EM Bokashi

The Bokashi two-bucket system consists of a few simple elements. Two buckets are required, with one nested on top of the other. The top bucket has a tight fitting lid and holes in its base to drain to the lower bucket. In addition there is a bag of Compost-Zing made from wheat-bran and untreated saw dust that has been mixed with molasses and water and Effective Micro-organisms.

You can make your own system as long as it is air tight. Old paint buckets that have been cleaned out work well. Drill holes in the base of the top bucket and sit inside the other one. A good air-tight seal is very important.   The benefits The benefit of this system is that you can add products such as meat and fish, which are discouraged in the usual compost due to vermin and odours. No outdoor space is required for the collection of the material as fermentation takes place in the bucket, which makes it ideal for businesses, small houses, apartments and schools.

Once the bucket has been filled it must be left closed for up to two weeks. Then it can be added into your normal compost or it can be dug directly into your garden. Due to the acidity of the material it is not advisable to place it in direct contact with roots. It will neutralise within 7-10 days. No outdoor space is required as fermentation takes place in the bucket, which makes it ideal for businesses, small houses, apartments and schools.

The liquid that drips through to the bottom bucket can be drained off and 1 teaspoon mixed with 5 litres of water to produce a plant fertilizer.

Buckets can be kept indoors as the smell is inoffensive and the system is airtight. It keeps food waste out of the landfill and it is good for your plants adding beneficial vitamins to the soil.
 

Larger scale systems can be used in businesses

Please contact Karen Driver on 03 5454 9176 ext. 2 or karendriver@nec.org.nz for further details. 
 

Create Your Own Eden

Tasman District and Nelson City Councils have joined the national Create Your Own Eden programme.  This programme provides resources and a website to provide you with all the information you need to know on how to make great compost, improve your soil and produce fantastic fertilisers for your plants, veggies and garden all for free. The site covers traditional composting using a heap or bin, vermiculture or worm farming, and Bokashi.  The Create Your Own Eden website and associated resources is available from here.

Bokashi Vouchers

Tasman District and Nelson City Councils encourage home composting. They offer a $15 subsidy on the purchase of Bokashi bin sets. Just call into any Council office for a coupon, before buying your bin from any of the listed retailers.
 

Foods you can Bokashi

All food waste which is well drained which includes:

• fresh fruit and vegetables
• prepared foods
• cooked and uncooked meat and fish
• cheese and eggs, coffee grinds, tea bags
• wilted flowers

Foods you cannot Bokashi

• liquids such as milk, orange juice and oils
• paper and plastic wrap and large meat bones
• shells from seafood

Buckets can be kept indoors as the smell is inoffensive. It keeps food waste out of the landfill and it is good for your plants adding beneficial vitamins to the soil.

For further details of how this system works please refer to the Bokashi Guide and poster that can be downloaded below.