Do you want toads in the garden?
Yes! Toads make great gardening partners. They help reduce the pest population in your garden, and are a good organic tool to add to your arsenol of weapons in pest control. Did you know they can eat as many 10,000 mosquitoes during the summer season? But mosquitoes aren’t all they eat. Slugs,snails, grasshoppers, beetle and bugs are also on the menu.
How can I attract toads to my garden?
- Garden organically. Avoid pesticides that not only get rid of the pests the toads and frogs will eat, but can also harm them.
- Provide a source of water. Usually, toads are around if you have a water source nearby, but providing several shallow water sources placed in the shade will help during the summer heat. They like to sit in the water to absorb moisture since they do not drink with their mouths. I often see frogs and toads near my garden shed. More than once I have been startled while weeding in the area. The shed sits up on blocks,
and I’m sure it’s cool and shady underneath. I provided a shallow saucer of water near the impatiens. If you want to provide them with water, put fresh water in at least once a week. I sat a small rock in the middle in case the bees, or a small frog wanted to take a sip. - Provide shelter and shade If you would like to provide shade, it doesn’t have to be fancy. I put a couple of rocks on each side of this terra cotta pot and they can easily crawl under for shade. They will also find their way under your plants to cool off during the hot summer heat. I have also found them buried in the soil of my raised bed garden.
I purchased this terra cotta Toad Hut years ago when we were on a trip out of town. Have I ever found a toad hiding under it? No. It’s more decorative, but just in case their is a frog or toad looking for a home I’m ready. Maybe I should put a “For Rent” sign outside the door?
Using organic pest controls is an important part of my overall gardening strategy, and it’s one step in my simple 5 step process that I use to grow my own garden. I’ve been teaching this strategy in my local garden classes and with my new online course “The Beginner’s Guide to Growing a Thriving Vegetable Garden”. Use the code GARDEN50 to receive $50 off the original price of $147.
Let’s garden together! Schedule a virtual consult and let’s talk about your gardening goals. You can schedule your consult here www.GrowingwithGardenchick.com and we will create an easy plan to have you growing your own fresh vegetables in no time.
Happy Gardening!
Karen
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