Does anyone know how to dry catnip?

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Mr D - D'boat #19 - HOME AGAIN!

Yikes!

Purred: Thu Sep 16, '10 2:30am PST


	We have a couple of catnip plants that the human almost killed. She has finally been watering them and they are starting to show leaves again. We have only two little plants and as long as I don't get my paws on them, we should get some nice catnip leaves from them. I love to eat them fresh but the human wants to put them in my boogie mat. She wanted to know what is the best way to dry them, so they smell just right for our little feline noses. It may be a stupid question. but the human doesn't have a clue. She tried putting them in the microwave like you do rose petals they seemed ok, but she was worried she might burn them this way and ruin the smell.

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Merlin - An Angel- Forever

*Poof*

Purred: Thu Sep 16, '10 4:20pm PST


	Just let it air dry in a well ventilated cool place It will take a few days, maybe longer, to dry completely. Then just store in a jar or other container.

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Mordred,PAWS

No Not-Moms!!!!

Purred: Thu Sep 16, '10 4:25pm PST


	My mom did this for us! She picked the plant - stems, leaves, flowers - and tied 3 or 4 plants together near the base of the stems, then she hung them in the garage (upside down) and let them dry. They last a long time when they're dried.

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Mr D - D'boat #19 - HOME AGAIN!

Yikes!

Purred: Fri Sep 17, '10 1:11pm PST


	Thanks, Yes I was hoping they would last longer. If the fur gang get a fresh one it's eaten in seconds, no time for play. Thanks for the drying tips guys I'll have to get the human to try it. Now we just have to let the plant grow. It's spring here and now that she has watered it, it's starting to take off again. Edited by author Fri Sep 17, '10 1:13pm PST

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Gimli

Play Hard, Sleep- Hard!

moderator

Purred: Fri Sep 17, '10 6:45pm PST


	Mom grew a catnip plant from seed and she's been having it for three years! She keeps it in the kitchen window and it is so strange that we don't mess with it! Edited by author Fri Sep 17, '10 6:45pm PST

Tigger

Tig DaCatt!

Purred: Sun Sep 19, '10 5:43am PST


	I have heard it said that cats will not bother a plant grown from seed,but cuttings will be destroyed before they can root. We keep our plants in a hanging basket just to keep an honest cat honest. Another 'Nip Tip: Pinch back the tops of the plants,at least 4 leaves,down to where 2 leaves are coming out of the stem. For every top you pinch back you will get 2 more,making for a bushier plant(more 'Nip!). Plus,you get to eat the tops!

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Mr D - D'boat #19 - HOME AGAIN!

Yikes!

Purred: Tue Sep 28, '10 1:37pm PST


	Yippee!!! my plants are getting bigger, That's if the human stops picking the leaves. But they are yummy I don't know if the plants were from seed or cuttings. the human brought them on trade me (our e-bay) some years ago. I thought she killed them but they seem to be bouncing back Thanks everyfur for your helpful hints. I hope the plants get big enough so we can try it. The human did pinch all the tops so I hope the plant gets fatter

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♥- Roxy- ♥

Polydactyl Maine- Coons Rule!

Purred: Thu Sep 30, '10 11:30am PST


	I have a huge patch of catnip in the yard. I dry it by hanging it upside-down from a wire and letting it air dry.

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Coopurr

I still suck my- thumb...

Purred: Fri Oct 1, '10 5:23pm PST


	I'm so glad this thread is going right now...becuase I have some questions! Coop got the most wonderful early birthday gift today -- fresh, dried catnip on the stems. There are seeds in there. (It's driving him crazy like no other nip before! he LOVES it!) I'm super-afraid to grow it inside the house. He's still young, and he's into everything. (Especially this fresh catnip!) What's the best way to grow it? Can I plant it in a pot and keep it outside? Should I wait til spring? Any and all tips/suggestions are most welcome! Purrs, Coop and Mom