Bokashi composting is a versatile and efficient way to manage kitchen waste, utilising a fermentation process that allows you to compost a wider variety of materials than traditional composting methods. Here’s a detailed guide on what you can and can’t compost with bokashi.
What You Can Compost with Bokashi:
1. Fruits and Vegetables:
- All types of fruit and vegetable scraps, including peels, cores, and seeds.
2. Cooked and Raw Food:
- Leftover cooked food, including rice, pasta, and casseroles.
- Raw meat, fish, and seafood scraps.
3. Dairy Products:
- Cheese, yogurt, and other dairy items.
4. Bread and Grains:
- Bread, cereals, and grains.
5. Coffee and Tea:
- Coffee grounds and filters.
- Tea bags and loose tea leaves.
6. Eggshells:
- Crushed eggshells (rinsed if possible).
7. Nuts and Seeds:
- Nuts, seeds, and their shells.
8. Pet Waste:
- Small amounts of pet waste, such as from small mammals like rabbits and guinea pigs (if composting in a garden that doesn’t produce food for human consumption).
9. Small Amounts of Paper Products:
- Used paper towels, napkins, and uncoated paper plates.
What You Can’t Compost with Bokashi:
1. Large Amounts of Liquid:
1. Large Amounts of Liquid:
- Excessive liquid can disrupt the fermentation process. Strain off any liquids from food waste.
2. Mouldy Food:
- While bokashi can handle some mould, avoid adding excessively mouldy items.
3. Hard Pits and Bones:
- Large bones and hard pits (like avocado seeds) don’t break down well. Small bones are okay in moderation.
4. Plastic, Metal, and Glass:
- Non-organic materials should never be added.
5. Glossy or Coated Paper:
- Avoid adding magazines, glossy paper, or anything with a plastic coating.
6. Large Amounts of garden Waste:
- Bokashi is designed for kitchen waste, not large amounts of leaves or grass clippings.
7. Oils and Fats:
- Large quantities of oil or grease can interfere with the fermentation process.
8. Toxic Plants:
- Avoid composting plants treated with pesticides or herbicides, as these chemicals can disrupt the microbial activity.
Tips for Successful Bokashi Composting:
- Chop Waste: Cut waste into smaller pieces to speed up the fermentation process.
- Layer with Bran: Always sprinkle a layer of bokashi bran over the waste to ensure proper fermentation.
- Drain Liquid: Regularly drain the liquid produced (bokashi tea) and use it as a powerful fertiliser for your plants, diluted with water.
- Seal Tightly: Ensure the bokashi bin is airtight to maintain an anaerobic environment.
By following these guidelines, you can efficiently compost a wide range of kitchen scraps with bokashi, transforming waste into valuable compost for your garden or plants. For more information on Bokashi Composting and to order a bokashi kit pop on over to https://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk/collections/bokashi-composting