| Setting up a Bokashi composting system is a straightforward way to break down food scraps and enrich your garden soil. Unlike traditional composting, Bokashi is anaerobic (doesn’t require air) and uses specialized bran with beneficial microbes to ferment food waste. Guide to Setting Up a Bokashi System 1. Gather Your Materials Bokashi bin – A specialized airtight bin with a spigot for draining liquid. Bokashi bran – Inoculated with beneficial microbes (lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, and phototrophic bacteria). Kitchen scraps – Any food waste, including meat, dairy, and cooked food (which traditional composting avoids). Gloves (optional) – To keep hands clean while handling waste. A second bin (optional) – Useful for continuous composting. 2. Set Up the Bokashi Bin Place the bin in a cool, dry place, such as under the kitchen sink or in a garage. Ensure the spigot is closed before starting. 3. Start Adding Waste Cut food waste into small pieces (smaller pieces ferment faster). Add a layer of food scraps to the bin (1–2 inches). Sprinkle Bokashi bran (about 1–2 tablespoons per layer). Press the waste down firmly to remove air pockets. Repeat this process until the bin is full. 4. Maintain the Fermentation Process Keep the lid sealed tightly to maintain an anaerobic environment. Drain the Bokashi tea (liquid) every 2–3 days using the spigot.Use it diluted (1:100 ratio) as a fertilizer for plants. Or pour undiluted into drains to reduce odours and break down grease. 5. Finish and Bury the Bokashi After the bin is full, let it sit for 2 weeks to complete fermentation. The scraps will look pickled and have a sour smell. Dig a shallow trench (8–12 inches deep) in your garden. Mix the fermented material with soil and cover it at least 6 inches. Wait 2–4 weeks before planting in the area. Alternative Uses for Fermented Bokashi Add to a compost pile – Boosts decomposition. Use in a worm bin – Feed to worms in small amounts. Additional Tips Use high-quality Bokashi bran to ensure successful fermentation. Avoid excess liquids to prevent foul odours. Store Bokashi tea in a sealed bottle and use it within 48 hours. Rotate bins – Start a second bin while the first one ferments. |
Easy Guide to Bokashi Composting
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