The Bokashi Bucket
The key to the success of this system is the specifically designed Bokashi Bucket, and the use of EM Bokashi.
Bokashi is a Japanese term that means
“fermented organic matter. EM Bokashi is a pleasant smelling product made using
a combination of sawdust and bran that has been infused with Effective
Micro-organisms (EM). EM Bokashi has traditionally been used to increase the
microbial diversity and activity in soils
and to supply nutrients to plants.
Place your kitchen waste into the bucket, then sprinkle a hand full of EM Bokashi over the waste.
Repeat this layering process until the
Bokashi Bucket is full.
Drain off liquid (Bokashi juice) as necessary.
Once the bucket is full to capacity, let the contents ferment for a period of 10-14 days. Then the Bokashi Compost is ready to be planted.
Bokashi Compost will look different to
other compost that has decayed. As the food waste does not breakdown or
decompose while it is in the bucket, much of its original physical property will
remain and it will have a pickled appearance. Complete breakdown of waste will
occur a few weeks after it has been transferred to the soil.
Burying Bokashi Compost in the garden will supply the plants with a nourishing food source and condition your soil with enriching microbes.
Dig a hole, add your fermented Bokashi Compost, mix with some soil and cover.
If you are low on garden space you can create a Bokashi Compost Heap, by burying a large bottomless bucket with lid.
You can use your Bokashi Compost in
planter boxes, tubs or pots by placing it directly into the container for
further fermentation.
As the kitchen waste starts to ferment, Bokashi Juice will form in the bottom of the bucket. This should be drained off as it builds up.
Bokashi Juice can be diluted with water and makes a terrific fertiliser for garden or pot plants.
It can be poured down drains and it is safe to use in septic tanks.
When used in drains it will
help to clean up our water ways by competing with harmful bacteria.
