In my continued effort to be more green, I've
been composting using the Bokashi method for almost two years now. Bokashi
is a Japanese term that means "fermented organic matter". It is a
method of intensive composting that normally uses an anaerobic (without air)
inoculation process to produce the compost. Once a starter culture is made, it
can be re-used. Bokashi is commonly made with only molasses, water,
microorganisms called "effective microorganisms" or "EM",
and wheat bran. It has traditionally been used to increase the microbial
diversity and activity in soils and to supply nutrients to plants.
The Process
In home composting applications, kitchen waste
is placed into a container which is sealed with an air tight lid. These scraps
are then inoculated with a Bokashi EM mix. The user continues to place
alternating layers of food scraps and Bokashi EM until the container is full.
Once the bucket is full to capacity, the waste can be buried. Here's the REALLY
COOL part that separates it from traditional composting - you can put a
reasonable amount of dairy and meat products in it (yes, I said MEAT). The
liquid, known as Bokashi Juice, can be used as plant food, or can be poured
down the drain. This is good (I've heard) for households with septic systems.
The food waste does not break down or decompose
while it's in the bucket, however. Much of it will remain and it will have a
"pickled" smell. The breakdown of waste will occur after it has been
transferred to the soil. Burying Bokashi compost in a garden supplies
plants with a nourishing food source and conditions the soil with the microbes
it has in it. Bokashi compost scraps can also be mixed into a
regular/traditional compost pile instead of transferring to soil.
Getting It Started
You can find the specially-designed bins for
Bokashi composting online, but it will cost you $50-75 to score one. I went the
DIY route and made one out of two 2-gallon paint/storage buckets, available at
most home centers ($5-10). You can also make your own Bokashi EM bran
"mix", but in the interest of time I just purchased some online. So
here's your list of stuff to get 'er started:
1. Two 2-gallon paint/storage buckets with lids
(preferably with a rubber seal on them)
2. Bokashi mix (I would recommend starting out
with at least a month's supply)
3. Drill & drill bit
4. Object to push the organic matter down into
the container (i.e., a salad plate, potato masher, etc.)
5. Couple of sheets of plastic wrap
6. The organic goodies you'll be putting in your
bucket
Procedure
1. Drill a series of holes (1/4" -
3/8") in the bottom of ONE of the buckets.
2. Place this bucket inside of the other bucket.
The inside area between the two creates the needed space for any juice that may
drain out.
3. Add a little bit of organic matter
(2-3") into the bucket.
4. Shake a small amount of Bokashi (half a cup
or a small handful is fine) on top of the organic matter, trying to coat most
of the surfaces. If you wish to add a little bit of water, do it in the form of
a spray bottle (in other words, not much).
5. Repeat this "sandwiching" process
until the bucket is full.
6. Press the contents down firmly using a plate
or other flat object. Remember this process works best with NO air present.
7. Take the plastic wrap/sheet and cover the top
of the contents, making sure to overlap it over the edges. This is why the
paint bucket with sealed lid is so effective. You need to create an almost
airtight seal.
8. You're done... for now. The material
will start to ferment and decompose; however, much of the final breaking-down
will happen once it's been put in the ground. Keep it inside your house in
a convenient, yet out-of-the-way location for at least 2-3 weeks.
9. Dig a hole in your garden bed, at
least a few inches down, and dump in the material. Then cover it back up.
I would wait at least 2-3 weeks
before planting anything in that location. Trust me, your plants will LOVE it!
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