A Complete Guide to Bokashi Composting Method

Are you among the many gardening enthusiasts who've recently switched to organic fertilizers? Or perhaps you're environmentally conscious and looking to make the most out of your kitchen scraps. Either way, you've likely come across the term "bokashi." Derived from Japanese, bokashi literally translates to "fermented organic matter." As mystical as it might sound, bokashi composting is a simple, yet revolutionary method of reducing waste and enriching your garden naturally. This post is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to mastering the bokashi composting method.

1. Understand What Bokashi is

Just like traditional composting, the goal of bokashi is to convert organic waste into useful fertilizers. However, while the conventional composting method involves the aerobic (oxygen-reliant) decomposing process, bokashi relies on anaerobic fermentation. These differences affect the types of waste suitable for each process and their end-products. Bokashi composting can handle almost all types of kitchen wastes, including meat and dairy, which are typically a no-no in traditional composting.

2. Gather the Necessary Tools

Unlike more traditional composting techniques, you’ll need some specialized tools for bokashi composting. First off, you need a bokashi bin - you can purchase ready-made ones from gardening stores or make one yourself. Second, you will need bokashi bran - a mix of organic matter, sugar, and water, infused with effective microorganisms. It facilitates the fermentation process.

3. Layers, Layers, Layers

Start by adding a layer of waste into the bokashi bin, followed by a layer of bokashi bran. Repeat this until either the waste or the bran runs out. You're aiming to create a layered effect within the bin, much like lasagna. After each layer of waste, press down gently to ensure no air pockets hide among the waste.

4. The Waiting Game Begins

Once you've layered your kitchen waste and bokashi bran in the bin, it's time to seal the bin and let the magic happen. Put the bin somewhere at room temperature, and wait. After about two weeks, your garbage will have transformed into nutrient-rich bokashi pre-compost.

5. Use Your Bokashi Compost

After the two weeks, you can dig the bokashi pre-compost into your garden soil. It's not like regular compost - it will be somewhat pickled and have a sweet and sour smell. Don’t worry too much about odors; they diminish as the pre-compost mixes into the soil and finishes its composting process.

And there you have it – bokashi composting made simple. This handy method not only revitalizes your garden but also helps you play a small part in reducing kitchen waste. Getting into the habit of bokashi composting is one great way we can nourish our beloved plants while caring for the planet.