The Cool Down
Gardener shares stunning video of adorable backyard 'tenant': 'Living his best …
One California gardener went viral on TikTok, sharing the benefits of having toads in your backyard — the video has over 1 million views.
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Harnessing Nature: Why Toads Are Your Garden's Best Pest Control
Cultivating a Pest-Free Garden: The Surprising Benefits of Attracting Toads.Gardeners seeking natural and sustainable pest control methods are increasingly turning to an often-overlooked ally: the common toad. A recent video by gardening enthusiast "Wildflower Yard" highlights the significant ecological benefits these amphibians bring to a garden ecosystem, offering practical advice on how to attract and care for them.According to the video, a single toad can consume an astonishing 3,000 bugs per month, making them highly effective in managing garden pests without the need for harmful chemicals. These resilient creatures can also live for up to 12 years, establishing themselves as long-term, beneficial residents.Toads require specific conditions to thrive. They prefer cool, moist environments and hibernate during colder months, becoming active as temperatures rise. The video emphasizes the importance of providing adequate shelter, suggesting simple solutions like an overturned terracotta pot or a purpose-built toad house. A shallow water source with pebbles is also crucial, as toads absorb water through their skin rather than drinking it. This unique physiological trait, however, makes them highly susceptible to garden chemicals, reinforcing the recommendation for organic gardening practices to ensure their safety and health.The "Wildflower Yard" creator also advises cultivating a diverse range of native plants and embracing a "messy garden" approach, allowing decaying leaves and piles of branches to remain, which provide essential natural shelter and foraging grounds. While beneficial, gardeners with dogs are cautioned that toads can be toxic to canines, necessitating awareness and preventative measures. Attracting toads offers an environmentally friendly way to maintain a healthy, balanced garden.
