Bokashi Composting: A Sustainable Revolution for Your Garden and Beyond
Why Bokashi?
Bokashi composting is more than a method—it's a revolution in sustainable gardening and soil health. This innovative approach transforms organic waste, such as garden scraps, food leftovers, and farmyard manure, into a powerhouse of beneficial microorganisms that regenerate soil, reduce waste, and nourish plants naturally.
Originating from the Japanese term meaning "fermented organic matter," Bokashi leverages anaerobic fermentation to break down waste rapidly while retaining nutrients and minimizing odours.
Step-by-Step Guide: Creating a Bokashi Heap
Building Layers: Lasagne or Windrow Method
Choose a Location: Find a sheltered spot in your garden. Use a flat surface to start your heap.
Layer Your Materials:
First Layer: Spread 20 cm of chopped organic matter, mixing carbon-rich (woody) and nitrogen-rich (soft) materials.
Add Microbial Inoculants: Sprinkle diluted Actiferm (25 ml in 10 L of water) over the layer. Optionally, add Aegir seashell grit or Edasil clay minerals to enhance fermentation.
Press Down: Compact the layer to remove air pockets, ensuring optimal anaerobic conditions.
Repeat the Process: Continue adding layers of organic waste, compacting and inoculating as you go.
Cover the Heap: Once completed, cover the heap with plastic sheeting, straw, or cardboard to shield it from the elements and maintain the anaerobic environment.
Caring for Your Bokashi Heap
Moisture Levels: Ensure the heap is moist but not wet. The "squeeze test" is helpful—when you squeeze the material, it should feel like a damp sponge.
Fermentation Time: Allow the heap to ferment for 12–18 weeks, depending on the season.
Aftercare: If the sides of the heap don’t ferment evenly, add them back into the center of a new heap.
Benefits of Bokashi Composting
Fast and Efficient: Reduces decomposition time compared to traditional composting (3–6 months vs. 12–18 weeks).
Odour-Free: Perfect for home and garden use with minimal odours.
Nutrient Retention: Retains carbon and nutrients, providing richer soil for plants.
Soil Health: Boosts microbial activity and soil structure while suppressing plant pathogens and weeds.
Waste Reduction: Minimizes organic waste disposal costs, making it an eco-friendly alternative.
Applications for Bokashi Composting
Garden Waste: Leaves, stems, grass clippings, and small branches.
Food Scraps: Ideal for kitchen waste, even meat and dairy, unlike traditional composting.
Farmyard Manure: Ferments manure efficiently, reducing odours and improving nutrient content.
Green Waste at Scale: Perfect for large gardens or estates using windrow techniques.
Examples of Large-Scale Bokashi in Action
Sissinghurst Castle Gardens: Used windrow methods to recycle organic waste and enhance the garden soil.
Chatsworth Estate: Utilized Bokashi in cut-and-drop composting to promote a circular waste management system.
Why Bokashi is the Future of Composting
Unlike traditional aerobic composting, Bokashi fermentation locks in nutrients and carbon, feeding the soil's microbial life while reducing the environmental footprint. With faster processing, minimal odour, and compatibility with no-dig gardening, Bokashi is a practical, scalable solution for home gardeners and large estates alike.
Let’s work together for a sustainable future. Bokashi is not just composting—it’s a commitment to healthier soil, thriving plants, and a greener planet.
Thank you to Paul at Sissinghurst & Gardens Illistrated for this amazing video.
