Bokashi experiences - what's yours?

ChasingButterflies

Hi minimoneyme,

I couldn't find them at first

Once you input your post code it comes up with a standard list of composters - on the right hand side at the middle of the page there is a box with "additional bins" click on that and scroll down - it should be listed there.

Perhaps if they are on this page for your local council you could cancel the other order? Or else we need to name and shame your council!!

Either way enjoy it when it arrives!!!

minimoneyme

ChasingButterflies wrote: »

Hi minimoneyme,

I couldn't find them at first

Once you input your post code it comes up with a standard list of composters - on the right hand side at the middle of the page there is a box with "additional bins" click on that and scroll down - it should be listed there.

Perhaps if they are on this page for your local council you could cancel the other order? Or else we need to name and shame your council!!

Either way enjoy it when it arrives!!!

:T Thanks, I tried again but it says
"Sorry - Recycle Now is not currently operating a low cost compost bin offer in this area. However, your local council may offer a similar scheme. Please contact your local council for more details."
Shame on you Brent. All they have are the cone type garden bins for £5.
Thanks anyway

ethansmum

For Doncaster residents- phone the councils coustomer services, and ask for a free bokashi bin. They are still giving them away

newleaf

Have just emptied another one into the main bin, and eeewwww the stink of it put me right off my evening meal. Is anyone else finding this to be the case? The smell doesn't seem to wash off easily either. I put very little into the bin in terms of meat scraps, it's mainly green stuff, eggshells, paper & teabags but the stink of it after 2 weeks resting, makes me gag.....

nodwah

Hi, how's everyone getting on with the bokashis?

I ask as I had a stinky one last night like newleaf's above. Mine has been left to ferment for about 5 weeks due to laziness and holidays so when I emptied it into the compost bin it was heave-inducing.
I put it on top of the drain in the street and played the hosepipe on it for about half an hour. I just don't think I can carry on with this!
The smell is still quite strong around the compost bin and that's close to my kid's playhouse.
It also says to spread a layer of topsoil over the stuff and I don't really have any more topsoil to put in there. So I was thinking about freecycling it or maybe trying to use the bins as mini worm bins.
I'm disappointed as I really thought it would be great, but I'll just continue with my ordinary compost and worms.

Gingham_Ribbon

I think it might help to move this to the greenfingered board to keep the composting threads together for anyone searching for them. Thanks.

newleaf

nodwah wrote: »

Hi, how's everyone getting on with the bokashis?

I ask as I had a stinky one last night like newleaf's above. Mine has been left to ferment for about 5 weeks due to laziness and holidays so when I emptied it into the compost bin it was heave-inducing.
I put it on top of the drain in the street and played the hosepipe on it for about half an hour. I just don't think I can carry on with this!
The smell is still quite strong around the compost bin and that's close to my kid's playhouse.
It also says to spread a layer of topsoil over the stuff and I don't really have any more topsoil to put in there. So I was thinking about freecycling it or maybe trying to use the bins as mini worm bins.
I'm disappointed as I really thought it would be great, but I'll just continue with my ordinary compost and worms.

They are still making me gag, OH has suggested not buying any more Bokashi and using the bins as kitchen caddies for normal compost instead - since I have delegated the task of emptying and cleaning them out to him That stink really is something else isn't it? Never smelt anything quite so bad before.

BeefyGrowler

Mine doesn't smell that bad, it's has a sweet brewing smell. Which is surprising the amount of raw fish heads that went in last time. As I understand it, if you are getting a bad smell it means there is either contamination (black/blue fungi) or as a result of:

1. not closing lid tight enough after each use
2. not enough Bokashi used each time
3. not draining the liquid regularly enough
4. exposure to direct sunlight/high temps

Also the waste should look pickled during its fermentation and will not start to decompose until it is in the ground/garden composted. Bokashi is the initial process before decomposition.

Also if you are adding hight protein waste like cheese, eggs or meat use a little extra Bokashi bran.

Don't give up - this system is an excellent way of reducing landfill waste. And since using my house and gardens plants have never looked better. Try to follow the advice above and soon you will have a sweet smelling Bokashi bin too!

BeefyGrowler

Forgot to mention, white cotton like fungi growth on the waste is a sign of good fermentation

nodwah

Yeah beefy, mine has that brewery sort of smell, but I just can't stand it! I've lived near breweries most of my life and hate the smell of them and have had teh job as a student in a science dept of growing fruit flies so the sweet smell reminds me of that (bleugh). I wouldn't say mine smells off or putrid but just so strong I can't quite stomach it tho' I did at first.
THe stuff in mine is mainly things that the worms don't like and we don't generate much in the way of bones or cooked meat - I try to use everything up in the kitchen. In general I feel that I have a wee halo when it comes to reducing waste etc!
Matbe I'll carry on for a wee while but money's too tight to mention so I also prefer composting options that are free!!!