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How to Dry Fresh Grown Catnip  
HOW TO 

Tags: Catnip, Grow Catnip, Gardening

Catnip is a wonderful, underrated herb. It can be used to stuff your pet cat's toys, as a treat for them, or even as a tasty home brewed tea for yourself! Below we will discuss the technique of drying catnip.

1.	First, locate catnip plants growing wild either on your property, or visit a home garden center (Lowe's, Home Depot, Menards) during the Spring/Summer, and purchase a catnip plant or two. Is it Winter? Simply buy seeds. It is very important to note that if you are picking wild catnip, be certain it has not been treated with chemicals as this could be deadly for you and your cats!
2.	Wait until the plant is at least five inches tall. Then, taking scissors, gently cut the plant at the base so you have long stalks of catnip. Be aware that you will want to cut more than you think you need, because the plant is going to dry up and it will turn out to be less than it was originally.
3.	Once you have all the stalks you need, secure the catnip together with either yearn or heavy thread.
4.	Find a dark area (the linen closet is always the best, but any closet will do). Keep in mind that the plant must be hanging upside down and the door must be closed most of the time for the herbs to dry properly.
5.	Stick a tack to the inside of the door, and tie your catnip around it. Keep it closed and let the drying begin!
6.	Within four to eight weeks (or more depending on how dry your house is, how little sunlight you expose the herbs to etc.) you will have completely dry catnip! Enjoy the smell and watch your cats go wild for the favorite treat!

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