Bokashi One

How it works

Put simply, food waste is layered with Bokashi One Mix in a Bokashi One Bucket. Due to the air-tight bucket and the micro-organisms present in the Bokashi One Mix, the waste ferments. It does not decompose inside the bucket, it reduces in volume as the water content of the waste drains through the grate at the bottom of the bucket.

The wonderful Bokashi juice produced is alive with micro-organisms and can be used in the garden and around the home. When the bucket is full, the waste is transferred outside and buried beneath the soil to complete the composting process. Breakdown is rapid thanks to the micro-organisms present in the Bokashi One™ Mix. Bokashi compost supplies soil with nutrients from the waste and more life in the form of the micro-organisms. The Bokashi One™ system significantly accelerates the composting process.

What can I compost

All kitchen waste, (which is a huge benefit of Bokashi One composting over worm farms or traditional composting), although it’s best to avoid large bones and excessive amounts of liquid.

• fruit and vegetables
• prepared foods
• cooked and uncooked meats and fish
• dairy
• eggs
• bread
• coffee grinds
• tea bags
• wilted flowers and tissues

Burying Bokashi Waste

• Dig a hole or trench approximately 20-25cm deep. Add the Bokashi waste and mix in some soil. Cover the waste completely with soil. Now forget about it – there’s nothing else to do! Your soil has begun to be enriched on a microbial level.
• For established gardens, dig the hole around plants or between rows of trees.
• Be sure roots of very young plants do not come into direct contact with the compost as it may burn them. The compost is acidic when first dug in, but neutralises after 7-10 days. It is best to wait 2 weeks before planting.
• If you don’t have room to dig a hole every time your bucket needs emptying, you can create a Bokashi compost heap, burying the waste in a regular spot in your garden. Once the waste has completely broken down, use it as a rich top-soil. Bokashi waste can also be added to a conventional compost bin.

Bokashi Juice

The amount of juice your Bokashi One kitchen composting system produces depends on the type of food stored in it; so don’t be concerned if little or no juice is produced. Adding fruit and vegetables tends to increase juice production. Be careful not to add too much Bokashi One Mix as this can result in reduced juice creation.

Take care with the tap. Do not unscrew more than ¾ of a turn. If you think the tap is blocked, try clearing with a skewer.

Using the juice

BOKASHI JUICE MUST BE DILUTED PRIOR TO USE IN THE GARDEN. READ ON!

Bokashi juice contains nutrients from the food waste and is alive with micro-organisms so it makes a terrific, free fertiliser!

• To fertilise an existing garden or pot, dilute 1 teaspoon of juice with 2-3 litres of water and apply directly to the soil.
• To fertilise trees or shrubs, dilute 2 teaspoons with 2-3 litres of water.

Do not apply directly to foliage.

Pour the concentrated Bokashi juice directly into kitchen and bathroom drains, toilets and septic systems. It will help prevent algae build-up and control odour. And as a huge bonus, it contributes to cleaning up our waterways as the good bacteria compete with the bad bacteria!

Bokashi juice is best if used within 24 hours after draining from the bucket.

One Bucket or Two?

You may prefer to set up your system using two buckets. One of the benefits of having two buckets is the convenience. If you have only one bucket, when it is full the waste needs to be buried immediately to continue to use the system, with a second bucket the waste can be buried at a more convenient time before you fill up your second bucket. Also by rotating the buckets the waste has more time to ferment (especially good for homes that produce a lot of waste), the longer the waste ferments the quicker it will breakdown in the soil, and additionally, more wonderful bokashi juice is produced.

Signs of Success

The Bokashi One system is easy to use and it is highly unlikely that you will strike problems. A good sign which you may notice when the lid is removed is a subtle smell of pickles or cider vinegar.

Occasionally, particularly for longer fermentation periods, a white cotton-like fungi growth may appear on the surface. This is also a sign that the process is working well.

Helpful Hints

• Minimise the amount of rotten or mouldy food waste added to the Bokashi One Bucket.
• Break or chop large waste into smaller pieces.
• Always close the lid tightly and remember to frequently drain the juice that accumulates at the bottom.
• Press down every layer of food waste in the bucket to remove air. Try using a potato masher or a pot lid, or pop your hand into a plastic bag.
• Do not add water or excessive amounts of liquid.
• Do not place the bucket in the sun.
• Wash the bucket well after each use.