Get a packet of catnip seeds and sow a few in the early spring in your outdoor garden.
They need/ lots of sun. Catnip is a member of the mint family
and is a perennial herb which will grow back each year if the winter is not too severe. Seeds will not germinate for a couple of weeks, or longer.You will think they are dead. Be patient.
Thin the plants to one plant every 15 inches-these suckers get BIG ! Let plants grow until they just start to show signs of flowering. Then cut all the stems off to about 6-8 inches above the ground. My first cutting of this year is just about ready (my plants wintered over from last year).
My plants are currently about 3 feet tall. First year plants you should be able to get two cuttings, wintered over plants should yield three cuttings.
Always harvest when the leaves are dry, to avoid problems in drying them. After cutting, the catnip plants will grow new stems.Most commercial catnip you buy contains the whole stalk ground up-- stems and leaves. The good stuff is in the leaves.
To dry, my first step is to snip off or strip off by hand the
leaves only, and discard the stems. Spread the leaves on a tray (or in my case several trays !). They do not have to be single layer. My trays are usually 3-4 inches deep in leaves. Set the trays somewhere where they will get good air circulation. On top of the refrigerator is good (as long as your cat
can't get up there).
Once or twice a day, "stir" the leaves with your hands.
After a couple of weeks (or more, depending on room temperature and moisture conditions). The leaves should start to get brittle and crumble. They should get to the point that you can take a handful and roll them between your palms, making flakes. Or you can mince them in a food processor.
After they are flaked, store in a jar or Ziploc bag.
Is your geriatric cat vocalizing much more frequently? She could be trying to tell you something. Increased vocalization, increased appetite, and increased activity (especially at night), can be signs of a treatable condition called hyperthyroidism. See your veterinarian for a geriatric blood panel for your senior family member.
