Bokashi composting sounds like it should be intimidating, but this simple fermenting process is easy to master! Grab your bran and your bin and let's dive in!
Bokashi composting is very different from normal composting. It can be done in a tiny space and is super quick. In fact, it only takes about 2 weeks from start to finish! It's the perfect way to cut down on waste and save when you're low on time.
Boshahi compost is made using bokashi bran to ferment your kitchen waste. The bran is full of microbes which speed up the process. It's usually made in small batches in a sealed bucket in your kitchen!
Getting set up for bokashi composting is pretty simple. All you need is a bokashi bin (preferably 2) and bokashi bran. You can get both items online and at most garden centers.
Start by gathering your food waste and adding it to your bucket. Each time you add food, you'll cover it with a layer of the bran. Once the bucket is full, simply seal it up and leave it to stand for two weeks. Every second day, you'll open the tap at the bottom of the bucket and collect the tea that has formed. This tea can be diluted with water (1:300) and used as excellent plant food!
After 2 weeks, your bin will be fermented, but you can't use it just yet. The fermented food is still too acidic at this stage! Most people add it to their compost or dig a trench in the garden and bury it.
One of the best things about bokashi composting is that you can add almost all your kitchen waste, including meat, bones, dairy products, and cooked food! You'll want to avoid any moldy foods because they'll introduce the wrong kinds of microbes into your bucket. Not sure if something can go in? Here's a list of foods to use and avoid.
Looking to cut down on waste? Save has some great ideas to help you cut down on waste without cutting down on joy! Learn how to start a worm farm, find out how reducing waste in your kitchen can help you save, or take it to the next level and start making your own sundried tomatoes!