Bokashi composting is a unique and highly effective method of recycling organic waste, and it can work wonders for your garden soil. Unlike traditional composting, which relies on aerobic bacteria to break down materials, bokashi uses a fermentation process involving beneficial microbes. This process not only speeds up decomposition but also provides several key benefits for your garden’s health. In this article, we’ll delve into the science behind bokashi composting and explore how it can enhance your soil.

What is Bokashi Composting?

Bokashi, which means “fermented organic matter” in Japanese, is a type of anaerobic composting that utilises a specialised mix of microbes, known as Effective Microorganisms (EM). These microbes work to ferment organic waste, such as food scraps, rather than allowing it to rot. The end result is a nutrient-rich, pre-composted material that can be easily incorporated into garden soil.The process begins when you add food waste to a bokashi bin and sprinkle it with a bokashi inoculant (usually bran impregnated with EM). The microbes rapidly break down the waste in an airtight environment, producing a pickled or fermented substance in just two to three weeks. Once the process is complete, the material can be buried in your garden soil, where it continues to break down, enriching the soil and benefiting your plants.

The Science Behind Bokashi Composting

Bokashi composting works on the principle of fermentation, which differs from traditional composting in key ways. Here’s a breakdown of the science that makes bokashi so beneficial:

How Bokashi Improves Garden Soil

Now that we’ve explored the science behind bokashi composting, let’s take a closer look at how it specifically benefits garden soil:

How to Incorporate Bokashi Compost into Your Garden Soil

Once your bokashi compost has fully fermented, it’s ready to be added to your garden. Here’s a simple guide on how to use bokashi compost in your soil:

1. Dig a Hole or Trench: Dig a small hole or trench about 15-20 cm deep where you want to enrich the soil. The area should be in close proximity to your plants or vegetable beds.
2. Add the Bokashi Compost: Sprinkle the fermented bokashi compost into the hole or trench. You can also mix it into the top layers of your soil if preferred.
3. Cover with Soil: Cover the bokashi compost with the soil you removed earlier. The microbes will continue to work their magic and further break down the compost.
4. Water Well: After burying the bokashi compost, water the area well. This helps activate the microbes and encourages them to start working immediately.
5. Wait for It to Decompose: Allow a few weeks for the bokashi compost to decompose fully. During this time, the nutrients will be released into the soil, enriching it and improving its structure.

Bokashi composting is a powerful tool for improving garden soil. By harnessing the power of fermentation and Effective Microorganisms, bokashi provides a sustainable, nutrient-rich solution to enhance soil fertility, structure, and overall health. Whether you’re a novice gardener or an experienced horticulturist, incorporating bokashi compost into your garden can help you grow healthier, more resilient plants while reducing waste. It’s a win-win for your garden and the environment!

So, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to enhance your soil, give bokashi composting a try. Your garden will thank you for it.

Wiggly Freebie

Download our Free Soil Factory guide here https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0025/4456/6307/files/SOIL_FACTORY.pdf?v=1731359743

Every time you like, share, or comment on any of our Wiggle-mas posts or videos on social media, you gain another entry into our giveaway for a chance to win £200 in Wiggly Wigglers vouchers! Don’t miss out – we’ll be drawing the winner on the 24th, so keep interacting for more chances to win!

Happy birdwatching, and good luck!

See you tomorrow for another day of wiggle-mas and View our whole Wiggly Advent Calendar Here https://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk/pages/wiggly-advent-calendar

#wigglywigglers #AdventCalender #countdowntochristmas #ecoliving #kitchencomposting #gardencomposting #wigglytreats