Being Bay OK

Being Bay OK

A healthy bay begins in your own backyard.

Being Bay OK means taking simple measures to reduce the amount of nutrients leaving your garden and entering waterways and Geographe Bay. Creating a Bay OK Garden minimises nutrient runoff, conserves water and supports local biodiversity.

The sandy soils along our coastline do not hold nutrients or water very well. They seep through the soil profile into groundwater or run off the surface when it rains, ending up in local waterways, drains and Geographe Bay.

While Geographe Bay is in relatively good condition, water quality monitoring shows that its health could decline if nutrient runoff from urban and rural sources increases. Too many nutrients fuel the growth of algae, which can smother plants and cause the death of fish and other wildlife.

Keeping nutrients, particularly from fertilisers, in your garden and out of the Bay is one way you can keep the Bay healthy.

You can have a healthy, productive and beautiful garden which has a positive impact on the environment. You’ll also save time and money! Simply follow the Bay OK principles…

Use soil wetters, soil amendments and soil improvers
Add clay to soil to increase nutrient and water holding capacity
Use seaweed and fish-based products to add nutrients
Only apply fertiliser when plants show signs of deficiency
Create compost with food scraps and add to your soil
Recycle food scraps and create powerfeed with a worm farm
Choose slow release and organic fertilisers if required
Maintain a layer of course chunky mulch 5-10 cm thick
Soil test to determine pH and nutrient requirements
Group plants with similar water and nutrient requirements
Minimise lawn areas to reduce nutrient and water needs
Add micro-nutrients to your soil - your plants will thank you!
Look out for Fertilise Wise and Bay OK garden products
Always follow the instructions on fertiliser products
Apply fertiliser in early spring and autumn only, if required
Avoid fertilising before rain and hold off in winter and summer
Use only composted manures, and only for productive gardens
Use sub strata drip irrigation for garden beds
Install a rain sensor and weather-based irrigation controller
Plant native species that are suited to soil and climate conditions
Avoid weed species that can escape into natural areas
Plant diverse plants to attract a range of flora and fauna
Create fauna habitat with logs and nesting boxes
Have shallow, fresh water available for wildlife
Consider manual, biological and non-toxic pesticides
Apply pesticides and fertiliser away from hard surfaces
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