Bokashi vs Wormery: Which Is Right for Your Flat?: Questions Answered

Question 1

Can I put cooked chicken bones in a wormery?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot put cooked chicken bones or any other meat, fish, or dairy products into a standard wormery because the worms will die, and the smell will attract pests to your flat. The worms are strict vegetarians that only eat soft fruit and veg scraps, tea bags, and coffee grounds. Anything with protein will rot anaerobically and create a maggot party in your kitchen.

Question 2

Does a bokashi bucket smell bad?

Accepted Answer

A bokashi bucket does not smell bad because the process is anaerobic, meaning it ferments the waste rather than letting it rot, so it usually smells more like sour cider than a rotting bin. You might notice a slight tangy aroma when you open the lid, but it is nowhere near as offensive as a traditional compost heap. The bucket is sealed to keep the smell inside, making it much more suitable for a flat.

Question 3

Can I put citrus peel in a wormery?

Accepted Answer

You can put small amounts of citrus peel in a wormery, but you must be careful not to overdo it because the high acidity can make the environment too harsh for the worms. It is generally better to use bokashi for large quantities of citrus or to bury the peel directly in the garden. The worms prefer a balanced diet of greens and browns, and too much acid can throw that balance out.

Question 4

How often do I need to drain the bokashi liquid?

Accepted Answer

You need to drain the bokashi liquid from the tap at the bottom of the bucket every couple of days to prevent the bucket from overflowing and to stop the fermentation process from stalling. This liquid is actually a potent fertiliser that you can dilute and use on your houseplants or garden beds. If you leave it sitting too long, it can become quite strong and smelly.

Question 5

Can I put bread and pasta in a wormery?

Accepted Answer

You can put bread and pasta in a wormery, but you must ensure there are no oils, sauces, or butter on them, as these can attract pests and create a mess. The worms will happily munch on plain, dry scraps, but wet, oily bread can make the bedding too soggy. It is often better to soak these items first to soften them up before feeding them to the worms.

Question 6

Is a wormery better than a bokashi bucket for a small flat?

Accepted Answer

A wormery is often better for a very small flat if you have limited outdoor space to bury the fermented bokashi waste, as the worms produce finished compost quickly inside the bin. However, a wormery is more sensitive and requires more maintenance to keep the bedding moist and the balance right. If you want to throw in everything you have left over from a takeaway, a bokashi bucket is the safer option.

Question 7

Do I need a garden to use a bokashi bucket?

Accepted Answer

You do not strictly need a garden to use a bokashi bucket, as you can bury the fermented waste in pots or use the liquid fertiliser on your houseplants. The fermentation process stops the waste from rotting, so it is safe to bury in containers or even in a quiet corner of the garden. This makes it a fantastic option for flat dwellers who want to recycle their waste without a traditional compost heap.

Question 8

What is the best bokashi bucket for a flat?

Accepted Answer

The best bokashi bucket for a flat is one that is compact, has a tap for easy liquid drainage, and is made of durable plastic to withstand the weight of the waste. You want a model that seals tightly to stop fruit flies from getting in and to contain the sour smell. It is also helpful to have a lid that fits snugly to prevent odours from escaping into your living space.

Question 9

Can I put eggshells in a wormery?

Accepted Answer

You can put crushed eggshells in a wormery, and they are actually quite beneficial because they add calcium to the soil and help balance the acidity of the worm bedding. The worms will slowly grind them down as they process the waste. Just make sure to crush them up first so the worms don't struggle to eat them.

Question 10

How long does it take to finish composting with a wormery?

Accepted Answer

A wormery usually produces finished compost much faster than a traditional heap, often within a few months, because the worms are constantly working to break down the material. The worms eat the organic matter and excrete it as rich, dark soil that is ready to use. This rapid turnaround makes it very convenient for busy flat dwellers who want to recycle their kitchen waste quickly.

Question 11

Can I put garden waste in a bokashi bucket?

Accepted Answer

You can put shredded garden waste in a bokashi bucket, but you must shred it up first to ensure it breaks down properly during the fermentation process. Large branches or woody stems will take too long to process and might not ferment correctly. Shredding the material also helps to pack the bucket more efficiently and speeds up the overall process.

Question 12

Do I need to buy special worms for a wormery?

Accepted Answer

You do need to buy special worms, usually Red Wiggler worms, for a wormery because they are the most efficient at breaking down organic matter and can tolerate the high density of a composting bin. Standard earthworms from the garden will not survive in the artificial environment of a wormery and will likely die. These worms are bred specifically for composting and are very hardy.