companion plants can add a delightful touch to your garden while benefiting both your feline friends and other plant varieties. Gardenhousing is here to guide you through the intriguing world of catnip companion planting. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of pairing catnip with other plants, explore bad catnip companion plants to avoid, and provide helpful tips on successful catnip companion planting.
Benefits of Catnip Companion Planting
Catnip, scientifically known as Nepeta cataria, is a member of the mint family and emits a distinct aroma that attracts cats. By strategically planting catnip alongside other plants, you can create a harmonious garden ecosystem. The following are some major advantages of catnip companion plants:
Organic Pest Control Aphids, flea beetles, and squash bugs are just a few of the pests that catnip has been known to keep at bay. When used as a companion plant, catnip can help protect neighboring plants from these unwanted intruders.1
Attract Beneficial Insects: Catnip flowers are a magnet for beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and predatory wasps. These pollinators contribute to the overall health of your garden by aiding in the pollination process and controlling pest populations.
Encourage Cat-Friendly Behavior: If you have cats, planting catnip as a companion can provide them with a designated area to indulge in their natural instincts. By diverting their attention to catnip, you may be able to discourage them from damaging other plants in your garden.2
Catnip Companion Plants Tips
Using catnip companion plants is a valuable strategy for maximizing the benefits of this aromatic herb in your garden. By strategically choosing and planting companion plants alongside catnip, you can create a symbiotic relationship that enhances the growth, health, and productivity of both plants. You will find helpful advice and detailed directions in this section on how to successfully incorporate catnip into your companion planting strategy. From plant placement and spacing to timing and maintenance, these guidelines will ensure optimal growth and compatibility between catnip and its companion plants, fostering a thriving and harmonious garden ecosystem. In the following, you can find some useful catnip companion planting tips:
Choosing the Right Plants
Select plants that have similar growing requirements as catnip. Consider factors such as sunlight, soil type, and water needs.
Look for companion plants that have complementary growth habits, such as plants with different heights or spreading habits.
Focus on plants that have proven beneficial effects when grown alongside catnip, such as attracting beneficial insects or repelling pests.
Plant Placement
Determine the ideal location for your catnip companion plants. Consider factors like sunlight exposure, wind protection, and access to water.
Place taller plants on the north side of the catnip to prevent shading.
Position plants with similar water requirements close together for efficient irrigation.
Spacing
Follow the recommended spacing guidelines for each plant species to ensure adequate airflow and prevent overcrowding.
Provide enough space between catnip and other plants to allow for optimal growth and prevent competition for nutrients and water.
Consider the mature size of the companion plants to avoid overcrowding as the plants develop.
Timing
Start by sowing or transplanting catnip and companion plants at the appropriate time based on your local climate and growing season.
Coordinate planting times to ensure that all plants receive the necessary growing conditions and establish harmonious growth together.
Plan ahead for sequential planting if you want to maintain a continuous supply of companion plants throughout the growing season.
Maintenance
Provide regular care and maintenance to both catnip and catnip companion plants.
Water plants as needed, considering the specific water requirements of each species.
Mulch around the plants to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and provide a more favorable environment for growth.
Monitor for pests and diseases, and take appropriate measures to control them without harming beneficial insects or the companion plants.
Observing and Adjusting
Regularly observe the performance and interaction of catnip and companion plants.
Watch for any signs of competition or imbalance between the plants.
Make adjustments if necessary, such as thinning overcrowded areas or relocating certain plants to better accommodate their growth.
Harvesting and Utilization
Harvest catnip and companion plants according to their specific growth habits and harvesting guidelines.
Use harvested catnip for various purposes, such as drying for cat toys, making tea, or repelling pests.
Utilize companion plants for culinary purposes, flower arrangements, or other beneficial uses.
By following these tips and guidelines, you can successfully incorporate catnip into a companion planting scheme, creating a harmonious and mutually beneficial garden ecosystem.
To guarantee the best development and compatibility between catnip and its companion plants, keep in mind the particular needs and traits of each plant species as well as the particular circumstances of your garden.
Catnip Companion Plants
When selecting companion plants for catnip, it’s important to consider their compatibility and the synergistic benefits they bring to the garden. Here are seven excellent catnip companion plants:
Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula) is an exceptional choice as a member of the best catnip companion plants due to its aromatic properties and pest-repellent qualities. The strong scent of lavender acts as a natural deterrent for mosquitoes, flies, and moths. This helps create a more comfortable environment for your catnip and other garden plants.
The aromatic blossoms of lavender also draw helpful pollinators like bees and butterflies. By assuring greater pollination and a larger output of fruits and vegetables, the presence of these pollinators improves the general health and productivity of your garden.
Lavender as catnip companion plants also share similar growing conditions, preferring well-drained soil and full sun. This makes them compatible planting companions that can thrive together in the same garden bed or container.
To maximize the benefits of lavender as catnip companion plants, consider planting them in close proximity. This allows their scents to mingle, creating a harmonious blend of calming aromas. The combination of catnip’s allure for cats and lavender’s soothing fragrance can create a serene and inviting space for both you and your furry friends.
Rosemary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), which has a strong perfume and pest-repelling capabilities, makes a great member of the best catnip companion plants. The strong scent of rosemary acts as a natural deterrent for pests like mosquitoes, flies, and cabbage moths. Planting rosemary near catnip can help create a more pest-free environment for your garden.
In addition, rosemary draws helpful pollinators like bees and butterflies, which improves pollination and boosts crop harvests in your garden. Its fragrant foliage can also add a pleasant aroma to your outdoor space.
Marigold
Marigolds (Tagetes) are known for their pest-repellent properties, making them an excellent companion plant for catnip. Their unusual aroma aids in keeping away pests like nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies that might harm catnip plants’ health.
Marigolds can act as a protective barrier next to catnip, lowering the likelihood of insect infestations and enhancing the health of both plants as a whole. Â Marigolds also add vibrant color and beauty to your garden, enhancing its visual appeal.
Nasturtium
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum) not only add a pop of color to your garden but also act as natural pest repellents. Their pungent scent helps deter aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs, which are common pests that can damage catnip plants.
In addition to enhancing the health and vitality of both plants, growing nasturtiums close to catnip creates a natural defense against these pests. Nasturtiums as catnip companion plants can be used as a garnish or as a decorative element in salads because they are edible too.
Oregano
Catnip and oregano (Origanum vulgare), a strong herb, go well together. It contains natural oils with strong aromatic properties that repel pests such as cabbage butterflies and cucumber beetles. Planting oregano near catnip can help protect both plants from pest infestations.
Oreganos as catnip companion plants have pest-repelling properties in addition to being a culinary herb that enhance the flavor of many different foods. Its attractive foliage and small flowers also make it a visually appealing companion plant in the garden.
Bee Balm
Bee Balm, also known as Monarda, is a striking flowering plant that attracts bees, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects to the garden. Using bee balm as catnip companion plants, you can enhance pollination and increase the overall biodiversity of your garden.
The presence of pollinators helps improve the fruit set and yield of both catnip and other plants in your garden. Additionally, the vibrant flowers of bee balm add a splash of color and visual interest to the garden landscape.
Thyme
We finish our list of the best catnip companion plants with a well known plant. Thyme (Thymus) is a low-growing herb with aromatic leaves that can repel pests such as cabbage worms, cabbage loopers, and slugs. Its creeping habit also acts as a natural ground cover, helping to suppress weed growth around catnip plants.
Planting thyme near catnip not only provides pest protection but also adds an attractive and fragrant element to your garden. Thyme is a herb that can be used in several dishes, thats why it is an perfect addition to your herb garden.3,4
By incorporating these catnip companion plants into your garden, you can create a thriving and harmonious ecosystem that benefits both your catnip plants and other vegetation. The combination of their pest-repellent qualities, pollinator attraction, and visual appeal makes them excellent choices for companion planting with catnip.
What Not to Plant with Catnip
When it comes to companion planting, not all plants get along harmoniously. When cultivated adjacent to catnip, some plants can have an adverse impact on its development and general health. These plants are considered bad catnip companion plants and should be avoided when planning your garden. You can grow a healthy garden and protect your catnip plants by being aware of the plants you shouldn’t grow close to them. We will look at the plants that are incompatible with catnip in this part and talk about the reasons why. Let’s delve into the world of bad catnip companion plants and discover why they don’t make good neighbors for catnip. Here are a few examples of bad catnip companion plants:
Mint
Let’s start the list of the best catnip companion plants. Mint plants, such as spearmint and peppermint, can be invasive and spread rapidly. Their aggressive growth habit can outcompete catnip for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. Catnip may struggle to thrive and expand when planted alongside mint. Additionally, the strong scent of mint can overpower the fragrance of catnip, diminishing its appeal to cats.
Don’t worry! You can still plant mint in your garden. just make sure to select the right companions: Mint Companion Plants
Fennel
Fennel is known to release certain compounds that can inhibit the growth of neighboring plants. When planted near catnip, fennel may negatively affect catnip’s development and overall health. The chemical interactions between the two plants can impede the growth and vitality of catnip, making it a poor companion choice.
We have also prepared an article about Fennel Companion Plants! Check it out:
Sage
Sage plants have similar growth requirements to catnip, and when planted together, they may compete for resources. Both plants require ample sunlight, well-draining soil, and regular watering. The competition for resources can limit the growth of catnip. Additionally, the strong aroma of sage can potentially overpower the scent of catnip, making it less enticing to cats.
Tarragon
Tarragon is a vigorous herb that can outgrow and overshadow catnip if grown in close proximity. Its dense foliage and rapid growth can limit the sunlight and space available to catnip, inhibiting its development. As cats could be more attracted to the fragrance of tarragon than catnip, the potent tarragon perfume may also lessen the appeal of catnip to cats.
Dill
Dill plants have a tall and dense growth habit, which can shade out catnip if planted too closely. The overshadowing effect of dill can hinder the growth of catnip, limiting its access to sunlight and stunting its development. Additionally, the strong scent of dill may interfere with the distinctive fragrance of catnip, reducing its attractiveness to cats.
Chives
The last member of the bad catnip companion plants is chives. Chives have a clumping growth habit and can form dense patches. When grown near catnip, chives may overcrowd and smother the growth of catnip plants. The dense foliage of chives can limit the airflow around catnip, increasing the risk of fungal diseases. Moreover, the strong onion-like scent of chives can overpower the aroma of catnip, making it less appealing to cats.
It’s crucial to remember that while these plants may not be directly damaging to catnip, they may affect its development and attractiveness. Consider the growth habits, scent profiles, and resource requirements of these plants when planning your garden layout to ensure the optimal conditions for catnip.
What to Avoid When Planting Catnip with Other Plants
To ensure successful catnip companion planting, keep the following tips in mind:
Allow Sufficient Space
Catnip has a tendency to spread rapidly, so it’s essential to provide ample space between catnip and other plants to prevent overcrowding and competition for resources. It has also an important effect on yield.5
Monitor Growth
Regularly monitor the growth of catnip and its companion plants. If catnip starts to dominate the surrounding area, consider pruning or thinning it to maintain a balance and prevent overcrowding.
Separate Containers
To avoid the catnip smothering or impeding the development of other plants, it is best to maintain catnip and other plants in different containers if you like to grow them in containers.
References
- Mehta, P. Plants That Repel Mosquitoes Naturally, Mosquito-Repellent Plants.Retrieved from: https://www.mykitchengarden.info/2017/01/plants-that-repel-mosquitoes-naturally.html
- Uenoyama, R., Miyazaki, T., Hurst, J. L., Beynon, R. J., Adachi, M., Murooka, T., … & Miyazaki, M. (2021). The characteristic response of domestic cats to plant iridoids allows them to gain chemical defense against mosquitoes. Science Advances, 7(4), eabd9135. Retrieved from: https://www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/sciadv.abd9135
- Hong, I. K., Yun, H. K., Jung, Y. B., Lee, S. M., & Lee, S. D. Selection of Companion Plants for Pest Control of Cruciferous Crops. Retrieved from: https://jppe.ppe.or.kr/upload/pdf/ksppe-2022-25-4-337.pdf
- Mayer, D. (2011). The Complete Guide to Companion Planting: Everything You Need to Know to Make Your Garden Successful. Atlantic Publishing Company. Retrieved from: https://books.google.at/books?hl=de&lr=&id=32xpkvpXyvIC&oi=fnd&pg=PA9&dq=bad+companion+catnip&ots=V2QnzLnQZN&sig=WycS4D9vUiQ43gr5yR6z3CaBRN4&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=bad%20companion%20catnip&f=false
- Pachas, A. N. A., Sakanphet, S., Soukkhy, O., Lao, M., Savathvong, S., Newby, J. C., … & Dieters, M. J. (2019). Initial spacing of teak (Tectona grandis) in northern Lao PDR: Impacts on the growth of teak and companion crops. Forest Ecology and Management, 435, 77-88. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378112718317298