How to Build a Frog-Friendly Pond

Having frogs in the garden is definitely a worthy goal: frogs will help keep down insect populations as well as serenade you with their songs. However, the best way to share your garden with frogs is to simply build a frog-friendly pond. Re-creating their natural habitat is the best way to attract frogs (toads are good, too) and keep them from wandering off in search of more frog-friendly surroundings. Keep in mind that if you live in an area or climate where frogs are not often seen, the chances of attracting them are obviously slim. It probably would not work to bring them into these areas either as it would be under conditions in which they do not naturally thrive .

Why Native Frog Species Are Best

By building a frog-friendly pond, you will be limited to native species, and this is for the best. Non-native species pose a problem in two ways: they will either not survive, or they may survive and establish a local population, which could be disastrous for the local ecosystem. Either way, they can spread diseases, such as the devastating Chytrid fungus.

It is also relatively effortless to meet the needs of a native species, especially when it comes to dealing with local weather conditions.

How to Attract Frogs​

The best way to attract frogs is to find out what kind of habitat your native frogs like and try to recreate that habitat in your yard. You may be able to get information on native frog species from your state or provincial wildlife or natural resources department. Here are some general tips to help you build a frog-friendly pond:

• Easy Access to the Water. A pond with sloped sides is necessary to allow the frogs to easily get in and out of the pond. Using a flexible pond liner to build a frog pond that gradually slopes from shallow to deep is best. A pre-formed plastic liner can be used but you must place rocks or other items in the water in such a way as to make a ramp for the frogs to get in and out. The pond does not have to be overly large, though.
• Skip the Aeration, Filtration, and Waterfalls. Frogs like quiet, still water.
• No Fish. Fish are natural predators of frogs, especially eggs and tadpoles.
• Add Plants in and Around the Pond. A variety of water plants such as water lilies help to provide cover, shade, and a more natural environment. Likewise, provide plants around the pond for shelter and shade (hostas, ferns, wildflowers, etc). In addition, let the grass grow longer around the pond for extra cover. Wildlife Stewards at Oregon State University recommend a mixture of Native plants that are submerged, floating and emergent.
• Don't Keep It Too Clean. Remember that most natural ponds are not sparkling clean. Organic matter in the water helps create natural conditions and feeds the natural prey for the frogs. Algae in the pond also nourish tadpoles.
• Provide Extra Shelter. Place a couple of clay plant pots, on their side and partly buried, to provide extra shelter and shade. Remember frogs like it damp and cool, and also need places to hide from predators.
• Minimize Predators. If you have dogs and cats, try to limit their access to the pond area. You may want to put a wire fence around the pond area to help keep predators away.
• Keep It Chemical Free. Frogs are very sensitive to pollutants and you do not want to use garden chemicals in your yard that might ultimately hurt the frogs.

Patience

Once you have built the perfect pond, it may take a while for it to become well-established and for local frogs to find it. Resist the temptation to catch frogs to put in your pond, as adult frogs have established a home and may try to return to it. If it is legal, you may try catching tadpoles to put in your pond, but check your local wildlife laws as collecting tadpoles is illegal in many places.

Please Note: Never add captive frogs to your pond or release them to the wild. Non-native species can wreak havoc on local ecosystems, carry foreign diseases, and become invasive species. Even native frogs could carry diseases that could cause death in local wild frogs. The spread of Chytrid fungus is a major factor in the amphibian extinction crisis, and the movement of frogs in the pet trade is a possible contributor to the spread of this devastating disease; be a responsible owner and never release your pets.