Toad in the Hole

by Michael Smith (Veshengro)

While they may not be the most graceful of garden creatures, toads feast on flying insects and plant-destroying cutworms, and some other pests that are after your crop and plants.

Give these hoppers a habitat near your beds by making a shelter from a cracked or chipped terracotta pot. Simply turn the pot on its side and partially bury it in a shady, cool spot, preferably near a light source, where bugs congregate.

Toads dig a moist environment, so don't worry if water pools around or inside the pot. Just avoid using chemical fertilizers or herbicides nearby, which can harm the little guys. After all, they're doing you a big favor.

Also, when cutting grass whether with a scythe, sickle, gasoline lawnmower or grass trimmer/brush cutter make sure the little guys are not about. They easily fall prey to blades and machines as they are not easy to spot in long vegetation and don't move very fast either.

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