Catnip is named for the intense attraction about two-thirds of cats have to the plant due to the terpene nepetalactone, which acts as a natural insect repellent and induces playful, euphoric behavior in cats. · What is catnip? Dr. Heather Hoffmann discusses why cats like catnip, how catnip works, and how to give catnip to your cat. · Catnip is generally safe for cats and doesn't pose any major health risks. The herb is also safe for young kittens, but they may not develop a sensitivity to it until four to six months. · Catnip, (Nepeta cataria), herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), noted for its aromatic leaves, which are particularly exciting to cats. Catnip is commonly grown by cat owners for their pets, … Catnip And Insects – How To Fight CatnipPestsInTheGarden. Mary H. Dyer's avatar.Common pests of catnip are few but do include the following: Spider mites are difficult to spot, but if you look closely, you may notice telltale webbing and tiny, black spots moving around the leaves. The plants are generally trouble-free, and when it comes to catnip, pest problems generally aren’t much of a problem. Click on this article for information on a few common catnip plant pests, along with some helpful tips on catnip as a pest repellent. Catnip is used around the vegetable garden, as it attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, and is said to attract lacewings, which eat aphids and other smaller pests, while also working to repel some garden insect pests. Catnip has a long history of use in traditional medicine too. Catnippests and diseases. Catnipinthe kitchen.Seed: Catnip will self-sow inthegarden. Seeds will germinate best if they are stratified (exposed to freezing temperatures) for a couple of weeks before sowing. Cuttings: Start catnip cuttings in spring. Choose a location in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Planting - Catnip can be grown from seeds or seedlings. If planting from seeds, sow them directly into the soil inthe spring, after the last frost. If planting seedlings, space them 18-24 inches apart. Cats don’t bother the catnip plant much, as long as you are not crushing its leaves. Crushing the leaves releases the aroma of essential oil, which attracts cats to the plant, making them rub against it, they may chew it as well. Potted catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a lovely addition to any home or garden, thanks to its fragrant leaves and feline allure. On the other hand, spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies are pests that could harm its vitality and health due to its powerful aroma. In addition to this pest-against-pest control, crickets also devour seeds, particularly those from common garden weeds. One cricket can eat hundreds of seeds each day. They also produce waste that is highly nutritive and can serve as a great organic fertilizer. But gardening experts have revealed the five plants that will stop the pests from burrowing and hoarding food.Aside from its well-known role as a cat attractant, catnip also plays a valuable part inthegarden, especially in rodent management. The primary pestsingardens are whiteflies and fungus gnats; the former feed on plants, while the latter thrive in damp environments. Thrips—tiny, slender insects that can be black, brown, or golden—attack catnip leaves, leaving silvery speckling as they feed. Ladybugs, lacewings, and praying mantises all feed on pests, so releasing these beneficial insects into your garden can help reduce the number of pests attacking your catnip plants. In conclusion, catnip plants can be susceptible to a variety of pests. While cats adore it, many pests find it distinctly unpleasant. Let’s delve into the specific pests that catnip can effectively repelYes, catnip has been known to attract butterflies and lacewings, which are beneficial insects that can help control other pestsinthegarden. Gardeners throughout Minnesota appreciate how ladybugs also eat scale insects, mites, and other soft-bodied pests that threaten vegetable and flower gardens alike. Cilantro, also known as coriander, is an herb with a distinct scent. It acts as a natural deterrent against aphids, spider mites, and potato beetles. Plant cilantro near tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes to protect them from these common gardenpests. Catnip (Nepeta cataria).
