A garden truly comes to life not only with plants but also when animals are present. Think of birds, hedgehogs, bees, and butterflies. But there’s one animal many people forget about, even though it’s very useful: the frog. Frogs aren’t just fun to spot; they also help keep your garden healthy. If you don’t have frogs in your garden yet, don’t worry—you can make your space appealing to them. Here’s why frogs are such a great addition and how to attract them in an animal-friendly way.

Frogs love to eat insects you’d rather not have in your garden, such as mosquitoes, flies, and even slugs. That makes them ideal natural helpers if you want fewer pests. If you have a pond, frogs are also handy because they help clear away algae, resulting in cleaner water and less maintenance. In short, having a few frogs in your garden makes your life easier—and more eco-friendly.

How to make your garden attractive for frogs

If you want to attract frogs, you need to create a pleasant place for them to live. The first thing you should do is stop using chemical pesticides. These don’t just kill unwanted insects but are also dangerous for frogs and other animals. Let nature do its work—most pest problems disappear when there are enough natural predators in your garden.

Don’t keep your garden too neat and tidy. A garden full of paving stones and no “mess” is unattractive to frogs. Create a messy corner with leaves, twigs, or a pile of wood. Frogs love moist places where they can hide. You can buy special frog houses, but it’s just as easy to make something yourself, like a half-buried flowerpot or a stack of stones with a little hollow space. If frogs feel safe, they’re more likely to stay.

Water is essential for frogs

If you really want frogs, water is a must. A pond is perfect, but even a shallow water tray can help. Be careful with standing water—it can attract mosquitoes. Prevent this by adding a little pump in your pond or emptying small trays regularly to prevent mosquito breeding.

Make sure frogs can easily get in and out of your pond. A gently sloped edge or a few stacked stones will help them climb in and out. A pond suitable for overwintering should be at least 80 centimeters (31 inches) deep so it doesn’t freeze solid in winter. Also, make sure your pond gets enough sun, since frogs are cold-blooded and need warmth.

Plants and fish: make smart choices

A pond with water plants makes frogs extra happy. Water plants provide oxygen, shelter, and sometimes food. Flowering plants also attract insects, giving frogs even more to eat. Be careful with fish, though—some species, like goldfish or roach, like to eat tadpoles or even adult frogs. Want both fish and frogs? Get expert advice on safe combinations, or make part of your pond only accessible to frogs.

Besides water plants, enough greenery in your garden helps frogs too. Plants provide shade and moisture, and places to hide. Low-growing ground covers are ideal because they keep the soil damp. Avoid plants with sharp thorns or strong scents, such as lavender, rosemary, or mint—these can actually scare frogs away.

What if the croaking gets too loud?

The only drawback to frogs can be their croaking, especially in early spring. From February to April, male frogs call loudly to attract females. A few frogs are not a problem, but a large group can become a nuisance.

If it gets too much, there are solutions. You can make the pond less inviting with netting or add fish that eat tadpoles. There are also special devices that emit sounds to scare frogs away. Some people catch frogs and release them somewhere else—but always do this with care. For most gardens, though, frogs don’t cause much disturbance and their presence is actually positive.

Welcoming frogs means a richer, more vibrant garden, and you get natural pest control for free. Invite them in and enjoy a garden that’s alive!

Source: https://infovandaag.nl/dit-is-waarom-je-kikkers-nooit-uit-je-tuin-moet-halen/