How to Make Bokashi Compost: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
Composting is an eco-friendly way to divert organic waste from landfills and produce nutrient-rich soil for your plants. One innovative method gaining popularity is bokashi composting. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of making bokashi compost, step by step.
Gather Your Supplies
What You’ll Need:
To get started with bokashi composting, gather the following supplies:
– Bokashi starter mix
– Airtight container or bin with a lid
– Kitchen scraps (fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, etc.)
– Chopping board and knife
The Bokashi Process Explained
1. Prepare Your Container
Choose an airtight container or bin with a lid that can hold several weeks’ worth of kitchen scraps. Ensure it has a spigot at the bottom for draining any liquid produced during fermentation.
2. Layer It Up!
Start by adding a thin layer of bokashi starter mix at the bottom of your container—this helps accelerate fermentation. Then add your kitchen scraps in small pieces so they decompose more efficiently.
Tips:
– Chop larger pieces into smaller bits to speed up decomposition.
– Alternate between wet (fruit peels) and dry (coffee grounds) materials to maintain moisture balance.
Avoid Adding:
While most organic waste is suitable for bokashi composting, avoid including meat products, dairy items, oily substances like salad dressings or greasy foods as they may hinder the fermenting process.
3. Sprinkle Some Starter Mix
After each layer of kitchen scraps, sprinkle a handful or two of bokashi starter mix. Ensure the scraps are adequately covered with the mix to promote rapid fermentation.
4. Press It Down
Once your container is filled, firmly press down the contents using a plate or a compactor tool. This helps remove any air pockets and ensures consistent fermentation throughout.
The Fermentation Period
5. Seal It Tight
Seal the lid tightly on your container to keep oxygen out—the anaerobic environment is crucial for successful fermentation.
6. Drain Any Liquid
Throughout the fermentation process, liquid known as “bokashi tea” will collect at the bottom of your bin. Open the spigot periodically to drain this nutrient-rich liquid into another container—dilute it with water before using it as plant fertilizer!
Tips:
– If no liquid accumulates after several days, add some water to maintain moisture levels.
– Remember to close the spigot once you finish draining.
The Finishing Touches
7. Start Second Batch and Wait
While one batch ferments, start filling a second container with fresh kitchen scraps and repeat steps 1-6 in parallel until both batches have completed their fermentation period (typically two weeks).
Note:
It’s beneficial to have multiple containers in rotation so that you always have an active batch ready while one completes its cycle.
8. The Curing Process Begins!
Once fully fermented, bury or incorporate your bokashi compost directly into soil or potting mixes—it’s time for its final transformation! Allow it to cure for around two weeks before planting anything in it.
Tips:
– Avoid exposing the bokashi compost to direct sunlight during curing.
– Incorporate it into your outdoor garden beds or mix it with potting soil for container plants.
Conclusion
Bokashi composting is an efficient and odorless way to recycle kitchen scraps while enriching the soil. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can easily create your own bokashi compost at home. Embrace this sustainable practice and take a step forward towards reducing waste while nourishing your plants!