What to Know Before Using Bokashi Bran in Your Compost

Overview of Bokashi Bran Compost

Bokashi Bran can be used to speed up anerobic composting processes. It's made of a fermented mixture of bran and wheat, and when added to your compost pile, it helps break down the organic matter more quickly.

Bokashi composting is a great way to recycle food scraps, and it's especially useful if you have a small garden or limited space. The process is simple: you add your food scraps to a bin with the bokashi mix, and then seal it up to let it ferment. After about two weeks, you can add the fermented mix to your compost pile.

If you're new to Bokashi composting, there are a few things you should know before getting started. Here are some tips for troubleshooting and avoiding common problems.

What You Need to Make Bokashi Compost at Home

You'll need a bin, a plastic bag, bokashi bran, and some fruit or vegetable scraps.

The bin should be something that can be easily cleaned, like a plastic storage container. The bottom of the bin should have some drainage holes so that the liquid that is produced can escape. If you're using a composting bin, make sure it's big enough to accommodate your waste stream.

The plastic bag goes inside the bin, and the bokashi bran is sprinkled on top of the scraps. The bran will absorb the moisture and help to start the composting process. You'll want to add about 1/4 cup of bran for every 2-3 cups of scraps.

Lastly, add your fruit or vegetable scraps. As the scraps decompose, they will release methane gas. Make sure you keep an eye on your bin and release the gas regularly.

How to Make Bokashi Compost in 5 Simple Steps

Now that you know a little more about Bokashi composting, it's time to get started. Here are the steps:

1. Collect food waste: This can be anything from vegetable scraps to fruit peels to bread crusts. The key is to avoid meat, dairy and oily foods, as well as anything that's been cooked.

2. Mix food waste with Bokashi bran: This helps to speed up the composting process and introduces the beneficial bacteria that breaks down the food waste.

3. Store the mixture in a sealed container: This will help keep the oxygen levels down and create an anaerobic environment, which is necessary for Bokashi composting.

4. Let the mixture ferment: It will take around two weeks for the mixture to ferment and become ready for use in your garden.

5. Apply the compost to your plants: Use it as you would any other compost and enjoy healthier plants as a result!

Adding the Right Food Waste for Better Results

When using Bokashi Bran to compost, it's important to be mindful of what types of food waste you add. The more careful you are in ensuring that your bokashi bucket has a balanced mix of materials, the more successful your results will be.

For example, avoid adding scraps with high levels of acidity or other materials that can affect the pH balance of your compost. This includes citrus fruits and onions, which can disrupt the fermentation process and make the bin less effective. On the other hand, materials like eggshells, coffee grounds and tea bags can have a positive effect on your compost since they contain beneficial microorganisms.

At the same time, be sure not to add too much liquid as this can drown out the oxygen supply in your bin, leading to anaerobic decomposition instead of aerobic decomposition—which is what you're aiming for! To avoid this problem altogether, try straining out any excess liquid in advance of adding it to your bokashi bran bucket.

Troubleshooting Common Bokashi Composting Errors

If you've encountered some issues when using Bokashi Bran for composting, don't worry—you're not the only one. Here are some of the most common errors and troubleshooting tips to help you out:

- Not enough (or too much) moisture: Bokashi composting works best when your food scraps have the right amount of moisture. If it's too dry, sprinkle some water over your food scraps or add more bokashi bran powder. Conversely, if it's too wet, set aside the contents for a few hours and let the liquid drain away.

- Unpleasant odors: This might happen if food isn't properly sealed in an airtight container or if one of your bins has been contaminated. To eliminate odors, take out the spoiled bits, season it with fresh bokashi bran and be sure to keep your bins properly aerated.

- Not enough drainage: As mentioned earlier in this article, using a draining tray is really helpful to ensure liquid can drain away from your bin. If there isn't enough airflow, use perforated pipes or posts to create an air circulation system.

Following these tips can help get your Bokashi composting going again in no time.

Tips to Improve Efficiency of a Bokashi Compost System

Using a Bokashi Compost System is an efficient way to produce rich soil for your garden, but you may encounter speed bumps if you have never used one before. In order to make the most of your Bokashi Compost System and ensure maximum efficiency, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.

First, make sure you have the correct ratio of Bokashi Bran to your food waste. Too much bran and not enough food waste can slow down the process significantly. It’s best to start with about one cup of bran for every 2-4 liters of food waste.

Second, be sure your compost bin is being kept at optimal temperature. Keeping it too hot or too cold can cause issues with the fermentation process, so make sure it’s between 15-20 degrees Celsius and well insulated in order to maintain temperature stability.

Finally, be sure to mix the contents regularly and keep them moist. Since oxygen plays a big part in the fermentation process regular mixing helps increase the oxygen saturation. If your mixture is too dry then add some water or more bran, as this will help kickstart the fermentation process again.

Conclusion

In short, when it comes to Bokashi Bran, a little goes a long way. It's important to use it correctly in order to avoid any problems with your compost, but if you do, it can be a great way to create healthy soil for your garden.