How to Create a Habitat for Toads

If you have a shady spot in your yard, make it toad-friendly and toads will take up residence in no time. Toads are fun to watch, especially for kids, and good to have around the house, because they eat tons of bugs and can keep harmful bugs under control. Depending on the amount of time and effort you want to put into it, you can make either a small or large area of your backyard into a toad habitat.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Terra cotta pots
• Shallow terra cotta trays that go under the pots
• Interesting rocks in assorted sizes
• Leaf debris
• Moss

1. Find a shady spot in your yard you would like to make into a habitat for toads. This could be the area around a large tree.
2. Plant leafy, shade loving plants in the shady area. Allow some leaf litter to collect in spots to decay.
3. Use interesting rocks to decorate the area in the toad habitat, since toads will enjoy sitting on them.
4. Using a hammer, knock a chip out of the bottom edge of some terra cotta pots. Turn the pots upside down and place in the habitat. The pots will be homes for the toads.
5. Place some shallow terra cotta dishes in the toad habitat and fill them with water. Be sure to keep them refilled while you water your plants.

Tips & Warnings

• You could eventually add a small garden pond to your toad habitat. Toads love water and the pond will enhance your yard and add to your enjoyment.
• Don't use chemicals and pesticides near your toad habitat. Amphibians are very sensitive to chemicals.

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