Question 1

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.

Question 2

What exactly is Bokashi composting?

Accepted Answer

Bokashi composting is an anaerobic (oxygen-free) process that uses beneficial microbes to ferment food waste. Instead of decomposing in a traditional way, the waste is pickled using Bokashi bran, which contains microorganisms like lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. The result is pre-compost—an ideal material for enriching soil once buried or processed further. Unlike standard composting, it handles all kinds of food waste, including meat, fish, and dairy, making it an excellent solution for reducing kitchen waste efficiently and without the mess.

Question 3

Can I put anything in my Bokashi bin?

Accepted Answer

Not quite anything, but almost! You can add:

Cooked and uncooked food waste: Vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, rice, pasta, and even eggshells.

Leftovers: Including those greasy scraps that wouldn’t normally go in a traditional compost heap.

Avoid:

Liquids: Oil, milk, or excessive sauces can interfere with fermentation.

Large bones: These take ages to break down.

Non-food items: Stick to kitchen scraps—no paper, plastic, or garden waste.

Wiggly tip: Chop larger items into smaller pieces to help the microbes do their work more efficiently.

Question 4

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 5

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 6

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 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

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.