How to Build Toad Houses With Terra-cotta Pots

With the increased use of organic gardening methods, there is a need to protect and provide shelters for animals that eat insects. Because toads are capable of eating a large number of cutworms, snails and slugs, they are a perfect addition to your garden. Toads are hunted and consumed by snakes, skunks and predatory birds; they need shelter in order to survive. Terra-cotta pots can be used to make inexpensive and attractive shelters for toads.

Terra-cotta flowerpot
Small shovel
Spray bottle of water

Instructions

- 1
  Rinse the terra-cotta flowerpot with warm water to remove any soap or pesticide that may be on the surface.
- 2
  
  These perennial hostas would provide shade for the toad house.
  
  Dig a hole in loose dirt that is near a perennial plant, such as a shrub or fern.
- 3
  Use a shovel to dig a hole that is the same diameter as the pot and half as long as the pot is tall.
- 4
  Use a spray bottle of water to moisten the dirt inside the hole.
- 5
  Place the terra-cotta pot into the hole horizontally so that half of the pot is under the dirt and half is above.
- 6
  Use a spray bottle of water to moisten the outside surface of the terra-cotta pot.
- 7
  Pack dirt around the pot so that part of the pot is buried and the doorway is free of dirt.
- 8
  Use a watering can to pour water over the toad house when the soil is dry.

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