What is Bokashi?
Bokashi is a Japanese word meaning “ferment.” Bokashi composting is a method pioneered by Dr. Teruo Higa, a professor at the University of Ryukyus in Okinawa. It’s an innovative and sustainable approach to organic waste management. Unlike traditional composting, Bokashi ferments kitchen scraps and organic materials in a sealed bin with special Bokashi Active Bran, rich in effective microorganisms.

Bokashi composting offers several advantages:
• Rapid decomposition of a wide range of food waste, including meats, fish, and dairy products.
• Effective for plate waste, safely fermenting items that attract pests.
• Resulting compost is nutrient-rich, benefiting soil health and plant growth.

Here’s a list of items that can be effectively composted in a Bokashi kit:
• Fruit and vegetable scraps, including peels and cores.
• Meat and fish, challenging items for traditional compost.
• Dairy products like cheese and yogurt.
• Processed foods, cooked and uncooked leftovers.
• Tea bags and coffee grounds, great nitrogen sources.
• Eggshells, providing valuable minerals.
• Bread and grains, ideal for stale or moldy items.
• Small bones, broken down in the Bokashi process.

Bokashi composting reduces household waste and enriches soil with nutrient-dense compost, supporting sustainable waste management and soil enhancement.

What does finished Bokashi look like?
Finished Bokashi looks different from traditional compost. It’s dark, moist, and may contain visible food scraps. The texture is more compact and sticky due to the fermentation process. Mould may form, which is harmless and indicates the process is working well. Mixing it into your garden soil or traditional compost improves texture.

What to do with the finished product?
Once Bokashi fermentation is complete, you can use the finished product to enhance your soil in various ways:

• Soil amendment: Incorporate it directly into your garden soil as a natural conditioner.
• Composting boost: Mix it with your traditional compost pile to accelerate decomposition.
• Nutrient enrichment: Adds essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil.
• Improved soil structure: Enhances water retention and aeration.
• Microbial activity: Beneficial microorganisms improve soil health and break down organic matter.
• Pest repellent: Deters some pests due to its acidic nature.
• Odor control: Reduces foul odours in compost or soil.

Wiggly Tip: Use Bokashi Active Bran in your Chicken Coop for odour control and nutrient-rich compost.

Can I make my own Bokashi Tea?
Not for drinking, but as a fertiliser. Dilute the drained liquid with water for a nutrient-rich feed for garden or house plants. Use a cupful in a watering can; it’s potent stuff.

Did you know? Bokashi liquid can be used as a natural cleaning agent for drains and septic systems, breaking down organic matter and preventing smells.

Get started with Bokashi Composting with our kits and lots more information here https://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk/collections/bokashi-composting

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