Bokashi

topic posted Thu, June 12, 2008 - 2:32 PM by  grub
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I am making bokashi with coffee grounds to add to my compost.

It is very simple to make and is anaerobic, so it will thrive inside a pile filled with chicken manure.


1) The recipe for 5 gallon bucket:

2) Make a 1:1 ration of EM and molasses. 4 Tbsp. Put into 4 cups of water and let sit overnight.

3) Procure enough substrate to fill your container. I use dried coffee grounds. Wheat bran is popular to use. Wood shavings, food scraps,
etc.
The most important thing is to make sure that the end product has around 30% moisture. This can be determined by a strong man
squeeze. A nice hard squeeze should produce a few drops of water.
4) Mix the EM mixture into the substrate in a container. Wheelbarrows work well. Mix thoroughly. Add water until desired moisture level.
5) Fill into the bucket packing down firmly every few inches till full.
6) Cap the lid on airtight and wait three weeks for fermentation.
7) After three weeks spread the bokashi out to dry.

The bokashi is now ready to use. It contains millions of beneficial organisms and can be applied under mulch layers, mixed in with planting soil, or thrown in with compost. It will store dry in a cool shaded spot for a long time. If left wet and exposed to air, it will funk up pretty quick so drying is very important.

Any thoughts...
posted by:
grub
Austin
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  • Re: Bokashi

    Thu, June 12, 2008 - 7:06 PM
    hmmmm...

    ok, what's EM?

    by substrate you mean the stuff that you'd put in compost regularily?

    also, does the drying process get obstructed by rain? could I just scatter the undried stuff out on my garden before it dries?

    thanks, this is interesting. compost tea seems practical as well. accept for the fishing tank gear... sigh

    nadia
    • Re: Bokashi

      Thu, June 12, 2008 - 7:22 PM

      EM stands for effective microorganisms. Putting these into the soil helps plants utilize available nutrients. The beneficial bacteria also helps out compete pathogens.

      effectivemicro-organisms.co.uk/

      Substrate is the substance on which something grows. The coffee grounds are my substrate; EM grows on the coffee.

      The drying process does get obstructed (jacked up?) by the rain. I spread it out on a large floor that has clear plastic roof. The more it spreads, the faster it dries. After it is dry it can be stored for a long time.

      I recall your issue with the fish tank bubbler. I got a decent one at the store for $25. I am sure you can get one cheaper as well. It is worth it just for the bigger yields, but also imagine how fun it is explaining to everyone that comes over why you have a boiling vat in your house, apt, lean to, cardboard box, whatever.
      • Re: Bokashi

        Thu, June 12, 2008 - 9:51 PM
        i got the tubing and the bubbler, but the bubbler doesn't ahve a hole for the tubing to go into; is just blue box with a chord... i dont understand how it could be used to areate....
    • Re: Bokashi

      Sat, July 5, 2008 - 9:20 PM
      you can definitely scatter the undried stuff on your garden not too much is needed just a good sprinkle. you can also turn it into your soil or share it with neighbors or other gardeners. its kinda tasty to and good applied to the skin(depending on what you grow it in :/ )

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