Rumford, Maine 04276 ~ info@growrumford.com

Rumford Catnip opens for business; seeks catnip growers for 2008 season

Could Rumford become the Catnip Capital of New England? Such grand ambitions may be in the future, but this year, there is an opportunity for anyone with a farm or even a large garden to make a few extra dollars growing catnip for a new enterprise, Rumford Catnip.

Rumford Catnip is an outgrowth of Grow Rumford. This website has urged others to start businesses. It seemed only fair that we do what we advocate others should do.

In 2008, Rumford Catnip will pay 10 cents per green ounce for locally grown catnip. Further, any gardener or farmer willing to sow catnip seed can get a starter package of 100 seeds free with a gentleman's (lady's) agreement to plant and tend the seeds.

Rumford Catnip plans to market the catnip fresh on stems in midsummer, as they become harvestable, and then dry through the rest of the year. Catnip, a member of the mint family, grows well under most conditions. It prefers a lot of moisture but even dry soils will produce some scaggly plants. The best results come from moist soil with an aggressive pruning in the first month of culitvation. As soon as leaves sprout on the main stem, cut the

main stem just above the leaf pair. Soon, within a couple of days, two new stems will start up at the base of the leaves. It doubles the number of stems. The catnip is harvestable when the flowers begin to appear in mid-summer. Rumford Catnip will buy well-leafed stems for fresh sales, and leaves for drying and year-round sales. To sign up for the catnip growing program and get a free package of catnip seeds, call 364-3827 or email info@growrumford.com

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