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The Rodale Book of Composting: Easy Methods for Every Gardener
The essential guide to composting for all gardeners and environmentally conscious people
Composting is fast becoming a household word. Gardeners know it is the best way to feed the soil, while others look to composting as a way to dispose of grass clippings, autumn leaves, and tree trimmings. The Rodale Book of Composting edited by Grace Gershuny and Deborah L. Martin offers:
* Easy-to-follow instructions for making and using compost
* Helpful tips for apartment dwellers, suburbanites, farmers and community leaders
* Ecologically sound solutions to growing waste disposal problems
Composting is fast becoming a household word. Gardeners know it is the best way to feed the soil, while others look to composting as a way to dispose of grass clippings, autumn leaves, and tree trimmings. The Rodale Book of Composting edited by Grace Gershuny and Deborah L. Martin offers:
* Easy-to-follow instructions for making and using compost
* Helpful tips for apartment dwellers, suburbanites, farmers and community leaders
* Ecologically sound solutions to growing waste disposal problems
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1979
39 people are currently reading
821 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 12, 2020
I had mixed feelings on this book. It starts off promising enough, with some interesting tidbits on the history of composting and a description of the processes that convert organic waste into compost. However, once it transitions into the actual how-to part, there seems to be a focus on medium-scale, family farm composting, complete with expeditions around the community to gather materials like industrial processing wastes, and so on. I’m more of a kitchen-scrap composter looking to reduce household waste and add to my small vegetable garden and I was really looking for something to the effect of “this is easy, anybody can do it with hardly any effort at all!” What I was got was a collection of precise instructions on how to properly build and maintain a heap and how to fine-tune the element ratios to avoid screwing it all up.
It was towards the end of the book when I sort of came around and figured out that the book isn’t meant to be a how-to guide for me specifically, but more of a treatise on composting in general. It is a nice resource for those interested in composting at all levels, and pretty much covers all aspects, from history, to biology, materials, how to build a bin, and what tools you might want. It felt a bit dated at times, especially when quoting costs or the “latest” research from the early 1990’s, but in general the book is not bad. If you’re interested in composting in general then it’s probably a worthwhile read.
It was towards the end of the book when I sort of came around and figured out that the book isn’t meant to be a how-to guide for me specifically, but more of a treatise on composting in general. It is a nice resource for those interested in composting at all levels, and pretty much covers all aspects, from history, to biology, materials, how to build a bin, and what tools you might want. It felt a bit dated at times, especially when quoting costs or the “latest” research from the early 1990’s, but in general the book is not bad. If you’re interested in composting in general then it’s probably a worthwhile read.
May 23, 2017
If you are interested in or practice composting, apparently this is THE book to read. I started my first compost pile this spring and thought I could use some knowledge about composting as I go along. This book is great-- very informative, thorough, and interesting. I'm even more interested and excited about composting than before I read this book. Some reviews online say that this is not helpful for your average home gardener and it applies mainly to farmers or large scale composters-- not true! There is only one chapter at the end of the book dealing with large scale composting. Don't be intimidated by the wealth of information or list of materials that can be used-- it's merely a reference for what CAN be used, not what you MUST use. While there is not a particular "troubleshooting" chapter, you don't need it with this book. I highlighted as I read it and now feel much more confident about how to maintain my pile and correct any problems that might come up.
September 25, 2018
We have been composting for awhile, so thought I knew enough, but this book is a wealth of information. I learned so much about the stages of composting and when I got to the section on the physical decomposers, I was able to identify so many of the crawling things in our compost heap. Organisms I might have wanted to rid my pile of, I now see their benefits. The food chain for composting was fascinating to me.
November 9, 2017
Good information on building composters (including a nice rodent proof one). Good overall information but I like the pictures and structures in "The Complete Compost Gardening Guide: Banner Batches, Grow Heaps, Comforter Compost, and Other Amazing Techniques for Saving Time and Money, and Producing the Most Flavorful, Nutritious Vegetables Ever " better
September 16, 2019
Older book, but the information is still pretty solid. It was slow reading. Not the most fascinating subject. It has definitely helped me to be a better composter. Made around 150 gals last year with just leaves and yard waste. (I store/measure it in old kitty litter buckets.) Disease problems have disappeared except for a few disease magnets (some roses). Glad I stuck it out and finished the book. Too bad compost doesn’t help with mosquitoes.
May 20, 2014
Wouldn't call this easy methods for every gardener. Spends a lot of time talking about experimental or large scale composting operations. "Go to your local slaughterhouse to get blood and bone meal to add to your compost. Drive to barns and stables to haul home manure."
Very little details about how to actually have a compost bin or two in your backyard based mainly on kitchen scraps.
Very little details about how to actually have a compost bin or two in your backyard based mainly on kitchen scraps.
September 12, 2007
You know you're getting old when you rave about a book on compost! This is a great book...you'll learn all you need to know (and more) about creating beautiful, rich soil for your garden without any of the smell you might worry about.
June 24, 2008
Everything anyone needs to know about composting!
May 5, 2009
Comprehensive and informative, loved it!
August 15, 2017
Lots of great information! The single most useful takeaway I have for my tumbler is that the internal wall subdividing the sections is probably useless, because compost needs to achieve a critical mass of decomposition in order to provide the internal heat (120F+!) and that I shouldn't compost so many oak leaves from my 2 big oaks, because of the acid in their leaves.
Great insight into the process of humus production, from bugs masticating it into tiny bits to the molds and fungi that bulk it up and provide moisture and nutrient retention capacity.
What I kept wishing this guide had was more "use cases" for compost. I'd like if there were some flows highlighting the complete cycle and all techniques required to diagnose the problems in the kitchen-scrap-to-fertilized-plants process and corrective actions: depending on whether I use the Indore method or a drum, how do I tell if it needs more water? less water? turning? more green material? more brown material? more time? How can I tell which plants need compost the most and how do I apply the compost in different situations to achieve healthy plants, lawn, trees, etc. Most but not all of these pieces are there, scattered throughout the book, but they're not accumulated in a reference table like some of the other data.
Great insight into the process of humus production, from bugs masticating it into tiny bits to the molds and fungi that bulk it up and provide moisture and nutrient retention capacity.
What I kept wishing this guide had was more "use cases" for compost. I'd like if there were some flows highlighting the complete cycle and all techniques required to diagnose the problems in the kitchen-scrap-to-fertilized-plants process and corrective actions: depending on whether I use the Indore method or a drum, how do I tell if it needs more water? less water? turning? more green material? more brown material? more time? How can I tell which plants need compost the most and how do I apply the compost in different situations to achieve healthy plants, lawn, trees, etc. Most but not all of these pieces are there, scattered throughout the book, but they're not accumulated in a reference table like some of the other data.
June 15, 2021
If you want to do large-scale composting this is a great book (most books on composting focus exclusively on small-scale backyard composting). There’s not much in the way of illustrations (a few line drawings), and if you’re looking for lists of what to compost and what not to compost you’ll find lists that are oddly formatted (two separate groups of nitrogen-rich plant wastes, as well separate groups for leaves, grasses, straw, etc.) far more detailed than anyone other than the most finicky composter would need (they provide the nitrogen, phosphorous, and potash percentages for each item). Simply put, this is not an appropriate book for a beginning composter because the level of detail would be overwhelming. However, if you want to up your composting game and need this level of detail, this is one of the only composting books I’ve seen that provides it.
April 25, 2018
Informative in a textbook way. The subtitle (Easy Methods for Every Gardener) was misleading at best. It was full of the science, facts, theories, and eventually the methods; all good things that gardeners would find useful, but little in the way of "how to". Hence 2 stars.
I was looking for something that would actually help me set up good composting in my backyard. I'm a beginner gardener with young children and this book didn't have anything practical for me to apply until over half the way through. About chapter 8 is when it started talking about methods. Application or adaptations "for Every Gardener" weren't discussed. That's about where I gave up.
I was looking for something that would actually help me set up good composting in my backyard. I'm a beginner gardener with young children and this book didn't have anything practical for me to apply until over half the way through. About chapter 8 is when it started talking about methods. Application or adaptations "for Every Gardener" weren't discussed. That's about where I gave up.
June 9, 2025
This book was first written in the 80s and it shows it's age in much of its discussion and commentary. Yet there are basics of this process of decomposing material to make it useful for the garden that cannot change and it was useful to glean that from it. I wasn't sure there would be enough material about composting to create a whole book, but there is... from the history, to lots of how to's, to farming and industrial composting. Lots that weren't relevant for me, but was of passing interest. A good reference book and I've gleaned some ideas from it that are useful.
March 14, 2023
5 stars - 1995 version
3.5 stars - 2018 update
The 1990s version is far superior to the most recent edition. I want the science involved in composting, the ratio of brown vs. green materials, optimum temperatures, and dos and don'ts for management. I don't need to be beat over the head with climate change pearl-clutching.
3.5 stars - 2018 update
The 1990s version is far superior to the most recent edition. I want the science involved in composting, the ratio of brown vs. green materials, optimum temperatures, and dos and don'ts for management. I don't need to be beat over the head with climate change pearl-clutching.
July 31, 2025
This book was a thrift store find and was super inspirational with garden planning. Some great (if dated) soil science, lots of suggestions, and excellent reference charts for nitrogen, carbon, or other common nutrient content. Again, a bit dated, especially in its discussions of the available machinery and municipal programs, but the meat of composting is there!
August 9, 2019
I learned a lot about compost. Mostly geared to larger gardens and agricultural use, but I learned some things that explain why what I've been doing in my little yard aren't working. Now I have a few different things to try.
May 16, 2019
Another classic from my gardening past. I don't know why I find books about composting so interesting, but I do!
May 19, 2019
Good reference about composting.
June 23, 2019
This is a must have books for gardeners. Readers will find the Rodale company knows their stuff.
July 3, 2019
Well organized for either specific topic research or general learning. Approachable for all levels, but not boring for those with some experience.
May 25, 2020
Everything you've ever wanted to know about composting!
July 20, 2020
Super informational but took me so long to get through. I found it pretty dry but will definitely go back to specific parts to implement into my own compost pile!
September 5, 2020
Good book on composting.
December 15, 2021
A gold-standard reference from 42 years ago, compiled by a team of composting experts and enthusiasts with lots of ideas and information, but dated.
January 16, 2022
A must have resource for a urban farmer like me.
May 1, 2015
A really great book on composting. It gives practical advice on how best to create and maintain your compost pile as well as giving some background on composting. It is meant for everyone, including home gardeners, farmers, and municipal composting facilities. It talks about supplies and equipment as well as techniques. I found the section on worm bins especially helpful and the section about the history of composting was great as it had some quotes from the founding fathers, including George Washington, about the importance of composting in returning nutrients to the soil and it struck home how important the soil is to our country.
Composting is a really misunderstood concept in modern times, for some reason. Even though I knew it was a good way to return nutrients to the soil and keep food scraps out of the waste supply, I had no idea how many benefits composting provides, including drought resistance, pathogen resistance, erosion resistance, and providing food to microorganisms and insects. I also did not realize how many materials could be composted, including human urine.
It is interesting how hopeful the book sounds, even though it was written in 1992 and I don't feel like the composting revolution has taken off as much as the book's writers were predicting. I feel very hopeful that composting will start to catch on soon as it seems like more people are interested in it now, but I hope that I am not saying the same thing in another 20 years. Highly recommended, it will change the way you look at food scraps entirely and for anyone interested in starting their own compost pile it will inspire you.
Composting is a really misunderstood concept in modern times, for some reason. Even though I knew it was a good way to return nutrients to the soil and keep food scraps out of the waste supply, I had no idea how many benefits composting provides, including drought resistance, pathogen resistance, erosion resistance, and providing food to microorganisms and insects. I also did not realize how many materials could be composted, including human urine.
It is interesting how hopeful the book sounds, even though it was written in 1992 and I don't feel like the composting revolution has taken off as much as the book's writers were predicting. I feel very hopeful that composting will start to catch on soon as it seems like more people are interested in it now, but I hope that I am not saying the same thing in another 20 years. Highly recommended, it will change the way you look at food scraps entirely and for anyone interested in starting their own compost pile it will inspire you.
February 20, 2017
I keep reading books about dirt lol . . . sorry, not sorry : )
June 6, 2015
Millions of years of life cycle have been driven by the decay of organic matter and recirculation of nutrients. This book explains what a compost is made of, and how its slow rate of nutrient release is aided by microorganisms (soil bacteria) dependent on soil temperature to release faster when needed by the plants. It delves into sources of raw material, aeration, over-wintering, worm composting, how temperature affects the compost development, achieving a carbon-nitrogen balance, and various designs for making effective bins and heaps. There is a (somewhat weak) discussion about industrial digesters and sewage treatment. It is pitched at a lay audience without much scientific background, so it's very easy to read.
The book is about 23 years old, so take care when reading the parts about specific regulations, as they may be out of date. It contains a bibliography but no references in the text, even where studies are cited. The diagrams (in the e-book) are rather poor and too few. The author doesn't really distinguish organic compost from other types, except to caution against using material sources with heavy metal contamination, and has no qualms against recommending the purchase of raw materials from distasteful sources, like feedlot-generated sludge, for example. This won't be the last book on the subject that I'll read, but it's fairly comprehensive and informative as a good start.
The book is about 23 years old, so take care when reading the parts about specific regulations, as they may be out of date. It contains a bibliography but no references in the text, even where studies are cited. The diagrams (in the e-book) are rather poor and too few. The author doesn't really distinguish organic compost from other types, except to caution against using material sources with heavy metal contamination, and has no qualms against recommending the purchase of raw materials from distasteful sources, like feedlot-generated sludge, for example. This won't be the last book on the subject that I'll read, but it's fairly comprehensive and informative as a good start.
June 18, 2008
An excellent and nearly essential guide to composting that's actually a quick and easy read. It covers what can be composted and what can't, different methods of composting from the small scale to large, and ways to apply compost once you've got it. The only downside is that some of the content might be too technical for some, and you'll likely be skipping the chapter on largescale farming methods. Nonetheless, if you want a good resource on composting, one that goes beyond the basics, this is the one to get.
November 18, 2012
631.8 Rodale
Dimmie 5 stars
An excellent reference to anyone interested in improving their garden soil. There is an interesting history about composting in the first part of the book, then clear scientific information about what composting does in the garden and for the planet. There are diagrams of different compost set ups and recommendations on how to keep a compost pile healthy.
Dimmie 5 stars
An excellent reference to anyone interested in improving their garden soil. There is an interesting history about composting in the first part of the book, then clear scientific information about what composting does in the garden and for the planet. There are diagrams of different compost set ups and recommendations on how to keep a compost pile healthy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews