Composting Methods: Which One Is Right For You?

If you have decided to take the plunge and start composting there are a number of ways you can go about it. The best approach for you will depend on your needs and lifestyle – the following guide will make your decision easy.

Hot Versus Cold     

Almost all composting methods are considered to be either hot or cold; here is a brief look at the main differences.

Hot composting 

This involves building and maintaining a high temperature at the centre of your compost pile, which is done by turning your compost regularly, keeping it moist and adding enough high-nitrogen materials.  The heat generated breaks down organic matter extremely quickly and can even kill seeds from weeds. 

Cold composting 

To cold compost, simply pile your organic waste and let nature take its course! While virtually no effort is required, this method takes a lot longer to create compost and won’t kill seeds.

Whether you want to compost hot, cold or otherwise, the following are some of your best options. 

Closed Bins 

Closed bin composters are usually bottomless – sitting directly on top of the soil. They feature a lid, through which you can add your organic material, some have a low door for collecting the finished product. 

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Organic matter is hidden
• Can handle large volumes
• Drains excess moisture easily

Cons

• Not always easy to access finished compost 
• Difficult to turn 
• Can attract pests 

Tumblers 

A variation of the closed bin method, this approach commonly features a closed container mounted on a support structure above the ground. There is a door through which you can add your organics, and a handle attached for turning it. 

Pros

• Organic matter is hidden
• Easy to turn
• Highly pest-proof        

Cons

• Expensive
• Heavy when full
• Some models are difficult to spin when 2/3 full 
• The compost has no contact with the soil

Bokashi Composting 

The Bokashi method uses microorganisms to ferment your organic waste, which is then either buried or added to an existing compost pile. 

Pros

• It’s very easy and fast
• Waste is conveniently collected in the kitchen, without attracting insects
• Can compost all food waste, including citrus, meat, dairy
• Produces bokashi juice, a rich liquid fertiliser

Cons

• Requires a constant supply of bokashi mix
• Limited capacity for waste
• Requires empty garden space to bury the waste

Vermicomposting – Worm Farms

Certain types of worms will eat your organic waste and turn it into compost via their excrement. Apart from the worms, you will need a 3 or 4 level structure that has decent drainage, good air flow and a ‘bedding’ of moist, shredded paper. 

Pros

• Organic matter is hidden
• Compact, no garden is required 
• Produces worm juice, an excellent liquid fertiliser

Cons

• Worms require weekly care, i.e. right temperature & moisture levels
• Limited capacity for waste
• Cannot accept all food waste  i.e. citrus, onions 

Inground composting 

This method involves burying your organics directly into the ground. 

Pros

• Free
• Organic matter is hidden

Cons

• Slow 
• Labour-intensive
• Can attract pests
• Requires empty garden space to bury the waste

Open Bin Systems 

A system of bins where organic materials are separated based on how fresh or decomposed they are. 

Pros 

• Easy to turn and harvest
• Organic matter is partially hidden 
• Ideal for hot composting

Cons

• Organic matter is partially visible
• Requires a large space
• Can attract pests 

There is a composting method that will work well for just about anyone. If you need help deciding, talk to the experts at Bokashi.

Bokashi Bucket Tips & Comments - April '14

In no Particular Order:

1. Don't keep your bucket in direct sunlight or on a Hot Balcony/Porch.  (high temperatures will kill the microbial activity)
2. If the pickled waste smells bad?  Then that may not mean the system has failed, it could be for a number of reasons.  Discard, or bury the waste, wash out bucket and start again with the provided instructions, and use a fresh bag of Bokashi mix.  For instructions that meet Australian conditions, feel free to request a complimentary booklet via info@bokashi.com.au including your *Australian Postal Address.
3. Drain off the Bokashi juice regularly.  If you don't believe you can water it out regularly (Watering Can/Veges/Ornamental's), then you can always use it as a Natural Drain Cleaner around the house pipes.  The Juice is alive with not only microbial activity, but also the nutrients and proteins of the food waste you have been collecting.  As time goes by, the life of these benefits decreases.  You cannot save this juice beyond a few days and expect it to be beneficial.
4. The taps provided with the bucket pictured in this blog are maintainable. If they are blocked, then try and use the tip of a bamboo skewer to clear the blockage.  Alternatively,  they can be disassembled and reassembled.  We recommend you disassemble/re-assemble each year as a service, washing each part and checking for wear.  Replacement taps are available for a small cost in Australia in various colours. Request Parts at your Local Australian Stockist, or request a price from Manufacturer Direct.  Tap Maintenance Video

I hope you find this tip's useful.  I you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the writer via this Blogspace.

Bokashi Basics - Smale scale composting for small spaces (PRODUCT REVIEW)

A Bokashi bucket is a small-scale kitchen 'composting' bucket that works on the principle of fermentation.  It's a really easy and efficient form of composting if you haven't got lots of space.
The air-tight bucket can fit almost anywhere and can handle almost all your kitchen waste - raw and cooked food, meat, dairy, citrus and onions. The only thing it can't take is big bones and lots of liquid.
Your kitchen scraps, with the addition of the bokashi bran, quickly ferment resulting in miracle juice and 'bucket stuff'  thanks to bokashi teaming population of benefitial bacterial and micro-organisms. The juice is a fantastic liquid fertilizer for your garden and great addition to drains and waterways and the fermented wastequickly breaks down in the soil and is even better as a compost accelerater.
With compost, worm farm and chooks I didn't think I needed another pet but the bokashi bucket has been a really great addition to the family!
Thanks to BokashiOne for giving me one to try out.  There are lots of brands available that all work in a similar way. You can also make your own.
Bokashi is a new way of composting. Keep trying it out until you get the hang of it.

Full Article and Website: Bokashi Basics - Small scale composting for small spaces

Report Taken from GIY (green it yourself) http://greenityourself.com.au/ 

Bokashi Tip (after Holidays To Do)

Are you just getting back to work?  Don't forget to drain your Bokashi Bucket Juice and either use, or dis'  (down the drain). 

Next, bury your current bucket waste,  and start again.  It's very important you keep this system going.  It does wonders for your garden and change pongy rotting food waste out of the pointless landfill cycle and into a useful garden compost medium. 

Lastly: don't forget to make sure you order new Bokashi One mix stock & keep your system going!
http://www.bokashi.com.au/retail-outlets/
 

Bokashi Juice

Once you've drained the Bokashi Juice then it should be used straight away.