Why Every Gardener Needs a Garter Snake as a Best Friend

Can you guess what’s a gardener’s best friend? No, it’s not a shiny new tool or fancy fertilizer. It’s the one and only garter snake! These slithering friends are not just cool to look at but have many benefits for your garden, working hard to ensure your plants are happy and healthy.

What Are Garter Snakes?

Garter snakes are like the friendly neighborhood watch of the snake world. With their slender bodies and striking stripes, they’re pretty easy to spot. They come in a range of colors like brown, tan, or black with bright stripes of yellow, red, or even blue down their sides and backs. Most garter snakes grow to about 2-3 feet long, but some can stretch over 4 feet!

Where are Garter Snakes Found?

Garter snakes are found across North America, from Mexico all the way up to Canada. North American gardeners are likely to encounter garter snakes more than any other type. They’re often seen in gardens, forests, and meadows.

When Should You Look Out for Garter Snakes?

Garter snakes are active all year in the southern U.S., but in colder northern regions, they hibernate during winter. In spring, they come out of hibernation, ready to mate and get back to their gardening duties.

Why Garter Snakes Are Gardeners’ Best Friends

So how did garter snakes get their nickname of “gardener snakes”? Well, they’re great at pest control! Garter snakes feast on insects, slugs, and even small rodents. This means fewer pests munching on your plants and more time enjoying your garden without the hassle of chemical pesticides.

Keeping Your Garden Balanced

Garter snakes help keep your garden’s ecosystem in check. By managing pests and rodents, they prevent these issues from overwhelming your plants. This natural balance means your garden can thrive without relying on chemicals.

Safe and Non-Venomous

Concerned about getting too close to these snakes? Don’t worry! Garter snakes are harmless to humans and pets. They do have a mild venom, but it’s so weak it hardly affects people and is mainly used to subdue larger prey. That doesn’t mean they still can’t give you a nip if you try to pick them up, so it’s best to leave them be.

How to Encourage Garter Snakes

Want to welcome garter snakes into your garden? It’s simple! Provide them with hiding spots like piles of rocks, logs, or compost. These spots give them places to hide from predators or hibernate as well as soak up the sun to warm their cold-blooded bodies.

Creating a Snake-Friendly Habitat

Garter snakes love water, so adding a small pond or even a mini-pond can be a great draw. A water source not only attracts garter snakes but also other helpful critters. Even if you don’t have a pond, providing shelter will still encourage these snakes to stick around.

A Garter Snake Buffet

To keep your garter snakes happy and around, avoid using poisons or aggressive pest control methods. If you eliminate all the pests, there won’t be anything for the snakes to eat. Allowing snakes to naturally manage pests will ultimately be better for your garden.

Conclusion

Next time you spot a garter snake, give it a friendly nod! These little guys might be slimy and slithery, but they’re working hard to keep your garden in tip-top shape. With garter snakes on your side, you’re not just gardening—you’re partnering with nature for a thriving, beautiful garden!