Toads may soak in a shallow puddle, but the process works equally well in the moist soil of a chipmunk hole, beneath a stepping stone or toad abode, or tucked under a shaggy overhang of untrimmed grass at the edge of your garden. These are all locations where you're likely to find toads retreating to escape the heat of the day. Encourage toads to stay in your garden by adding liberal amounts of organic material from your compost pile. Not only does this material retain moisture, but it supports many of the millipedes, sowbugs, earth worms, and other invertebrates that are toad food. The loose soil is also easily pushed out of the way by toads settling in as they wait for the cooler temperatures of evening.
Toads are often unnoticed neighbors.
You may encounter one during the day while you are weeding the garden or trimming your lawn, but toads are most active at night. The dew that saturates your sneakers in the evenings may be unwelcome to you, but it is perfect for toads. Worms, slugs, beetles, and other tasty morsels are active at night as well, a mobile feast. Celebrate the event by leaving your lawn mower in the garage for several days . It was a chance encounter with a toad that made me think seriously about the potential lethal effects of the chemicals I use in my yard.