Bokashi Composting

Answers to common Bokashi Composting questions to help you succeed with Bokashi composting.

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Mixing Bokashi Compost with Soil

I am doing Bokashi at home with the organic waste and mixing it 3 parts soil vs 1 part the fermented waste. The problem is that I'm out of soil to mix with. Is there another method that I can use instead of mixing with soil on the composting stage

Can a school use the bokashi composting method for their food waste?

We do have several schools that use Bokashi to ferment the food waste. The most popular way is to layer food waste and Bokashi in airtight barrels or bags. If you use enough Bokashi, excess liquids are not an issue. Once the bins or bags are full

Can EM-1 and Bokashi be used in worm bins?

Both EM-1 and Bokashi can be used in worm bins. EM-1 can be sprayed (at 1 oz per gallon of water) a few times a week in worm bins. If you have a Bokashi food waste system, the finished fermented food waste can be dumped into a worm bin. Some dry

I made my Bokashi for my dog and has had good results, does it matter if its wet or dry?

Wet or dry shouldn't matter. Both should be kept out of direct sunlight and in an airtight container.

I have spent beer grain that I'd like to turn into Bokashi, it is kept outside so birds and insects have access to it. Will this be an issue or would I need to sterilize it prior to adding the EM-1.

If the Bokashi is going to be used outside (garden, compost) then no sterilization is needed. However, I would sterilize it if you'll be using it inside (litters, indoor plants).

Can I use the wet Bokashi once fermented with EM-1 or does it need to dry out?

Yes, you can use it wet and store it wet. Make sure you store in an airtight container.

I've been making Bokashi and I've noticed at the bottom reservoir for liquid ("tea") there has been white, coagulated curd like substance forming.

This is most likely to be the yeast clumping, which is totally normal. Make sure it doesn't smell rotten.

What is the difference between Bokashi just finished and dried Bokashi?

Dried bokashi can be used in litter boxes and pet cages without adding moisture. For general use there is not a difference between wet and dry Bokashi.

How much bokashi would I expect to use in your bokashi fermenting (recycling) systems?

Usage in a compost bucket: 64 ( sprinkles 0.5 oz) in a 2 lb bag 160 ( sprinkles 0.5 oz ) in a 5 lb bag. If someone cooks 7 days a week and is adding a new layer of food scraps then the following: 2 lb bag supply will last 9 weeks 5 lb bag

Using Bokashi over AEM in buckets

A: If composting in an airtight container you do not want liquids to build up it will cause your bucket to spoil. If using a compost tumbler or compost pile EM-1 is a good idea. Here are some links that may help you: Composting Solutions Bokashi

Does the two green bucket system have spigots?

No, the green buckets do not have spigots and it is best to start these with a layer of Bokashi before adding waste. If liquids are building up in the green bucket, add more Bokashi.

With the Bokashi food waste recycling system, is it important to drain the liquid?

This system does not require draining the liquid. If liquid starts to build up, add more bokashi.

On Bokashi Recycling System, when does 2 week fermenting time start?

The fermentation time is the same as all other systems. The materials will be wetter than the ones with the drains, so make sure you add some dry material when adding to your worm bin, or add less at a time to keep the materials from being too wet.

Bokashi Recycling System - 2 Green Buckets

Bokashi Food Waste Recycling System Ideally this system is so you can fill one bucket while the other is fermenting.

Should the final compost process (brown matter with fermented waste) be set on an airtight container for best results?

Once the waste has been fermented for 2 weeks it no longer needs to be airtight. If you would like to bury the waste it will break down faster or if adding to an existing compost pile you can cover with a tarp for a faster process, but open air

Can I add seeds to my Bokashi Bucket?

Yes, you can add seeds to your Bokashi compost bin. The high acidity and anaerobic environment will stop the seeds from germinating when the compost is added to the soil.