FAQ

  • What is Bokashi?

    Bokashi is a Japanese term meaning "fermented organic matter." Unlike traditional composting, which relies on aerobic decay (breaking down organic matter with oxygen, which can produce heat and odors), bokashi uses anaerobic fermentation (a pickling process that occurs without oxygen).

    This fermentation process preserves nutrients, eliminates foul odors, and quickly converts food scraps (including meat, dairy, and cooked foods that traditional composters avoid) into a valuable pre-compost material.

  • What kind of food waste can I put in a Bokashi system?

    You can compost nearly all food waste, including items generally excluded from traditional compost piles:

    Yes: All fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, tea bags, cooked foods, bread, cheese, meat scraps, and fish.

    No: Liquids (like milk or excessive oil), very large bones, or non-food items.

  • Why does my Bokashi bucket smell sour, and is that normal?

    A mild sour or vinegary smell is perfectly normal! This is the natural odor of the anaerobic fermentation (pickling) process at work. It should not smell putrid or rotten. If you notice a strong, foul, or rotting odor, it usually indicates the contents were exposed to too much air or too much moisture

  • How do I use the finished Bokashi material (the fermented food waste)?

    The fermented food waste from your bucket is not yet compost. It needs a final "decomposition" step:

    Trench Method: Bury the fermented material directly into your garden beds or trenches. Leave it for 2-4 weeks to finish breaking down into rich soil (humus) before planting.

    Compost Addition: Add it to the center of your existing compost pile to give it a huge microbial boost.

    Soil Amending: Mix it thoroughly into a large container of garden soil or potting mix and let it rest for 2-4 weeks before using it.

  • 5. Can I use the Bokashi Bran itself directly on my garden soil as a top dress or mixed with potting soil?

    Yes! Your Bokashi bran contains beneficial Effective Microorganisms (EM). You can lightly sprinkle the dry bran directly onto your garden beds or around the base of plants as a soil topdress. This introduces the microbes directly to the soil to help break down existing organic matter and enhance nutrient cycling and soil health. Additionally you can mix into potting soil or add to holes when transplanting.

  • Can I make my own Bokashi?

    Yes! Bokashi is a very simple product to make at home using a carbon source like wheat or rice bran, unsulfured molasses, water and microbes!