Understanding Indoor Composting
Indoor composting is a sustainable way of transforming organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. Composting requires the right balance of carbon and nitrogen materials, oxygen, and moisture. Typically, outdoor composting is the preferred method, but indoor composting is becoming increasingly popular. Indoor composting is an excellent option for people who don’t have space outside or who want to compost year-round. One popular method of indoor composting is Bokashi composting.
What is Bokashi Composting?
Bokashi composting is a type of anaerobic composting that uses a special blend of beneficial microorganisms to break down organic waste. The process involves fermenting organic waste in an airtight container with the Bokashi mix. The Bokashi mix contains a combination of bran, water, and microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and phototrophic bacteria. These microorganisms help to break down the organic waste quickly and efficiently.
The Benefits of Bokashi Composting
Bokashi composting has several benefits. Here are some of the benefits of this indoor composting method:
- Faster composting: Bokashi composting is faster than traditional composting methods. The fermentation process takes only a couple of weeks to complete, whereas traditional composting can take several months.
- Odorless: Unlike traditional composting methods, Bokashi composting is odorless. The airtight container prevents any unpleasant smells from escaping.
- Space-saving: Bokashi composting is an excellent option for people who live in apartments or small houses. The compact containers take up minimal space and can be kept indoors.
- Nutrient-rich compost: The resulting compost is nutrient-rich and can be used to fertilize plants or vegetable gardens. The compost contains high levels of beneficial microorganisms that help to improve soil health.
How to Start Bokashi Composting
Starting Bokashi composting is easy, and you don’t need any special equipment. Here are the steps to start Bokashi composting:
Step 1: Get a Bokashi container
You will need a Bokashi container with an airtight lid. The container should be made of a durable material such as plastic or stainless steel. You can purchase Bokashi containers online or at your local garden center.
Step 2: Prepare the Bokashi mix
You can purchase Bokashi mix online or at your local garden center. Alternatively, you can make your Bokashi mix using wheat bran, water, and the Bokashi microorganisms. Mix the ingredients together until the bran is moist, but not wet.
Step 3: Start adding organic waste
Start adding organic waste to the Bokashi container. You can add vegetable peelings, fruit scraps, tea bags, coffee grounds, eggshells, and more. Make sure to chop up any large pieces of waste into smaller pieces.
Step 4: Add the Bokashi mix
Sprinkle a layer of the Bokashi mix over the organic waste. Use enough to cover the waste but not too much that it’s saturated. Press down on the mix to remove any air pockets.
Step 5: Repeat
Repeat the process of adding organic waste and Bokashi mix to the container until it’s full. After each layer, press down on the mix to remove any air pockets.
Step 6: Let it ferment
Once the container is full, let it ferment for two weeks. Make sure to keep the container in a warm area, preferably between 68-77°F. After two weeks, the organic waste will have turned into nutrient-rich compost.
Step 7: Use the compost
The compost can be used to fertilize plants or vegetable gardens. Mix the compost into the soil or add it to the top of the soil as a mulch.
Conclusion
Bokashi composting is an excellent indoor composting option that is fast, odorless, and space-saving. The resulting compost is nutrient-rich and can be used to fertilize plants or vegetable gardens. Starting Bokashi composting is easy and requires minimal equipment. With Bokashi composting, you can turn your organic waste into a valuable resource and help reduce your environmental impact.