Become a Bay-Friendly gardener and steward of our beautiful estuary!
How you can garden wisely, and why you should.
As residents of the Morro Bay watershed, everything we do impacts the bay.
Our yards and gardens are great places to connect with nature, and it’s important to remember that how we manage these spaces impacts the surrounding habitat and waterways. There are many things you can do that create a positive impact and improve the health of the bay.
It turns out that gardening wisely ends up benefiting you, too!
Garden with native plants to save water, time, and more
Native plants are those that occur naturally in the region in which they evolved. Planting species that are native to the California central coast will have meaningful effects on the surrounding habitat, your water bill, and more.
Here in Morro Bay (and much of California) we have a Mediterranean climate, which means our summers are hot and dry and our winters are mild and rainy. Since native plants are adapted to these local environmental conditions, they generally require less water and maintenance than non-native plants. This can help save time, money, and water. Exotic (non-native) species can thrive in our climate as well, but usually require more fertilizer, water, and attention.
Another way to save water is with hydrozoning, or grouping plants together based on water needs to prevent over- or under-watering. If you use sprinklers on your garden or lawn, check out these tips on sprinkler programming, maintenance tips, other water-saving tips.
Native plants provide food and shelter for wildlife and insects
Even though California is home to the highest number of native plant species in the nation, few home gardens and landscapes reflect the richness of California’s native flora. The trend of highly manicured lawns has created a human-dominated landscape that no longer supports functioning ecosystems, and some remaining natural areas are no longer large enough to support wildlife. Native plant gardens can provide patchwork habitats that support diverse wildlife and insect populations.
To see what species of birds will be attracted by specific native plant species, check out this Audobon database.
To see what native species to plant for specific purposes (e.g. ground cover plants, vines, etc.) see the California Native Plant Society’s database. This website also has a virtual garden planner to help you get started on your own native plant garden.
Fertilizer and pesticides in a native plant garden
Forgot to care for your plants? No problem – native plants require far less fertilizer than exotic species, and they have often developed their own defenses against pests!
Because native plants have evolved with the soil and climatic conditions of our region, they often do not require fertilizer once established. On the other hand, exotic plants and grasses used for lawns are not naturally suited for our area, so they frequently need fertilizer and pesticides to grow lush and fend off insects. Unfortunately, these products can be damaging to your garden and the surrounding environment.
Native plants usually require minimal fertilizer, can be naturally resistant to pests, and actually attract beneficial insects to your garden such as ladybugs, lacewings, praying mantises, and pollinators such as bees and butterflies. These beneficial insects can naturally control other insect populations in your garden.
Fertilizer
Synthetic and chemical fertilizers are high in soluble nitrogen, which results in a quick but unhealthy growth in plants. A slow release fertilizer with insoluble nitrogen will not only last longer, but may also reduce the amount of unused nitrogen that can run off yard into bay.
Once in waterways, nitrogen can cause harmful algal blooms. These blooms block the sun’s rays, which can kill submerged aquatic vegetation (like eelgrass) and can reduce the amount of oxygen in the water that fish and other animals need to breathe.
Want to avoid synthetic fertilizers altogether? Click here for some alternatives.
If you do choose to use fertilizer, follow the tips below for responsible use.
Do’s
– Closely follow the directions on the package to ensure proper use.
– Apply fertilizer just twice a year: once in the spring to help new growth, and once in the fall to assist healthy root growth.
Don’ts
– Don’t spill fertilizer on sidewalk, driveway or street, as it can get washed into local waterways.
– Don’t over water after fertilization or apply fertilizer before a rain event, as this can also cause it to be washed out of your garden.
Pesticides
Like fertilizers, pesticides can be washed off plants by rain and sprinklers, which can cause it to be transported into our waterways. Even at low levels, pesticides are toxic to fish, frogs, turtles, mussels, waterfowl, and other wildlife. Careful selection and application of pesticides can help protect wildlife and water quality. Check out the suggestions below for the best way to use pesticides in your garden.
Do’s
– Make sure product is designed for the specific problem in your garden.
– Avoid products with diazinon, a pesticide with potentially adverse impacts on insects, birds, fish, and amphibians.
— Before using pesticides, try other alternatives such as Integrated Pest Management techniques.
Don’ts
– Don’t use broad spectrum pesticides. These products are not selective and kill beneficial insects. Some of these pesticides can also make their way through the food chain and have negative impacts on fish, amphibians, and even mammals.
Ready to get some native plants into your yard?
Here are some local sources for California native plants:
Have more questions?
Reach out to the UC Master Gardener Program of San Luis Obispo County. Check out their webpage for upcoming events and other ways to stay in the loop.