There's a frog in my garden what am I going to do?

[davedotcom]

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping I can get some expert advice on a new garden dweller we have.

For a few months now we've seen a frog in our veggie patch. Myself, my wife and the kids are very happy about our visitor. It's probably no coincidence that we've also had a better crop this year with fewer signs of damage from slugs etc. We'd really like to encourage the frog to hang around but aren't sure exactly what to do for the best. The veggie patch is only about 8 metres by 2 metres so we can't afford lots of space but are happy to do what we can and create a 'frogery' in a nice sheltered corner of the patch.

I have no experience of amphibians so need your advice. Would a couple of planters sunk into the ground be OK? Is there any size or coverage required? Also, once the veg has been harvested and the foliage cleared the patch would be pretty bare. Would this be bad for the frog? We'd rather make sure the frog would survive rather that leave it for a couple of months just for us to rip up the habitat it needs.

All advice greatly appreciated!

[werdnal]

Contrary to popular belief, although frogs like to be in a moist environment, they do not actually need large quantities of water, other than to mate and spawn. If the frog has stuck around, obviously something it right in the are to keep him happy. As you say, a good supply of slugs etc, is a start, but he must be living somewhere - a hole in a wall, under some logs, even in some old plant pots etc. They need shelter from the sun and damp conditions.

Why not build a log pile, of old logs and scrap wood (preferably not tanalised), and cover with some fallen leaves. As you stack the logs leave a few interesting gaps and you will provide an overwintering place for your new little friend.

Incidentally, are you sure its a frog? We have toads everywhere here, they live in our shed, under planters outside our front door. The also need little water so long as they have a moist hiding place for the daytime.

[Littlesparrow]

The problem we have in Cheshire is that we can get prolonged cold spells in the winter and any frog not protected from minus temperatures freezes to death. Most of my frogs winter at the bottom of my pond under the plant roots. You might be in a part of the country that is milder than here, but if not is there any chance of you building a pond somewhere in your garden?

[davedotcom]

I'm pretty sure it's a frog and not a toad. Its body is only about the size of a 50p piece and it is smooth with long legs.

The log pile sounds good. Thanks for that!

[Kayleigh]

Can you make a hole in the ground about 18" deep and 2ft across with a shallow margin this would be ideal if a lady frog came along in the spring you might even be lucky to get a family of frogs
If they dont breed the first year they will have somewhere to rest out of the sun in the hot days and get to work at night in the slugs.
This will encourage lots of frogs as you already have them in area.
You can use a barrel from the garden centre like I have done on my patio frogs only need a small pond so they dont take up lots of room..