Attract Insect Eating Toads to the Garden
Toads make great gardening partners. They eat insects, slugs and snails and ask for very little in return. Help attract these natural predators to your garden with just a few changes in your gardening habits.
Create an inviting habit for these critters. Leave some leaf litter under trees and shrubs and in the garden. Use groundcovers, preferably native ones, in place of lawn whenever possible.
Include a shallow pond or water feature. Even a shallow saucer filled with chlorine-free water is effective. Use rocks in and around the water for added toad appeal.
Reduce or better yet eliminate the use of pesticides. These can be harmful to the toads and kill the insects they like to eat.
Build a toad abode from a ceramic or clay pot. Place it directly on the soil so the toad can dig. Elevate one side with stones or use a cracked or broken pot that provides an entryway for the toad.
A bit more information: Place your above ground toad abode in a shady spot near water. For more details on creating a toad abode click here. Or go underground. Dig a shallow depression in the soil. Create sides and a roof with stones so the house is 6 to 8 inches tall. Be sure to leave an entryway for the toad to have easy access. For more details, click here.
Related
Article
Categories
Upcoming
Events & Webinars
Mar. 18, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Patio, Deck and Balcony Gardens
Register here
March 21 & 28, 2026
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI
More information
March 24, 2026
SC Johnson Golden Rondelle Theater
Community Program
Racine, WI
More information
March 26, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Getting Started Growing Vegetable and Flower Gardens
Register here
April 1, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Growing a Bountiful Harvest
Register here
April 9, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property
Register here
April 11, 2026
A Day in the Garden
Fond du Lac, WI
Register here
April 18, 2026
3rd Annual Spring Rally
Oshkosh, WI
Register here
April 19, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
April 23, 2026
Iowa State University
More information
April 25, 2026
Pasquesi Home & Gardens
Lake Bluff, IL
April 26, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 2, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 6, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Adding Native Plants
to Any Size Gardening Space
Register here
May 9, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 10, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 16, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 17, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 21, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Planting & Care of Your Rain Garden
Register here
June 3, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Managing Your Landscape
with Pollinators in Mind
Register here
Sept. 3, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Tree Planting and Care
Register here
Sept. 12, 2026
Knowledge in Bloom Conference
Milwaukee, WI
Register here
Sept. 17, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Fall Landscape Care and Planting
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More
Book an Appearance
Sign up for Melinda's free e-newsletter for a chance to win a Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide!
ENTER NOW
