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Post by gianna on Feb 21, 2023 13:13:23 GMT -5
I have cats, and on occasion I plant things for them. Catnip and grass. Catnip can be problematic because if you have neighborhood cats, even bobcats, they can roll around on it, and flatten it. But I'm giving it another try because my cats just love it. The seed is very old, almost 20 yrs, but if it won't germinate, Baker Creek sells it.
As for grass, I plant birdseed. It produces a grass with a wider leaf blade, but the cats still happily chew on it. More is going in today.
I've also grown some birdseed in sprays, which is lovely. If/when the baby quail are around this spring, I'll sprinkle some of that on the ground. But I don't want to encourage rodents.
Do you plant anything for your animals?
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Post by breezygardener on Feb 21, 2023 17:37:00 GMT -5
I grow both catnip & cat grass (wheat & oat grass) for my cat, & while our cockatoo enjoys pretty much all fresh vegetables, she particularly likes Snow & Snap peas, which I pretty much grow just for her. Peas in general don't do well here in Virginia - the heat & humidity just pops up way too early & stays way too late to really get a proper crop for human consumption. But it's enough for the bird to enjoy, so I usually toss a few seeds in containers here & there starting in March/April.
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Post by gianna on Mar 2, 2023 10:55:09 GMT -5
The seed is very old, almost 20 yrs I got about a dozen catnip seedlings coming up from the seed from '04. I also found a fresher seed packet from a couple years ago if I want more. Mint seeds seem to have great viability. I've had very old basil seed germinate too. The grass has not done as well. It was outside, and though somewhat covered with a cage with larger openings, has not done well. Something got into it, dug around, and ate the seed. Maybe either a mouse or small bird, or perhaps the very heavy rains. Will replant more carefully. Next time I'm in the health food store, I'll look for some wheat or oats, etc.
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Post by desertwoman on Mar 2, 2023 11:08:26 GMT -5
I have one catnip plant that's in a somewhat protected area. I haven't noticed damage from bob cats or neighbor cats. I've never grown grass for our cats.They've always nibbled on available grasses. Am i missing something?
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Post by breezygardener on Mar 2, 2023 13:18:06 GMT -5
I've never grown grass for our cats.They've always nibbled on available grasses. Am i missing something? Most of the seed companies sell "Cat Grass". Some are just wheat grass while others are blends. I like to grow them because I know what it is & that it's safe. Some companies (Territorial Seed) even sell an attractive "variegated" cat grass - a type of barley. I haven't bought or grown that one yet, but might give it a try as a safe houseplant.
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Post by gianna on Mar 2, 2023 15:50:14 GMT -5
I have one catnip plant that's in a somewhat protected area. I haven't noticed damage from bob cats or neighbor cats I don't know who did it, but I've had catnip plants in pots totally flattened by some critter. This time I'm planning to protect them better. I've never grown grass for our cats.They've always nibbled on available grasses. Am i missing something? My current cats are totally inside. When the initial cats at this location were allowed outside, they found plenty of grass roughage in their enclosure (large garden fenced). Now, I'll also pick nice tender grass, break it into small pieces, and put on the floor for the current guys. I think they enjoy it more when it's growing in a pot however.
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Post by breezygardener on Mar 2, 2023 18:42:43 GMT -5
Catnip is somewhat naturalized in many parts of North America. We've found it growing wild here in Virginia, although I've planted it in pots out on the deck as well. I offer some fresh, but also cut & dry some for winter use. I've never tried it as a tea, but it's supposed to be good for anxiety, insomnia, & just as a general relaxer. Is supposed to taste rather "grassy", so I'd guess is probably best with some lemon & honey.
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Post by Mumsey on Mar 4, 2023 18:21:19 GMT -5
Yes! I plant peas for The Princess, we eat them raw in the garden. Also beans and asparagus, we both enjoy those raw too.
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