Question 1

How does a soil factory help with Bokashi?

Accepted Answer

A soil factory is a fantastic way to manage Bokashi waste after fermentation. Here’s how it works:

What it is: A container filled with garden soil or old compost, into which you mix your fermented Bokashi waste.

How it helps: It’s contained and tidy, so there’s no worry about scraps being exposed to animals or creating mess.

Benefits for soil: The microbes in the Bokashi waste enrich the soil in the factory, creating a nutrient-dense compost that’s ready to use in a few weeks.

A soil factory is especially useful if you don’t have a garden space for burying waste directly or if you’re composting during winter when digging isn’t practical.

Question 2

Will Bokashi attract vermin to my garden?

Accepted Answer

No, Bokashi is one of the most vermin-proof composting methods as it is completely contained. Once brewed and added to your compost or soil because the waste is acidic during the fermentation process it helps make it unappealing to rats, mice, and other pests. Obviously vermin will eat everything so the main point is to deal with the pests you have but if there is a problem the best option is to use a soil factory. If you’re worried about animals digging in your garden, this method is a game-changer.

Question 3

How long does it take for Bokashi waste to break down?

Accepted Answer

In the bin: It ferments in about 10–14 days, depending on the temperature.

In the soil factory: Once added to soil, it takes 4–6 weeks to transform into rich, crumbly compost, ready to use in your garden.

Burying directly: If you bury it in your garden, it breaks down within about 2-4 weeks, although this can vary based on soil temperature and activity.

Bokashi is faster than traditional composting because the fermentation kickstarts the breakdown process.

Question 4

Can I use the liquid drained from my Bokashi bin?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it’s really versatile!

As plant food: Dilute it 1:100 with water (that’s one tablespoon per litre) and use it as a fertiliser for houseplants or garden beds. It’s packed with nutrients that plants love.

For drains: Use it neat to clear and deodorise your drains. The beneficial microbes will tackle blockages and smells naturally.

As a pest deterrent: A stronger solution can even help deter pests from your garden.

Remember to drain the liquid every few days to keep the bin working efficiently.

Question 5

Can I skip the soil factory and bury Bokashi waste straight into my garden?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! Dig a trench at least 6–8 inches deep, add your fermented Bokashi waste, and cover it with soil. The microbes in the Bokashi waste will continue breaking it down underground, enriching the surrounding soil. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Timing: Avoid planting directly on top of the buried waste for a few weeks to allow it to decompose fully.

Seasonal challenges: A soil factory can be easier during colder months or when your garden beds are in full use.

Question 6

What are the benefits of using Bokashi composting over a traditional compost heap?

Accepted Answer

Handles all food waste: Including meat, dairy, and cooked foods—things that traditional heaps can’t manage.

Compact and efficient: Perfect for small spaces or urban gardens.

Vermin-proof: No attraction for rats or pests when used properly.

Quick results: Fermentation speeds up the composting process dramatically.

Nutrient-packed: The finished compost is loaded with beneficial microbes and nutrients for your soil.

Less waste: Bokashi composting drastically reduces what goes into your bin or landfill.

Question 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

What’s the science behind Bokashi composting?

Accepted Answer

Bokashi relies on effective microorganisms (EMs), primarily lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and phototrophic bacteria. These microbes work together to ferment organic matter in an oxygen-free environment, breaking it down into simpler compounds. Fermentation preserves nutrients, reduces pathogens, and produces beneficial by-products like organic acids. Unlike traditional composting, where heat is generated and nutrients can be lost, Bokashi locks in the goodness, creating a nutrient-rich product for your soil.