Monday, 30 April 2012

Top Bokashi Tips


Here are a few little tips to keep your Bokashi on track

1) Keep the bucket sealed. Bokashi doesn't need air to compost. It's a fermentation process, so keep the lid shut and the air out.

2) Drain off moisture. Bokashi works best when it's fairly dry. Drain away the juice frequently, and try to prevent water building up at the top of the bin. It's a good idea to dry waste off as much as possible before adding to your bin.

3) Don't forget the bran. You would think this is obvious, but so many people forget to use Bokashi bran (or don't use enough of it!)

4) Keep going - even if something goes wrong, just try again. You'll get there in the end.

If you can remember these four points, you'll be well on the way. All the best with your Bokashi.

Monday, 5 December 2011

What's Bokashi Composting?

Bokashi composting is a technique of rapidly decomposing organic waste. Unlike normal composting, a Bokashi system really needs Effective Microorganisms (EM) that have been added to the organic waste kept in a Bokashi bucket.

The Bokashi composting process is more of a fermentation process in comparison to the traditional composting process. Air will not be necessary for the natural and organic matter to ferment. Because of this, this process is smell free and also makes a superb indoor compost container. The Bokashi bin should be totally sealed, which removes any kind of concerns about insects or animals making a hassle of themselves. With a Bokashi composter you will be able to compost foods scraps which can’t be added to traditional compost system. Meat, fish, cheese and cooked scraps are all welcome within a Bokashi bucket. This is a good way of putting those extra nutrients to good use in your garden, rather than sending them to landfill.

Throughout the fermentation process, a liquid can be drained from the organic matter. Most Bokashi bins make use of a tap to conveniently allow for this. This liquid, occasionally called Bokashi Juice, can be utilized in one of 2 ways. It may be used as an efficient cleaner when placed straight down drains, or can be thinned and used as a great fertiliser.

The Bokashi composting method is swift. It typically takes about a couple of weeks for the Effective Microorganisms to break down a regular Bokashi bucket packed with organic matter. After fermentation is finished, the contents in the Bokashi bucket tend not to look much like conventional compost. Because the organic matter has been fermented, rather than rotted, the final product looks similar to the waste originally placed in the Bokashi composter. Yet, by this stage the important function has been carried out and the waste have already been broken down into the forms of nutrients which plants can make use of directly.

After fermentation, the organic matter can be added to a worm compost bin or buried right in garden soil. When the matter is buried right into the soil, it may take a month or 2 before its completely integrated into the soil, even if this can be quicker depending on the soil temperature. During this process, no further attention is needed. The fermented organic matter does not need to be aerated or turned as it would in a standard composting system. Bokashi Composting gives the ideal means to compost at home. Its quick, simple, smell free and allows all biodegradable waste materials to be composted. It is a smart way of turning food waste into plant-ready