Indoor Composting with Bokashi Bran - A Complete Guide

Introduction

You know all about composting. You've seen the signs for organic waste pickup at your local grocery store, and you've even composted at home before. But have you ever tried bokashi composting?

Bokashi composting is a unique form of indoor composting that doesn't require a lot of space and is perfect for the Midwest. Unlike traditional composting, which can be a bit tricky to get started, bokashi composting is simple and easy to do. In this guide, we'll teach you everything you need to know about bokashi composting, from setting up your system to harvesting your finished compost. Let's get started!

Why Compost?

You might be asking yourself, "Why should I compost?" Good question! Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. This amendment can then be used to improve the quality of soil in your garden or home landscape.

So why is composting so important? It helps to conserve water, reduce erosion, and promote plant growth. In fact, composting is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce your environmental impact. Not to mention, it's also a great way to recycle materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill.

If you're ready to start composting, keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to get started.

What Is Bokashi Composting?

Bokashi composting is a great way to compost your food waste indoors. Bokashi is a Japanese word that means "fermented organic matter." Bokashi composting is an anaerobic process, which means there is no oxygen present. This process happens in a closed system, so there is no smell.

The bokashi composting process begins with you adding your food waste to the bucket. You then add the bokashi mix on top of the food waste. The bokashi bran is a combination of effective microorganisms, molasses and wheat bran. The effective microrganisms feed on the organic matter and break it down into a liquid. The bran helps to absorb the liquid and keep the system dry. You then seal the bucket with the lid and let it sit for two weeks.

The Benefits of Bokashi Composting

You know the saying, "the best way to learn is by doing?" That's especially true when it comes to composting. And while there are plenty of ways to compost—indoors and out—bokashi composting is a great way to get started, especially if you're new to composting.

Here's what you need to know about Bokashi composting: it's a method of composting that doesn't require any open air, and it can be done indoors in even the smallest of spaces. That means no more dealing with the heat and bugs of outdoor composting!

Bokashi composting also creates an acidic environment that helps break down food waste quickly. And because there's no open air involved, it's a great choice for apartments or condos where outdoor space is limited.

Bokashi composting is a great way to recycle your kitchen scraps and reduce your waste. But what are the benefits of using the bokashi method specifically?

Well, for starters, Bokashi composting is a lot quicker than traditional composting. You can start to see results in as little as two weeks. It also gives off less odor, making it a great option for those with limited space or who live in an apartment. And because you don't need a lot of space to Bokashi compost, it's perfect for those who live just about anywhere!

Perhaps best of all, Bokashi composting allows you to compost all year long. You don't need to wait for the warmer months to get started!

The Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Bokashi Composting

When it comes to bokashi composting, there are two main types: indoor and outdoor. Both have their pros and cons, so it’s important to know the difference before you decide which one is right for you.

Indoor Bokashi Composting:

- Pros: Less odors, pests, and weather-related issues. Perfect for small spaces.

- Cons: Requires more attention and can be messier.

Outdoor Bokashi Composting:

- Pros: Easy to set up and requires less attention. Perfect for larger spaces.

- Cons: More odors, pests, and weather-related issues.

Indoor Bokashi composting is different from outdoor composting in a few key ways. First, indoor Bokashi composting is done in a vessel, such as a bin or bucket, while outdoor composting is done in an open bin or heap. Second, indoor Bokashi composting uses an airtight lid to keep out oxygen, while outdoor composting does not. Third, indoor Bokashi composting uses a special Bokashi bran that contains beneficial microorganisms, while outdoor composting does not.Fourth, indoor Bokashi composting takes place indoors, while outdoor composting takes place outdoors.

One of the key benefits of indoor Bokashi composting is that it can be done year-round, even in cold weather climates. Outdoor composting is seasonal and can only be done when the temperature is above freezing. Indoor Bokashi composting is also less likely to attract pests and animals than outdoor composting.

How to Make a Bokashi Compost Bin

Making a bokashi compost bin is actually pretty simple. You'll need a plastic bucket with a lid and some sort of drainage hole in the bottom. I like to use a 5-gallon bucket, but you can use whatever size you have on hand.

Once you have your bucket, drill or punch some holes in the bottom for drainage. Then, line the bottom of the bucket with some sort of mesh material to keep the bokashi bran from falling through the holes. I like to use a coffee filter for this, but you can also use a piece of cheesecloth or even an old t-shirt.

Now you're ready to add your bokashi bran. I like to add a layer that's about 2 inches deep, but you can add more or less depending on how much food waste you have.

Once you've added your bokashi bran, it's time to start adding your food waste. You can add pretty much any organic material, including fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and even meat and bones. Just be sure to chop up larger pieces so they'll break down more easily.

How to Bokashi Compost Indoors

Now that you understand the basics of bokashi composting, you might be wondering how to get started with indoor bokashi composting. don't worry, it's not as difficult as it might seem!

Here are the basic steps:

1. Get a bokashi bin or 5 gallon bucket: You can buy a bokashi bin online or at a gardening store. Make sure the bin is big enough for the amount of food scraps you have.

2. Add food scraps to the bin: Add your food scraps to the bin a little at a time. You can add any kind of food, including meat and dairy.

3. Sprinkle bokashi powder on top:After you add each layer of food scraps, sprinkle some bokashi powder on top. This will help speed up the composting process.

4. Close the lid: Make sure to close the lid tightly so that no smells escape and attract pests.

5. Repeat: Continue adding food scraps and bokashi powder until the bin is full.

That's it! Once your bin is full, you can either bury it in your backyard or empty it into an outdoor compost pile.