Unearthing a Secret: The Special Spadefoot in Your Garden
There’s a certain magic in the air when the first cool breeze of autumn arrives, chasing away the summer heat. For me, this is the best time of year to be in the garden. I can spend days digging, dividing, and transplanting the perennials I’ve watched so closely all season long. This yearly ritual is accompanied by an interesting garden guest, as I often encounter one of my garden's most secretive residents: the Eastern Spadefoot (Scaphiopus holbrookii).
Finding one of these unique amphibians is a mix of wonder and joy, as it always reminds me of the hidden world thriving just beneath our feet.
Meet the Eastern Spadefoot
The Eastern Spadefoot (Scaphiopus holbrookii) is an endemic species to the eastern United States. If you live in Maryland, it's the only species of spadefoot you'll find. While they resemble toads and sometimes have the nickname "spadefoot toad," this species is actually in its own family (Scaphiopodidae) and is not considered a "true toad."
What makes them so special? It's their incredible, almost mythical, lifestyle. The Eastern Spadefoot is a master of burrowing. On each hind foot, they have a sharp, spade-like projection that allows them to dig vertically downward into loose, sandy soil. They don't just dig; they burrow in a spiral, disappearing into the earth with surprising speed.
Living A Fossorial Existence
The spadefoot is a true homebody, spending its time deep in the ground. This is a fossorial species, meaning it spends almost its entire life buried in the soil, sometimes for months or even years at a time! This underground hibernation keeps them safe from predators and protects them from cold or dry conditions.
They are most active from April through September, but "active" is a relative term. They typically only emerge from their burrows under very specific conditions: after warm, heavy spring or summer rains. These downpours are their cue to surface, find food, and migrate to temporary shallow pools and wetlands to breed. Once their business on the surface is done, they vanish back into the soil.
A Gardener's Gentle Touch
So, what do I do when my gardening accidentally disturbs one of these reclusive creatures? The best course of action is to be a gentle neighbor. I carefully place the spadefoot back near where I found it and gently cover it with soil.
To help me remember where my little friend is resting, I like to create a "toad abode" right on top of the spot. Now, the spadefoot, with its deep-burrowing lifestyle, doesn't technically need this surface shelter, but creating these little habitat features is a wonderful way to support other garden amphibians (like actual toads). It adds a touch of charm to your landscape and can be a fun educational tool for teaching children about the importance of amphibians!
Best of all, you can make one for free using materials you likely already have.
How to Build a Simple Toad Abode
Creating a safe space for toads and other amphibians is easy and fun. It provides them with a cool, damp place to hide from the sun and predators.
What You'll Need:
A terracotta pot or a ceramic bowl turned upside down.
A rock to prop your pot on to create an entrance for the toads.
loose soil.
A handful of leaf mulch or moss.
A shady, quiet spot in your garden, preferably near a water source or a damp area.
Instructions:
Find the Perfect Spot: Choose a location that is shaded and won't be disturbed often.
Prepare the Base: Scoop out a shallow depression in the soil, just deep enough so the rim of your pot can sit snugly in the dirt.
Place the Shelter: Lay your pot over the depression and add the rock to prop up the front of your abode. The key is to create a cave-like opening that a toad can easily get into.
Make It Cozy: Pack some soil around the edges of the pot to make it stable and simulate a natural burrow. Tuck some leaf mulch or moss inside the pot to help retain moisture.
Add A Water Source: To make the spot extra inviting, bury a shallow plant saucer nearby and keep it filled with fresh water. This gives your garden guests a place to hydrate. Add small pebbles to the saucer so other creatures likes bees can have access too!
The next time you're out in the garden, take a moment to think about the secret world below. You never know when you might be lucky enough to unearth one of nature's most fascinating and hidden gems.
Happy digging!