The Complete Book of Composting

by J.I. Rodale

A compilation of material, facts, features, experiences, research, letters, questions and answers about compost that have appeared in 'Organic gardening and farming' magazine over the past 18 years.

Genres: Gardening, Reference

1007 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1960

About the author

Jerome Irving Rodale (surname accented on second syllable) (August 16, 1898 – June 8, 1971), was a playwright, editor, author, and founder of Rodale, Inc.

He was one of the first advocates of a return to sustainable agriculture and organic farming in the United States. He founded a publishing empire, founded several magazines, and published many books—his own and those of others—on health. He also published works on a wide variety of other topics, including The Synonym Finder. Rodale popularized the term "organic" to mean grown without pesticides.

Reviews

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic for those dirty finger-nailed muckers in the organic garden. So many organic types of waste can be composted easily. Here's how it's done and new it is not! We need more people in the line of J.I. Rodale!

[Mariette Spidel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical with reference to the back story of primitive methods of composting from making and use to modern day synthetic fertilizer reducing the use of compost. A little out of date relative to science based evidence we have today about Organic matter and it's current importance to enrich the soil humans are disregarding.

If you are into composting Rodale is the father of Organic gardening and soil amending.

[Jammies · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although the ISBN for this book matches, my book is from the thirteenth printing, August 1972. I picked it up because my mother describes me as 'The Compost Queen,' and I thought it would be a fun addition to my library. It weighs a ton, which it should at over 1,000 pages; and looks like a pretty good reference book.

[Don Groves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've got the 1970 seventh printing. Not all the info is applicable to my hobby gardening but there are several useful tips. I've got a few other Rodale Books and have found them all informative and helpful.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great reference piece. The writing is so romantic! Way too much information though and geared toward farming, not the urban gardener.

[Elie]

I have a 1967 version fourth printing. A pioneer in the organic movement, J.I. Rodale published a monthly magazine, "Organic Farming and Gardening" in 1942, following the ideas of Sir Albert Howard.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not new to composting tips I was pleased to learn some new ideas to incorporate in to my own efforts. A good reference & resource.