Toads & frogs at plastic garden pond; worried about winter - Ask Extension
I have a small (4') shallow (about 20" deep) plastic pond in my garden that has attracted toads and frogs. There is no dirt in the bottom, but al...
Knowledgebase
Toads & frogs at plastic garden pond; worried about winter #763800
Asked July 25, 2021, 12:03 PM EDT
I have a small (4') shallow (about 20" deep) plastic pond in my garden that has attracted toads and frogs. There is no dirt in the bottom, but all the soil around the pond is deep sandy soil with lots of summer foliage plants (mostly hostas.) At one end of the pond is a stack of bricks/rocks with recirculating water where they tend to hide or sun. Normally, I would drain and cover this pond for winter, but I do not want to hurt the amphibians. Should I get a heater and keep the water recirculating all winter? We normally don't live here in winter, and I'm worried that the pond will fill with debris, or the pump will stop working. Will the frogs and toads survive if I drain it by a certain date, before the first freeze?
Leelanau County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Kate,
Most, if not all, of the frogs and toads will find winter cover if you drain and cover the pond for the winter. They normally overwinter by digging themselves into the soil below the frost line rather then trying to find water in the winter. If you are able, if might be a good idea to leave some fallen leaves piled in the yard to create habitat for them to burrow under. If not, they will find a place on their own.
Your pond will not be missed in the winter months, but it will be a welcome sight for the frogs and toads come next spring.
Thank you,
Julie
