In previous articles here at lawneq.com, we have discussed many different ways to rid your garden of pesky insects, rabbits, deer, and groundhogs that love to eat your plants. We’ve discussed how you can modify your garden with certain types of plants that attract good bugs that battle off the bad bugs that threaten plants. We also discuss using ducks to rid your vegetable garden of bad bugs. We describe how to make traps to capture groundhogs that love to burrow through the garden soil attacking the roots of plants and vegetables and we described how to mix special concoctions that can be sprayed on plants to discourage deer and rabbits from chowing down on your flora.
Another critter of nature that can help to guard your plants and vegetables against threatening insects are toads and frogs.
A frog can consume as many as 100 insects in one night.
(Courtesy: Rick Olsen at flickr.com)
The Differences Between Toads And Frogs
Although you may look at them as being the same, there are differences between toads and frogs. Yes, both are amphibian, but toads have dry, bumpy skin and spend most of their time on land. In the winter they hibernate in the ground below the frost line.
On the other hand, frogs have a moist smooth skin and spend more time in or near water than on land. However, they do venture out on to grassy areas to find food.
What they have it common is that they both feed on pests including bugs, beetles, caterpillars, cutworms, grasshoppers, grubs, slugs, and other critters that threaten your garden. It is said that a single frog can eat more than 100 insects in one night. Using frogs and toads to manage pest problems is certainly better for your plants than chemical or natural pesticides.
What you want to do is modify your garden and the area around it to attract these creatures.
How To Attract Toads And Frogs To Your Garden
If you have a water feature on your property or one nearby, there are no doubt frogs and toads in the area. We have even discussed how you can create ponds and other water features on your property. If you have a water feature, then that should encourage a pretty nice population of frogs and toads. If you don’t, there are things you can do to attract these critters from ponds or streams nearby.
First, it is essential that you stop using chemicals including pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and herbicides. These products can poison frogs and toads. Instead of relying on them, switch to organic gardening. Build healthy soil and install companion plants and use crop rotation and organic gardening techniques.
Next, create shelters for them. They love hiding places where they can keep out of the sun because they are nocturnal and avoiding the sun prevents them from getting dehydrated. They favor damp, shady areas and shelters where they can hide from predators and escape from the heat. Simply arrange some stones into a small cave and partially cover a hole with an upside down clay or ceramic flower pot. Set up the shelters in shady areas of your garden.
Finally, offer water. Toads and frogs don’t drink through their mouths; they sit in water and absorb it into their bodies. So, locate shallow containers of water in the shade near the shelters. Rinse the containers at least once a week and fill them with fresh water.
You may be surprised to learn that just one frog or toad can consume up to 10,000 pests during a gardening season. A friendly environment will encourage them to come back year after year.
