I have some plants outside, how do I keep frogs (or toads?) from getting in them?

Question

Ok, let me begin with, I LOVE frogs and toads, They are adorable.

But, every morning, I got outside to water the few living plants I have in pots, as I begin watering, I notice the dirt start to move by itself, and two eyes pop out of the dirt... hello frog (or toad). And he's dug himself a nice little hole and exposed roots of the plant. So, today there were three of them. And we're not talking little ones. These are big, heavy frogs (or toads).

I love them, but they are messing up the roots of the plants. Anthing I can do? I don't want to harm them in any way. But they keep coming back after I pick them out.

Answer 1

It's a toad in the hole!  lol

Mr. & Mrs. Toad are eating insects that would otherwise eat your plants.  They're doing more good than harm.  But if their choice of a hidey-hole is unrooting your plants, just give the little fellas another place to hide.

Got a small pot that you're not using?  Knock a "doorway" into the rim of the pot and place it upside down near your plants.  This will give your toads a cozy little home.   Since they like your potted plants, I'd place it near them, maybe even put Mr. Toad inside it so they get the idea.

Answer 2

put cedar mulch on top of the soil frogs don't like it! I'm concerned though that they may have laid eggs in your plants or rely on mother nature and put up a bat house!

Answer 3

Try a thick layer of decorative stone over the soil or even some small pebbles.Its what I do as I have many Frogs/Toads as well.Gravel will be to light for them, its easy for them to burrow through gravel.

Answer 4

place gravel over the soil