10 Reasons to Try Bokashi Composting for a Sustainable Kitchen and Garden
Bokashi composting is a unique and efficient way to turn all your kitchen waste into rich, organic fertilizer. This composting method is an excellent way to reduce the amount of garbage going to landfills while also improving soil health. Here are ten reasons why you should try Bokashi composting:
1. No Smell
One of the most significant benefits of Bokashi composting is that it doesn’t smell bad like traditional compost bins or piles. The fermentation process used in Bokashi creates a pickling effect that eliminates odors.
2. Speedy Process
Bokashi composting works faster than other methods, taking only two weeks instead of several months.
3. All Kitchen Waste Accepted
All types of kitchen waste can be added to the Bokashi bin – including meat, dairy, oils, and cooked foods – which cannot go in traditional outdoor compost piles.
4. Compact Size
The compact size of the Bokashi bin makes it perfect for small spaces like apartment balconies or kitchens with limited counter space.
5. Easy Maintenance
Maintaining a Bokashi bin requires minimal effort compared to other types of compost bins and does not require turning.
6. Reduced Pests
Using a sealed container for food scraps means fewer pests around your home and less attraction for rodents, raccoons, or bears.
7. Nutrient-Rich Soil Amendments
Bokashi fermentation produces nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer (known as “Bokashite”) that can be diluted with water and applied directly to plants’ roots or sprayed onto foliage.
8. Improved Soil Quality
Adding fermented food scraps helps boost microbial activity in soil by increasing beneficial bacteria levels resulting in improved soil quality over time
9.Easy Cleanup
When you’re ready to use the fermented material from your bin after 2-3 weeks; simply bury it into soil or add it directly into your garden bed without any heavy labor.
10. Sustainable Option
Bokashi composting is a sustainable option that reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills while creating nutrient-rich soil amendments that promote plant growth and health.
Now that you know why Bokashi composting is an excellent choice for your home, let’s get started with setting up your bin:
1. Choose Your Bin
There are many options available in the market when it comes to buying a Bokashi bin. You can choose from plastic or metal bins with varying sizes depending on how much space you have for storage.
2. Add Your Starter Mix
Once you have your bin ready, add a layer of starter mix at the bottom of the bin before adding any food scraps. The starter mix contains microorganisms needed to ferment food scraps and start the process efficiently.
3. Add Kitchen Scraps
Add all types of kitchen waste into the bin – including meat, dairy products, oils, and cooked foods – but avoid large bones or shells as they won’t break down quickly enough and will take up too much space in your container.
4. Compress And Seal
After each addition of kitchen scraps into the bin, compress them firmly using a plate or other flat object before sealing tightly with a lid to prevent air from getting inside.
5. Drain Liquid Regularly
As fermentation takes place within your Bokashi bin; liquid may collect at the bottom after several days which should be drained off regularly as it contains nutrients that can be used later on plants once diluted appropriately.
6. Repeat The Process
Keep adding kitchen waste into your Bokashi until it’s full; then leave it sealed for 2-3 weeks (without opening) before burying in soil or adding directly into garden beds without heavy labor involved!
In conclusion, Bokashi composting is an easy way to reduce organic waste while turning it into nutrient-rich fertilizer for your plants and gardens! It’s an excellent alternative to traditional composting methods, especially for those with limited space or who live in urban areas. So why not give it a try and see the benefits for yourself? Happy Composting!