Bokashi composting

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

If you have a question about Bokashi composting, find your answer here

Before entering the Bokashi World

How does the composting system in the kitchen composters Bokashi Organko and Bokashi Organko 2 work?

Organic waste placed into kitchen composters Bokashi Organko and Bokashi Organko 2 does not rot - it is fermented instead. We ensure that an odorless fermentation process takes place inside the composter by adding the biogen bran, which contains effective microorganisms. By adding the biogen bran, we not only assist and speed up the fermentation process but also subsequently prevent decay, the formation of unpleasant odors and the attraction of various insects.

Is fermentation better than classic composting?

While compost is a very good source of nutrients for your garden, many useful substances are lost during the classic (thermophilic) composting process. In the process of fermentation, the waste does not lose any of its energy, nutrients or minerals. And unlike with rotting, there are no greenhouse gases emitted in the process of fermentation. Read more on our blog.

 

Starting with Bokashi composting

What can I put into kitchen composters Bokashi Organko and Bokashi Organko 2?

You can put all types of organic waste into Bokashi Organko: fruits and vegetables, citrus and banana peels, prepared food, cooked and raw meat, fish, yogurt, cheese, eggs, smaller bones, bread, coffee grounds, tea bags, flowers and smaller amounts of tissue paper.

What shouldn’t I put into Bokashi Organko and Bokashi Organko 2?

You should not put liquids (water, milk, juice, vinegar, oil), paper, plastic, large bones, ash and animal feces into your composter.

Can I use the leftovers from the ground coffee and put them into Bokashi composter?

You can also add coffee powder and many other mussels or foods such as fruit and vegetable scraps, cooked food, small bones, bread, coffee grounds, tea bags, withered leaves, plums, cherries, etc. to the Bokashi Organko.

Can I put certain shells in it (e.g. peanuts etc.) or tea bags?

Yes, you can put certain mussels in the Bokashi Organko, e.g. plums, cherries, apricots, tea bags, bread, ground coffee, vegetables, cooked food, etc. We recommend that you cut larger pieces of organic waste so that fermentation is more effective.

Can I store Bokashi composter outdoors without getting damaged?

Our suggestion is not to expose your kitchen composter to direct sunlight and low temperatures, the optimum temperature for effective microorganisms in the bran is 20 degrees Celsius. If there are higher or lower temperatures the fermentation process will not finish correctly. We advise you not to put it on your garden because the sunlight can damage your composter, and the damage will be noticed in a few years. A better place to store it would be under your kitchen counter or near your trash can.

All about Bokashi bran

What is Biogen bran (Bokashi bran)?

Bokashi bran is an ingredient that speeds up the fermentation process and helps make a natural fertilizer, bokashi liquid, which is a superfood for your plants. Bokashi bran is a mixture of bran, mixed with molasses (sugar and water), enriched with useful microorganisms (lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, photosynthetic organisms, actinomycetes and enzymatically active fungi). Each of these ingredients plays an important role in the entire fermentation process. Read more on our blog.

How often should I add Biogen bran?

Biogen bran should be added every time you add a new layer of organic waste into your composter.

How much Bokashi bran do I need?

Bokashi bran should be added every time you add a new layer of organic waste, as it is crucial in beginning the process of fermentation. We suggest you add 20 ml of Bokashi bran after every layer of bio-waste. Fermentation prevents rotting and is not accompanied by any unpleasant smells. With regular use of your composter, 1kg of biogen bran should hold for about 90 days. Read more on our blog.

Does the Bokashi bran always have to be added even after starting, or, once started, it is no longer necessary?

Before putting the organic waste for the first time, sprinkle 20 ml of bran on the bottom of the composter. Then, add 20ml of bran after each layer of organic waste. It is recommended to spray 20 ml every 5 cm of organic waste.

Are the microorganisms in Bokashi bran safe?

Of course! The microorganisms are Nassa and BFA certified. They are also a natural part of our everyday diet (they can be found in cheese, wine, yogurt, etc.).

How long does the Bokashi bran last?

It is recommended that you use your Bokashi Organko Ferment for 1 year from the date of purchase. One package is usually enough for three months of use.

Where can I buy new packages of Bokashi bran?

Bokashi bran can be ordered on Amazon.

Is there some alternative to Bokashi bran?

Our Research & Innovation department has carried out analyses on the use of the bran and its importance. Bokashi bran is the key ingredient during the whole fermentation process, which is why we suggest that you do not substitute it with another homemade mixture, as this mixture could not be useful at all and the food may not ferment properly. The effective microorganisms prevent food from rotting and attracting insects, on the other hand, they help produce Bokashi liquid which can be used as a natural fertilizer and organic drain cleaner.

All about Bokashi liquid

How can I use the Bokashi liquid?

The Bokashi liquid is full of microorganisms and nutrients. It can be diluted with water and used for watering potted and garden plants - it is a great fertilizer. UNDILUTED fermentation liquid SHOULD NOT be used for watering potted and garden plants! You can pour undiluted Bokashi liquid into your toilet or purification plant. The microorganisms will dissolve any toilet paper, fat and remains of detergents or washing powder. The liquid can also be poured into a sink or washbasin to prevent the accumulation of fat and other substances in the siphons. This way, they will always stay clean and functional. Read more on our blog.

How much Bokashi liquid will I get from my composter?

The amount of Bokashi liquid that will be obtained depends on the variety of added organic waste. For example, a lot of added fruit will give you a lot of liquid, but if you add a lot of cooked food, vegetable and bread, then there will be less liquid. The amount of fermentation liquid produced is not an indicator of whether the system works or not and you will not get it any more or less if you add more or less biogen bran.

Do Bokashi Organko composters have a filter?

Both composters - Bokashi Organko and Bokashi Organko 2 are made in such a way that the Bokashi liquid does not touch the organic waste. Bokashi Organko comes with a drainage sieve on the bottom, meanwhile, Bokashi Organko 2 comes with an inner container with holes in the bottom.

Using Bokashi Organko composters

How long does it take for a family of four to fill up the composter?

A composter can be full in half a month. If you want to go through a 14-day fermentation process, we recommend buying an additional Bokashi Organko. During the fermentation process in one composter, you can fill the other with bio-waste. We can offer you a Bokashi Organko set with two composters - this solution is perfect for families of four.

Can I mix the 5 liters of pre-compost produced with the soil inside a 30-liter pot and leave it like this for months?

First, put the potting soil in a pot, then the fermented mass, and then again potting soil to cover the mass (completely bury the fermented mass that has no contact with the oxygen or the pot). Leave it for 1-2 months at an optimal temperature for the process (20 degrees). After this period, you will get the natural fertilizer that you can be used in your garden or for your plants. The whole process doesn't have an unpleasant smell if the fermentation has been done correctly first.

How long does the mass of bio-waste take to become compost? And where do I put it if I do not have a garden?

Organic waste in your kitchen composter needs to be fermented first. Once the Bokashi Organko is full, sprinkle the Bokashi bran on the top of it. It is necessary to wait 14 days to complete the fermentation process. Make sure it is tightly closed, and the optimal temperature for the fermentation process is 20 degrees Celsius. After 14 days you get the first-class base for compost, this means you have to put it in the ground and wait 2-3 months for it to become a natural fertilizer/compost.

Once the Bokashi fermentation process is completed, after 14 days, having only a balcony, where do I put the product?

If you have a garden or balcony with plants, we recommend that you bury the already fermented mass in soil and leave it there to enrich your plants. If you don't have any, put the mass in the organic waste container, clean the Bokashi Organko and repeat the cycle again. Either way, during the fermentation process you will get Bokashi liquid which will serve as a natural fertilizer or organic drain cleaner.

The compost obtained after going to the soil is similar to hummus or it has nothing to do with it?

The mass that is formed in the Bokashi Organko is not hummus, it is fermented waste, cut into small pieces. For this reason, it should be noted that it is a first-class compost base. You have to bury it and allow 2-3 months to become compost.

What happens if I go on vacation?

It is a great opportunity to finish the fermentation process inside your composter. Before you leave, drain the liquid from the composter. Make sure there is enough biogen bran on top of the organic waste and that the lid is closed tightly. Then you can forget all about it until the end of your vacation. While you are away, the microorganisms will process your organic waste and you will be able to use it in your garden when you come back.

Is Bokashi Organko also suitable for a weekend/holiday where organic waste is not collected regularly?

It all depends on the purpose of your bio-waste. If you wanted to ferment it, it would be impossible at this frequency. However, you can always take Bokashi Organko home with you and complete the fermentation process there. Otherwise, we definitely recommend emptying Bokashi Organko before leaving your holiday home.

How often should I clean my kitchen composters Bokashi Organko and Bokashi Organko 2?

The composter should be cleaned only after it has been emptied. It is enough to simply rinse it with running water. Do not add detergent, because it can kill the microorganisms and thus disrupt the natural environment created in your composter. You can wash Bokashi Organko 2 in the dishwasher.

Troubleshooting

Can using Bokashi Organko attract mouses?

Bokashi Organko is designed to seal well. It is necessary to close the lid after each use, especially during a 14-day fermentation process. We have never had a case where using Bokashi Organko attracted mouses, so we recommend that you follow the instructions and you will be satisfied with its purpose.

Can the waste in the composter get a bad smell?

If your composter is used correctly, its contents should not smell. It can have the smell of vegetables and fruits that were collected and put into it, but it should not have an unpleasant smell.

If this does happen, however, it means something went wrong during the process of collecting waste: perhaps the lid was not closed properly or the top layer of waste was not covered with enough biogen bran. You should also check if you have drained all the Bokashi liquid. Finally, always make sure the waste is tightly pressed together in order to prevent air pockets from forming, as those can release an unpleasant smell.

If the odor ever becomes very unpleasant, empty your composter into your garden compost or the outside container for biological waste, rinse it thoroughly with water (no detergent) and start anew.

What should I do if mould appears on top of the waste?

The mould that appears can be light (white) or dark. White mould can appear when you fill the composter very slowly and there is a lot of air in it. White mould is beneficial. If it bothers you, you can put a piece of thick paper on top of the waste after you have covered it with biogen bran.

Dark mould usually appears if you did something wrong in the process. Perhaps you did not keep the container closed, added too little Bokashi bran, added biogen bran irregularly or neglected to drain the Bokashi liquid regularly. In this case, empty the composter in your garden, add an equal amount of Bokashi bran as there is waste, cover it with soil and leave it for 4 weeks. You can use it in your garden after that time period passes.

The waste doesn't seem to have decomposed in the composter. What is wrong?

A simple indicator that suggests the proper functioning of the process is the smell. If there is no bad smell of rot, then the fermentation process has worked. The shape and color of the waste we put into the composter will remain unchanged even after the process has finished. Decomposition into humus form occurs when the already fermented mass of organic waste is buried into the soil. Here the decomposition occurs very quickly because the mass was previously correctly fermented and thus it changes into humus in a couple of weeks (depending on the time and temperature of the soil).