Why Hedgehogs Are a Garden’s Best Friend

Hedgehogs are natural pest controllers, feasting on slugs, snails, and insects that can wreak havoc on plants. By welcoming hedgehogs, you reduce your reliance on chemical pesticides, fostering an eco-friendly environment.

Pick a Peaceful Location
Hedgehogs value quiet and safety. Place their house in a secluded part of your garden, away from human activity and curious pets. Ideal locations include under dense hedges, near shrubs, or in a leaf pile.

Position the house so that the entrance is shielded from strong winds, particularly those from the north and east. This ensures the interior remains warm and dry, creating a cozy shelter.

Hedgehogs feel safer in natural surroundings. Use leaves, logs, and branches to camouflage the house, making it look like part of the landscape. This also provides extra insulation.

Place the house on flat, well-drained soil. Slightly elevate it to prevent dampness, and avoid areas prone to flooding or water pooling.

While hedgehogs are excellent foragers, positioning their house near natural food sources such as compost heaps, leaf piles, or wildflower patches can make your garden even more appealing.

Once the house is set, leave it undisturbed. Hedgehogs are shy and will only move in if they feel secure. Avoid frequent checks or repositioning of the house.

Keep a shallow dish of water near the house, especially during dry weather. It’s a simple yet crucial gesture that supports hedgehogs’ hydration needs.

To make your garden a sanctuary, eliminate hazards such as uncovered drains, open pits, or mesh that hedgehogs can become trapped in. Refrain from using pesticides or slug pellets, which can harm these helpful creatures.

By carefully considering the placement of a hedgehog house and creating a safe environment, you encourage these delightful animals to make your garden their home. Watching them forage at dusk or hearing their gentle rustling under leaves adds a magical element to your outdoor space.

Patience Pays Off

Attracting hedgehogs takes time, so be patient and let nature take its course. When your spiky garden companions finally arrive, you’ll know your efforts were well worth it.