Catnip

[Gordonmull]

Hi folks

The OH wants a little catnip bed in the back garden for the moggies to be able to roll around in. Having had a look, I've found that it's a member of the mint family and, as such, I'm extremely nervous about putting it in the ground.

Is there anything that can be done to contain it and still have it at ground level? Sinking pots in, maybe, or would the catnip still escape?

Cheers

Gord

[Gordonmull]

[Jeannine]

Yes..funny you ask today.

We are not allowed to plant mint unless it is contained. We actually made a spot two days ago and I bought a mint plant  yesterday that will go in today.

I used a rectangle plastic mop bucket as it fit the herb border bang on but anthing will do , an old bucket etc..

Sink the bucket so that it does not show above the ground, but put lots and lots of drainage holes in it with a drill.  Fill your bucket with the soil you dug out.Plant your catmint in the filled bucket. It will look like it is growing in the ground but won;r spread.

XX Jeannine

[Gordonmull]

Thanks, Jeannine!

My parents had an absolute nightmare of a job getting rid of mint from their back garden when I was a kid. It all started from 1 tiny cutting and was growing everywhere in the end, so I'm very wary of it getting loose. The bucket plan sounds great. Ground, kitties and wifey will be happy  :D

[Jeannine]

Don't make the drainage holes too big in case a root makes a break for it XX Jeannine

[ACE]

Don't worry it only looks like mint. Nepeta is a good perenial to have in a flower border, plant it to the front and the cats can roll in it without damaging the rest of the border. Chop it off now and again to keep it flowering all summer.  Dig and divide early spring. We use it a lot in our show gardens to bulk ot the planting on the cheap.

[John85]

Indeed  nepeta is not invasive.In very heavy clay soil it even often dies in winter.In light soil  you can have a few seedlings,but it is never a problem.

[caroline7758]

I love it- you can chop it right back and it springs up again, and divides easily.

[shirlton]

I think we will have to get some of that for the allotments. The cats will love it. Can you grow it from seed? If so I will get some in Wilkies tomorrow

[CambourneSandra]

yes you can grow from seed, well i hope so LOL because i bought some online yesterday, i eagerly await my delivery. I have 5 cats so am hoping they will love it  ;D

[Gordonmull]

I sowed mine on 31st March and some of them are already about 5" tall. Still in pots. The cats go mad for it. I don't think yours will be disappointed.

[shirlton]

Wilkies don't sell the seed so will have to get it from a nursery or online

[shirlton]

Went to Homebase and there it was so bought that , some more PSB and some bright lights chard

[Mimi]

I have nepeta 'Six hills giant' in my garden, its gorgeous and I use it to tumble over and  soften path edges.  The cat doesnt bother it too much and from one plant bought 9 years ago I now have loads of split off plants all over the garden.  I love it!

[ACE]

Six hills is a nice plant but nepeta cataria is the one the cats prefer most.