Question 1

How does Bokashi help with nutrient recycling in the soil?

Accepted Answer

Bokashi is brilliant for nutrient recycling because the fermentation process locks in nutrients instead of letting them escape as gas. When Bokashi waste is added to soil:

Microbes convert nutrients: Microbes break complex nutrients into plant-available forms like nitrates and phosphates.

Reduces leaching: Nutrients are stabilised in the soil, preventing them from washing away.

Improves nutrient balance: The diverse range of nutrients in Bokashi waste enhances soil fertility and supports plant growth.

Question 2

Does Bokashi work for improving sandy or clay soils?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Bokashi composting benefits all soil types:

For sandy soil: It adds organic matter, improving water retention and nutrient-holding capacity.

For clay soil: It helps break up compacted soil, improving aeration and drainage.

The microbes in Bokashi waste also improve soil structure by binding particles together into aggregates, creating a more balanced and productive soil.

Question 3

Is Bokashi safe for growing vegetables and fruits?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! In fact, it’s ideal. The nutrient-rich compost it produces is perfect for vegetable patches and fruit trees. However, after burying Bokashi waste or using soil factory compost, wait 2–4 weeks before planting directly on top to allow the waste to fully integrate and neutralise.

Question 4

Can Bokashi help with carbon sequestration in soil?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it can! Bokashi waste contributes to the creation of humus, a stable form of organic matter that locks carbon into the soil for long periods. By increasing soil organic content, Bokashi composting supports healthier soils that store more carbon, helping to combat climate change while improving soil fertility.

Question 5

Are normal earthworms suitable for composting?

Accepted Answer

Normal earthworms, also known as "garden worms" or "lob worms," are not typically suitable for composting. These worms are typically found in soil and are not well adapted to the conditions found in a worm composting bin. They require specific conditions such as a certain temperature and pH range to survive.

Question 6

I have maggots in my wormery!

Accepted Answer

Maggots are the larvae of flies and usually gain access via eggs laid on the food scraps you put in. The first step is to ensure flies can’t lay eggs in your kitchen caddy or where you store the waste before you compost it. They can be a sign that the conditions in your wormery are suitable for fly larvae to thrive and that the organic matter in the bin is rotting rather than the worms eating and composting it. Maggots are not harmful to the worms and can even be a valuable food source for them. However, if you find the population of maggots to be excessive, you can try reducing the amount of food scraps you add to the wormery or covering the bin with a lid to reduce the number of flies that can lay eggs in it.

For more help with your wormery and frequently asked questions pop on over to https://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk/pages/wormery-faqs. Or if you’re keen to get started or order a wormery please visit https://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk/collections/worm-composting

Question 7

What should I do about ants in my vermicomposter?

Accepted Answer

Ants in a vermicomposter can be a nuisance, but they are not harmful to the worms or the composting process. However, if the population of ants is excessive, there are a few things you can do to reduce their numbers:

Keep the bin moist but not waterlogged: Ants are attracted to dry environments, so maintaining the proper moisture level in the bin can help discourage them from entering.

For more help with your wormery and frequently asked questions pop on over to https://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk/pages/wormery-faqs. Or if you’re keen to get started or order a wormery please visit https://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk/collections/worm-composting

Question 8

Can I use a worm composting kit to grow worms for fishing, and will they multiply enough for me to harvest them regularly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a worm composting kit, is ideal for growing worms for fishing, and they will multiply effectively if cared for properly. Worms like Dendrobaena veneta are perfect for this purpose as they are hardy, lively, and highly attractive to fish.

Here’s what you need to know:

Will the Worms Multiply?

How to Create the Best Conditions:

Temperature: Keep your worm farm between 15°C and 25°C.

Moisture: The bedding should be damp, like a wrung-out sponge.

Food: Feed small amounts of vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Avoid meat, dairy, and acidic foods.

Airflow: Keep the bedding loose to allow oxygen flow.

Harvesting Worms for Fishing:

Additional Benefits:

By maintaining good care, your wormery will become a sustainable source of bait for fishing and a great way to recycle your food waste.

Question 9

What to do if my Bokashi Liquid smells?

Accepted Answer

This liquid is a very potent fertiliser or drain cleaner and it can have a really strong smell so the best way to avoid this is to drain it regularly and use it. Pour bokashi tea directly into toilets, sinks and drain to disinfect these areas. To use as a fertiliser dilute 2 teaspoons of Bokashi tea with 1.5 Litres of water, apply it to the soil of your plants once a week, avoid touching the leaves as it could cause burning.