Fertilise Wise and Grow Local Plants

Fertilise Wise Campaign

Lawn and garden fertilisers are one of the largest threats to our rivers as nutrients added to our sandy soils are easily leached. The lack of awareness of the impact of fertilisers on the rivers is a target for the Phosphorus Awareness Project’s (PAP) Fertilise Wise campaign.

PAP’s aim is to reduce the amount of nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) people contribute to waterways through stormwater drains and leaching into groundwater by promoting appropriate fertiliser practices for the soils of the region.

You can help by:

• Minimising lawn areas
• Fertilising only when symptoms of nutrient deficiency occur eg. yellowing
• Use a complete lawn fertiliser containing a Nitrogen: Phosphorus: Potassium (N:P:K) ratio of 10:1:6
• Look for fertilisers that also contain other nutrients such as sulphur (S), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) and the trace elements copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), boron (B), zinc (Zn) and molybdenum (Mo)
• The MAXIMUM individual application rate for the fertiliser should be 25 grams per square metre for Couch and 12 grams per square metre for Kikuyu and Buffalo
• If fertiliser is required, apply in spring or early Autumn (Sept, Oct, Nov, Mar and Apr)
• Do not fertilise in summer or winter
• Do not over water
• Grow local plants – they require less fertiliser and water
• Using the map below, identify your soil type then download the Fertilise Wise Guide and Grow Local Plant Guide that applies to your area.

The Grow Local Plants Project was developed to increase the number of local plants used in residential gardens throughout Perth by providing residents with a brochure containing lists of local species suitable for their soil type as well as information on maintaining local plants. The project is being supported by Local Government Authorities (LGAs) as they pay for the printing and distribution of the Grow Local Plant brochures which they tailor to their specific region. The LGAs also conduct awareness raising activities (such as developing Local Plant Demonstration Gardens) to support the brochures and to promote the importance of using local plants in your garden.

The Perth area is broken up into five different areas dependent on soil type. Click on the map below for a larger view and find the area that you fall in. Once you have found your area click on the relevant soil type to download your brochure below.

Fertilise Wise and Grow Local Plant Brochures

*We have updated the 5 Fertilise Wise by Soil Type brochures and combined them all into one brochure. The brochure is now called – Establishing, Maintaining and Fertilising your Lawn According to your Soil Type. It focuses on lawns with additional environment-friendly gardening tips.