Bokashi vs. Regular Garden Composting in Scotland
- Fiach OBroin-Molloy
- Feb 17, 2023
- 4 min read
"In nature, nothing is wasted. And this, I think, is the key to understanding compost: it's a way of taking the waste of the living world and turning it into something valuable, something that can help new life begin." - Michael Pollan, "The Omnivore's Dilemma"
Bokashi Composting vs. Regular Garden Composting in Scotland: A Comprehensive Guide
Garden composting is an age-old tradition in Scotland and is an essential part of gardening for many people. But have you ever heard of Bokashi composting? This is an innovative new way of composting that is growing in popularity in Scotland, especially among environmentally conscious gardeners.
Let's dive into the differences between Bokashi composting and regular garden composting and discover which method is best for your Scottish garden.
Bokashi Composting: An Introduction
Bokashi composting is a Japanese method of composting that involves fermenting organic waste in an airtight container. This method is unique in that it can compost food waste that would normally not be suitable for regular garden composting. Bokashi composting uses a mixture of bran and a special Bokashi inoculant to create anaerobic conditions that allow food waste to break down into compost without producing unpleasant odours.... in theory. We have found that the pungent juice created by this system can have some odour but it manages to chew through everything from bone to dairy as well as fruit and vegetable waste.
One of the major advantages of Bokashi composting is that it is a much quicker process than traditional garden composting, which can take up to a year to produce compost. Bokashi composting can produce compost in just 2-4 weeks, making it a great option for those who want to produce compost quickly.
Regular Garden Composting: A Traditional Method
Garden composting has been a common practice in Scotland for many years, and for good reason. It is an effective and environmentally friendly way to reduce household waste and produce rich, fertile compost for your garden.
Garden composting is a simple process that involves piling organic waste in a compost bin, allowing it to break down over time into compost. The compost is created by the action of decomposers such as bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. Garden composting is ideal for yard waste such as leaves, grass clippings, and pruning waste, but it is not as suitable for food waste.
The Pros and Cons of Bokashi Composting
Pros:
Bokashi composting is a faster way to produce compost, allowing you to produce compost in just 2-4 weeks.
Bokashi composting can compost food waste that would normally not be suitable for regular garden composting.
Bokashi composting is a great option for those who live in apartments or have limited space for a compost bin.
Cons:
Bokashi composting requires a Bokashi bin, which can be expensive.
Bokashi composting requires the use of special Bokashi inoculant, which can also be expensive.
Bokashi composting requires an airtight container, which can be difficult to maintain.
The Pros and Cons of Regular Garden Composting
Pros:
Regular garden composting is a simple and effective way to reduce household waste.
Regular garden composting is environmentally friendly and produces rich, fertile compost for your garden.
Regular garden composting does not require any special equipment or inoculant.
Cons:
Regular garden composting is a slow process, taking up to a year to produce compost.
Regular garden composting is not as suitable for food waste as Bokashi composting.
Regular garden composting requires a compost bin and a location to store it, which can be a challenge for those with limited space.
Which Method is Right for Your Scottish Garden?
The answer to this question depends on your specific needs and preferences. Bokashi composting is a great option for those who want to produce compost quickly and want the flexibility to compost food waste. However, Bokashi composting requires the use of special equipment and inoculant, which can be a drawback for those who are looking for a more cost-effective or environmentally friendly option.
On the other hand, regular garden composting is a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly option for reducing household waste and producing rich, fertile compost for your garden. However, it is a slower process and may not be as suitable for food waste.
Ultimately, the best method for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you have limited space and want to produce compost quickly, Bokashi composting may be the best option for you. If you are looking for a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to produce compost, regular garden composting may be the better choice.
In conclusion, Bokashi composting and regular garden composting both have their advantages and disadvantages. It is important to weigh these factors carefully and choose the method that is right for your Scottish garden. Regardless of which method you choose, you will be making a positive impact on the environment by reducing household waste and producing rich, fertile compost for your garden.
References:
Bokashi Composting: An Innovative New Method of Composting (Green Living Ideas, 2021)
Garden Composting: A Guide to Composting in Your Scottish Garden (Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 2019)
Bokashi Composting vs. Traditional Composting: What's the Difference? (Eartheasy, 2021)
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