| I was recently asked about other types of composting and if I had any experience with them. I have a little experience with some, but not all. Several unusual and innovative composting methods go beyond the typical backyard bin. Here are some fascinating styles you might find interesting: |
| Bokashi Composting What it is: A Japanese method that ferments organic waste using a mix of beneficial microbes. Why it’s unusual: This anaerobic process of Bokashi Composting is a unique twist on traditional decomposition. It efficiently pickles food scraps, including dairy and meat, which regular composting methods avoid. How to do it: You layer waste with a special bran inoculated with effective microorganisms (EM) in an airtight container. After fermenting, the material is buried in the soil to break down completely. |
| Black Soldier Fly Larvae Composting What it is: It uses black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) to break down organic waste rapidly. Why it’s unusual: The Black Soldier Fly Larvae Composting method is truly remarkable. These larvae consume food waste at an incredible speed, leaving behind nutrient-rich frass (larvae poop) that can be used as compost. Bonus: The larvae can be harvested as high-protein feed for chickens, reptiles, or fish. |
| Humanure (Human Waste Composting) What it is: Composting human faeces using a sawdust toilet system. Why it’s unusual: The Humanure (Human Waste Composting) method is a testament to resourcefulness. Instead of flushing waste away, it is collected, layered with carbon materials (like sawdust), and left to decompose in a controlled way. Caution: It must be managed properly (e.g., composted for over a year at high temperatures) to kill pathogens before being used in non-food gardens. |
| Trench Composting What it is: Digging a trench in your garden, dumping organic waste into it, and covering it with soil. Why it’s unusual: There is no need for a compost bin; the soil microbes take care of the decomposition underground, enriching the soil directly. Great for: Low-maintenance gardeners who don’t want to turn compost piles. |
| Mushroom Mycelium Composting What it is: Using fungi to break down organic matter. Why it’s unusual: Mushrooms, particularly mycelium, decompose complex materials (even some toxins) and enhance soil health. Bonus: Some edible mushrooms can be grown during the process. |
| Vermicomposting with Exotic Worms What it is: Using speciality worms (like African nightcrawlers or Indian blue worms) instead of the standard red wigglers. Why it’s unusual: Some of these exotic worms break down compost faster, survive in different climates, or produce richer worm castings. |
| Electric Counter Top Kitchen Composters What it is: Small countertop machines rapidly dehydrate and grind food waste into a soil-like substance. Why it’s unusual: High-tech composting relies not on microbes but on heat and grinding. Pros: No smell, fast processing, and usable indoors. Cons: Uses electricity and may not provide the same microbial benefits as traditional compost. |
| Of the items listed above, I currently have the Bokashi in action and have been using this method since 2019—I collect our waste and that of a few of my neighbours, although I no longer use the tapped bin but only a sealed bin and leave it for longer. I have also combined this style with the trench method which we started this year down on Plot 17. I worked with worm farming for a while [2018-2024] but found it quite labour-intensive. The two original farms down on the allotment are now excellent asparagus beds with abundant worms! I also tried Black Soldier Fly and Fruit Fly back in 2019-2021 but wasn’t happy with the results. |
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