Unboxing My New Bokashi Composter
I am a huge proponent of composting, whether it’s traditional outdoor composting or vermicomposting with a worm bin. These are great options for organic matter like leaves, fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based material. But what about meats, bones, and dairy? After a little research, I learned about Bokashi composting as a way to compost these food scraps that you wouldn’t want to compost otherwise. So today, I’m going to open up my new Bokashi composter and take a look at all the components that this starter kit comes with.
What is Bokashi Composting?
Bokashi composting is a relatively new composting method developed in Japan in the early 1980s, though there are similar processes have been utilized for centuries in other countries, especially Korea.
While traditional composting is an aerobic process, meaning it requires air to break down organic materials, Bokashi composting is quite the opposite. Bokashi composting is an anaerobic process which requires an air-tight container and and special microbes, called Bokashi, which actually ferment food scraps and break them down into nutrient-rich byproducts.
Because active microbes are used in the process, other food scraps which are typically non-compostable can actually be composted pretty easily with Bokashi.
Buying vs. Building a Bokashi Composter
While doing my research, I contemplated building a Bokashi Composter. But once I factored in the materials required, the Bokashi microbes, and the time it would take to build it, I decided it would probably be worth it to spend $50 on a pre-built Bokashi starter kit.
Not that it seems too difficult to build a Bokashi Composter, but I could just see it start leaking or for some reason not being air-tight and screwing up the process, so I decided not to take any chances with my first experience.
The Bokashi Composter Kit I Chose
Right off the bat I just want to say I have no affiliation with this particular company. I simply found the starter kit that seemed like the best value, had good reviews, and seemed easy to set up to get started.
I went with a company called SCD Probiotics, who specialize in all sorts of probiotic products. Their Bokashi Compost starter kit had everything needed to get started and was ready to use right out of the box. So let’s take a look as I unbox it!
Unboxing My New Bokashi Composter
At first glance, the Bokashi bin just seems like a normal 5-gallon bucket. It feels pretty durable, but why not just use a 3 dollar bucket from Walmart?
The Drainage Spigot
The main difference is the built in drainage spigot at the bottom! In Bokashi composting, it is crucial to drain off the liquid produced from the fermenting process every few days, or else the contents of the bin will begin to rot, which is the opposite of what you want. If you just use a regular bucket, you won’t be able to drain off the liquid, which will screw up the entire process.
The spigot on this compost bin is operated by twisting it right or left. It feels durable, though I won’t really know until I begin to actually use it. I could’ve fitted a spigot into a regular 5 gallon bucket but the risk of leakage just wasn’t worth it to me, especially since this is going to be an indoor bin.
The Air-Tight Lid
The lid that comes with the bin also seems very durable and air-tight. It snaps on firmly and is actually kind of difficult to remove. This isn’t a bad thing as this will hopefully keep the anaerobic process intact.
The Food Compressor
One of the key components to successful Bokashi Composting is to ensure the food scraps remain compacted in the bin. This minimizes the air and helps ensure good contact of the microbes with the food scraps. This composter comes with a food compacter which looks like it will work nicely to press the food down after each addition to the bin. It’s made from durable plastic and has a small handle in the middle.
Bokashi Microbes
This starter kit also comes with a bag of Bokashi microbes. It looks like either bran or sawdust which has been inoculated with Bokashi. The instructions say to sprinkle a healthy handful onto each new layer of food scraps. I will need to get a new bag sooner than later but it looks like more than enough to get started. I’m interested to see how long this bag will last me!
Printed Instructions
Finally, this Bokashi Starter Kit comes with easy to follow instructions that even include pictures. They also have several recommendations on how to use your compost and even the tea you drain from the bin. I feel like it’ll be hard to screw this up…
Conclusion
Overall, I’m very happy with the quality of my new Bokashi Composter. It seems to have everything I need to give me the best chance of success. I will reserve my full opinion until I actually use it and see some results.
Make sure to check back for a followup article on my Bokashi composting journey. If you have any questions or comments about Bokashi composting, make sure to reach out in the comments section below.
Happy Composting!
Cody
Thistle Downs Farm
Related Articles
HOW TO BUILD A COMPOSTING WORM FARM
RED WIGGLERS: UNBOXING MY COMPOSTING WORMS