A Composting Journey
I’ll never forget the day my sister Vanessa came home from her elementary school science fair project, all excited about the banana peels she had buried in our backyard. As kids, my siblings and I would often wonder about the funny smells wafting from our family’s compost pile – little did we know, we were witnessing the magic of decomposition at work!
Fast forward a few decades, and I’ve become quite the composting enthusiast myself. These days, I have a compost pile in the yard, a kitchen counter bin for collecting food scraps, and even a couple of bokashi fermentation buckets out back. That’s right, bokashi – the beneficial mix of microbes that can work wonders for your garden. But we’ll get to that a bit later.
The Dirt on Kitchen Scraps
When it comes to composting, there’s a lot of debate around whether you should throw your kitchen scraps directly into the garden, or if it’s better to compost them first. Well, let me tell you, I’ve tried both methods, and I’m here to share my findings.
Burying kitchen scraps directly in the soil can certainly benefit your plants, as the decomposing materials release nutrients that get absorbed by the surrounding roots. However, this approach also comes with a few potential drawbacks. For one, it can attract unwanted critters, like raccoons or possums, who might dig up your garden in search of a tasty snack. Additionally, the decomposition process can sometimes produce unpleasant odors, especially if the scraps aren’t buried deep enough.
On the other hand, composting your kitchen scraps first can help mitigate these issues. By allowing the materials to break down in a controlled environment, you can prevent the spread of pests and minimize any funky smells. Plus, the finished compost is like a nutrient-rich “super soil” that you can mix right into your garden beds, providing your plants with a wealth of essential nutrients.
The Magic of Bokashi
Now, let’s talk about this bokashi business. I was first introduced to the concept a few years ago, and it’s been a game-changer for my composting routine.
Bokashi is a blend of beneficial microorganisms, often including strains of Lactobacillus, that can work their magic on your kitchen scraps. The process is pretty straightforward: you layer your food waste in a sealed, airtight container (like a five-gallon bucket), sprinkling a bit of the bokashi mixture on top after each addition. As the anaerobic fermentation takes place, the bokashi microbes outcompete any undesirable bacteria that might cause bad odors.
The real beauty of bokashi is that it allows you to compost right on your kitchen counter, without having to worry about fruit flies or that dreaded “compost smell.” Once the bucket is full, you can simply bury the fermented contents directly in your garden, where the microbes will continue to work their soil-enriching wonders.
According to the experts at Native Nurseries, the liquid that drains from the bokashi bucket can also be used as a powerful fertilizer, diluted at a ratio of 1 teaspoon per liter of water. I like to use this “bokashi tea” to give my houseplants and garden beds an extra nutrient boost.
Composting Comparison
So, how do the different composting methods stack up? Let’s take a look:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Burying kitchen scraps directly in the soil | • Releases nutrients directly to plant roots • No need for additional equipment |
• Can attract pests • Potential for unpleasant odors |
| Traditional composting | • Controlled decomposition environment • Finished compost is a nutrient-rich soil amendment |
• Requires dedicated compost bin or pile • Can take several months to produce usable compost |
| Bokashi composting | • Can be done right on the kitchen counter • Finished material can be buried directly in the garden • Bokashi “tea” makes a great liquid fertilizer |
• Requires bokashi starter mix and airtight container • Two-week fermentation period before burial |
As you can see, each method has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Personally, I’ve found that a combination of approaches works best for my garden. I use the bokashi system for most of my kitchen scraps, but I’ll also bury the occasional apple core or wilted lettuce leaf directly in the soil. And of course, I always make sure to add a healthy dose of my homemade compost to my garden beds before planting season.
Bringing it All Together
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting to dip your toes into the world of soil enrichment, I encourage you to experiment with different composting techniques. Today’s Gardens is a great resource for learning more about sustainable gardening practices, from composting and mulching to water conservation and organic pest control.
Remember, the key to a thriving garden is building healthy, nutrient-rich soil – and your kitchen scraps can be a valuable source of those essential nutrients. So, next time you’re chopping up veggies or peeling fruit, think about how you can turn those leftovers into garden gold. Your plants (and your wallet) will thank you!
