Looking to invite these spiky garden helpers into your backyard? A surprising plant could be your secret weapon.
Why hedgehogs matter in your garden
Hedgehogs aren’t just adorable nocturnal wanderers—they’re natural pest controllers, feasting on slugs, snails and insect larvae that plague our flowerbeds. I once watched a neighbour’s hedgehog patrol his vegetable patch, munching away at slugs faster than he could set traps. Their foraging also aerates soil, while their droppings enrich it with organic nutrients. In short, welcoming hedgehogs is a win for both biodiversity and your plants’ health.
The unexpected plant they adore
Surprisingly, stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) are a hedgehog’s favourite rubbing post. Despite their human reputation for itchy stains, hedgehogs seem drawn to these prickly stalks. Wildlife experts believe the nettles’ tiny hairs might help them shed parasites or stimulate blood circulation when they brush against the stems. Plant a patch of nettles at the edge of your lawn—just don’t wear shorts when you tend them.
Garden features hedgehogs will love
Beyond nettles, create a welcoming haven by:
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Providing shelter: leave piles of leaves or wood, or install dedicated hedgehog houses for cosy daytime nesting.
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Ensuring water: a shallow dish of fresh water goes a long way on warm evenings.
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Avoiding chemicals: pesticides and herbicides harm hedgehogs and their insect prey—opt for organic gardening instead.
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Building highways: cut small gaps in fences to let hedgehogs wander freely in search of food and mates.
With these simple steps—and a patch of nettles—you’ll soon hear gentle snuffles under the moonlight as hedgehogs make your garden their new stomping ground.
