Gardeners urged to put bucket of water in their garden right now

Gardeners are being encouraged to place a bucket of muddy water in their gardens this July and August. The larger the bucket, the better - such as a sizeable tub you'd typically use for collecting cuttings - as it will significantly improve your chances of giving your garden a wildlife boost.

This summer, gardeners are being urged to take action to help frogs and toads survive during scorching summer days (and the soggy ones too). Not only will attracting more frogs to your garden benefit the environment, but they'll also tackle a job that gardeners everywhere will welcome: they devour slugs and snails for breakfast (and lunch and dinner).

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As The Wildlife Trust explains, the best method to encourage frogs to visit your garden is by creating a pond, reports the Express.

It states: "Ponds are a vital frog habitat and important for other amphibians too, as they're where they reproduce. Ponds are also vital hydration spots for frogs as they don't drink through their mouths - they absorb moisture through their skin instead.

"Frogs rely on a network of ponds and other water sources so they can move safely between habitats, so the more ponds in your neighbourhood, the better."

However, if you lack the space for a pond, or you can't sacrifice enough lawn or find a suitable spot to install one, the next best option is a large bucket of muddy water, ideally with some grass included.

One gardener constructed one and shared how he accomplished it. He said: "I took a large plastic bucket, filled it with water, then ripped out some long crab grass that I'd found round the sides of my lawn and dumped it in the watery bucket. The grass now grows in the bucket, making a sort of unofficial pond."

He added: "Every night, I go outside and there's at least one frog, sat nearby, gobbling up slugs. It's been lovely to attract wildlife to the garden and it's also helping clear pests from my strawberry plants."

According to Better Homes and Gardens: "Perfect for a patio, deck, or balcony, this mini water garden adds instant appeal: the natural beauty of water-loving plants and the refreshing sparkle of water on a small scale.

"Plus, it only takes an hour or two to set up, with no digging and minimal expenses."