Let Your Kids Grow Catnip

Growing catnip is easy and a useful herb for kids to grow.
Are you teaching your kids to take care of your pets? Teaching children to be responsible for their pets is an important part of their upbringing. If you have a cat, letting the kids grow catnip and cat grass will teach the children that they can grow this special herb, you can dry the catnip and use it in cat toys (another kids project), and be a special treat for your cat. Below is most of the article I wrote for Frugal Gardener . Enjoy!

Grow Your Own Cheap Catnip and Cat Grass

In order to grow catnip at home, you will need to invest in the following:

Potting soil
Vermiculite
Flowerpot
Plastic wrap
Sunlight

To begin, mix 2 parts potting soil with one part vermiculite and fill the flowerpot approximately three-quarters of the way full. Dampen the soil and place the catnip or cat grass seeds about a quarter of an inch into the dampened soil. Cover the pot with plastic wrap (in order to keep the moisture from evaporating) and place into an area of the house with that is warm and bright, but does not get a lot of direct sunlight.

It will take approximately 7-10 days for the seeds to sprout. Once the sprouts develop leaves, remove the plastic wrap and move the pot into more direct sunlight. It is important to check the moisture level of the soil daily, as the soil must remain moist for the herb to grow. Dampen the soil regularly, but take care not to over water.

After the plant has reached approximately one foot in height, it is time to begin to cut it. You do not have to prepare the cuttings, as most cats will prefer it fresh, eating it directly from the plant, if allowed.

If you harvest more than your cat can handle in one sitting, you can dry it and store it for later use. In order to do this, hang the cuttings upside down in a shaded, cool environment, then store in a plastic baggie.

Keep this plant under control as catnip and cat grass can reach heights of three feet or more. Also, many cats will enjoy eating the leaves and stems of this plant while it grows, so keeping the plants safe from your cat will be paramount to your success.

Catnip and car grass need a lot of sunlight in order to grow.

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