How do I use this kitchen composter?

Lay down an initial layer of Bokashi and place fresh food scraps in the composter. Then thoroughly coat every layer with Bokashi compost starter. Compact the waste by pressing down easy time to remove air. Close the lid tightly after every use to ensure an anaerobic environment.You can never add too much Bokashi because it ensures complete fermentation and good smelling compost.

What do I put into my kitchen composter?

Only add fresh garbage to your compost bucket. Never add rotten or modly waste. Break or chop large waste into smaller pieces so it can start decomposing quicker. Do not add water to the compost bucket.

What is that smell?

If there is a presence of a sweet and sour pickle-like smell then it is a good indicator that fermentation is in progress (this is a good thing). If there is a foul odor, that indicates decay (this is a bad thing). If you have a foul odor, add Bokashi to try and reverse the process or discard content and start again.

How often do I empty my kitchen composter?

When the composter is full you can bury the compost directly into the soil. Or, you can let it sit in the composter for one-to-two additional weeks to speed the fermentation process prior to putting it in the soil. When you do empty the compost make sure to drain the compost tea that accumulates at the bottom.

What is tea?

Compost tea is a liquid extract of compost that contains micronutrients, organic compounds and beneficial mircroorganisms. These extracts have historically been derived from a wide range of plant materials and animal manures, using a variety of processing methods. It can be used as a fertilizer to plants and gardens.

What can I do with my compost?

There are different options when you want to transfer your compost to your garden.

• Option 1: Transfer the material directly into your garden for further fermentation.Dig a trench approximately 12? deep to bury the compost (deeper if possible in areas where animals may be prevalent). Mix the fermented organic material with soil as you add it to the trench. Be sure to cover the compost completely with soil to assure further fermentation and to prevent your pets or unwanted critters from feasting on the fermented food wastes. Fresh compost like this is rich in microbes and can be stressful to plants at this stage. Wait two weeks before planting your favorite veggies, fruit trees, and flowers.
• Option 2: Transfer material directly into a planter box/container for further fermentation. Fill 1/3 of container with potting soil. Add compost from your composter and lightly mix together with soil. Finally, fill the remaining 1/3 of the container with potting soil and cover with a plastic bag to maintain anaerobic conditions. Wait two weeks before planting your favorite vegetables, flowers, etc., or transfer soil into smaller pots for planting.
• Option 3: Add the fermenting wastes from your composter directly into the compost pile in your backyard or community garden. Turn as normal and sprinkle with a heavy dose of Bokashi. Keep tightly covered to help the fermentation process continue.