Turtle Gardens

Loren's Field Notes

Incorporating wildlife into the garden is one of my favorite things to do. Sadly, the trade in reptiles has created a huge number of very unhappy, sick and mistreated animals. Turtles are a good example.

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In a moment I'll pitch an organization, but first let me throw out a gardening idea. I suggest you try creating a turtle garden.

A turtle garden is very simply a place created for plants and a fun and interesting animal to have around.

The garden should be large enough to give the turtle(s) room to roam and explore. It should have attractive plants which create room for the turtles to hide, burrow and forage.

The garden should have a clean water source, which can be as simple as a large saucer, or as complex as a large excavated pond.

It must have a heat room where the turtles can find 85 degree temperatures year round. Perhaps the most important element is a wall (not fence) to keep the turtles from escaping.

If you plant a turtle garden and add one or a few turtles, please understand that they require a diverse diet of fruits, vegatables and a senior dog food. They also love grubs, and beetles, earthworms and caterpillars.

Some pet stores still sell turtles and tortoises, but please don't buy them there. The turtle trade is cruel and may ultimately aid in the destruction of wild populations.

In many large cities including San Diego, there is a turtle and tortoise society (P.O. Box 619, Imperial Beach, Ca. 91933-0519)

The society rescues turtles and tortoises which have been cared for improperly. Sadly, there is no shortage of these animals in need of a good home.

If you have an appropriate turtle garden, you may adopt these animals for the cost of joining the society.