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Question: What is the difference between catmint and catnip? Are they both plants cats love? How would I grow and dry it for my cat to enjoy?

Answer: Many people use these two related plants interchangeably, but they are two separate species of the genus Nepeta. There are more than 150 different species, used mostly as ornamentals. Catmint is Nepeta faassenji, and catnip is Nepeta cataria. This is one instance where knowing the Latin name will help you get the plant you want. If your cat sometimes gets into trouble in your garden, directing them to either of these plants can be helpful.

Both plants are enjoyed by cats, but catnip is the most tempting. Catnip is known as a cat stimulant. Felines are attracted to the compound nepatalactone found in its tissues. The most aromatic portions of the plant are the blossoms and leaves. Most commercial catnip is low grade, containing mostly stems and some leaves. Long before its popularity as a cat toy, it was used as a tea and medicinal herb to treat several ailments. The compound thymol found in catnip has been used as an antiseptic. Several other compounds have proven effective as insect repellents.

One difference between catmint and catnip is cats love to eat catnip. It is common to find your catnip plant stripped of most of its leaves. Rather than eating catmint, cats are drawn to its scent and will often be found rolling around in it. If you have ever grown catmint and walked out to the garden and seen it lying flat on the ground, then you know Mr. Snuggles has discovered your secret.

Both plants are hardy to our area and prefer to be grown in full sun and well-drained soil. Because its chemical compounds also act as repellents, there are few insect problems when growing Nepeta. Both produce small, blue flowers in late spring and early summer. The plants should be cut back a few inches from the top when in full bloom and most aromatic. This will also encourage regrowth and reblooming.

For year-round enjoyment, dry the stems, flowers and leaves and place them where they will receive dry air. This can be a dehydrator, oven or simply hanging in an attic. When using a dehydrator, the temperature should be set between 95 and 115 degrees. Drying times can vary from one to four hours. Once dry, the leaves can be crumbled and are ready for use.

Mona Bawgus is a certified master gardener and consumer horticulturist with Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Atlantic County. Write to her c/o Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 6260 Old Harding Highway, Mays Landing, NJ 08330. E-mail:

bawgus_mona@aclink.org

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