Bokashi Juice: What It Is and What to Do With It
We get a lot of questions about bokashi juice, so here are the answers in one place.
If you are new to bokashi composting, the juice is one of the first things that surprises people. It is the liquid that collects at the bottom of your bokashi bin, and you drain it off through the tap. Once you know what to do with it, it is one of the most useful parts of recycling your food waste at home.
When does the juice start coming through, and why does it take a while?
Your bin takes about 2 weeks or more to fill up with food waste. Once it is full, you keep it closed for 2 weeks so the food waste can ferment. After that you might have juice. In total, the juice starts coming through from about 4 weeks to 3 months after you started the bin, depending on what you've thrown into the bin.
When you first start out, you might see the lid "pop" up. Please don't worry. This just shows that the Bokashi is working. As long as the bin doesn't open up by itself, all is good. Always keep your bin properly closed.
Can I really pour it down the drain?
Yes, and I recommend it. You can use the juice undiluted and pour it down your drains. It is very useful for preventing sludge from building up and blocking drains. There is no need to dilute it for drains or septic tanks.
How much bokashi juice should I use on my plants?
For the compost heap, the best way is to use the juice undiluted when you empty your fermented food waste into it.
For your plants, the juice needs to be diluted and only use as a soil drench, never let it touch the plant, leaves, flowers or stem. Different plants like different strengths, so here is an easy guide:
Where you are using it | Ratio | How to mix it |
Lawns and veggies | 1:100 | 1 teaspoon to 500ml water |
Gardens and pot plants | 1:300 | 1 teaspoon to 1.5 litres water |
Succulents | 1:500 | 1 teaspoon to 2.5 litres water |
Sensitive plants (NO fynbos) | 1:1000 | 1 teaspoon to 5 litres water |
Drains, septic tanks or toilets | Undiluted | Keep concentrated, no need to dilute |
Compost heaps | Undiluted | Keep concentrated, no need to dilute |
Why does my bokashi juice smell so strong?
The juice does have a strong smell. Sometimes it smells a bit like kombucha and other times it is really stinky. It all depends on what you have thrown into your bin. Fruit and veggies usually smell good. Juice from meat, fish or fats can get really smelly, but it is not something to be worried about.
What does matter is the inside of your bin. It should not have a bad smell at all. If you have tapped the juice off and the bin still stinks inside the next day, please contact us for advice.
If you throw in food with strong smells, like fish, broccoli, raw meat or chicken skins, remember to sprinkle some extra Bokashi on top.
What about the mould I can see inside my bin?
White mould is nothing to worry about. It is a good and beneficial fungus that helps to suppress pathogens. When it goes into the soil, it helps with water retention and helps bind the soil together.
Black, blue or green mould is bad. It is rare, and it happens when the bin was not properly closed, not enough Bokashi was used, or rotten food was added. If this happens, dig a hole of at least 30cm, put the contents in and cover them with soil. Let nature take its course.
A few golden rules that keep the juice (and your bin) happy
Don't put the bin in the sun.
Keep the bin always tightly closed.
Only open the bin once a day.
Always add Bokashi on top of your food waste.
Don't throw in rotten or mouldy food.
Don't throw in liquids.
Going on holiday? Just add a layer of Bokashi on top, close the bin properly and carry on as normal when you are back. A closed bin can stand for up to 6 months, if it is out of direct sunlight, tightly closed and has enough Bokashi powder in.
Questions about your bokashi bin?
If you need help with your bokashi bin, or you would like to know more about food waste recycling at home or in your business, we are happy to help. You are welcome to contact us with any tips or questions.
