Compost: Transform Waste into New Life

by Charles Dowding

Learn how to make compost gold from the master of healthy soil.Charles Dowding puts feeding the soil at the heart of his No Dig method of growing. He explains how to use your kitchen and garden waste to make homemade compost so that your plants can truly flourish.Discover what you can compost, how to get the perfect balance, and different ways to compost whatever your space with this beautiful, infallible guide.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Nature

144 pages, Hardcover

Published September 10, 2024

About the author

Charles Dowding has been pioneering organic, no dig gardening since 1982, when he began growing vegetables on a 6,000m² plot in Somerset, UK. From the beginning, his no dig methods delivered healthy, abundant crops, with fewer weeds and no need for synthetic inputs. At the time, nobody else was growing commercially at this scale without digging, and Charles has been refining the approach ever since.

Today, he shares the simplicity and power of no dig gardening with a global audience, through his books, courses, YouTube videos, social media, and regular travels to connect with growers around the world.

Charles published his first book, Organic Gardening, in 2007, and has since written 14 more. His most recent titles include New Energies for Gardening (April 2025) and Compost (September 2024). He also produces an annual Calendar of Sowing Dates, packed with practical tips based on his trials and growing experience.

From his 1,600m² Homeacres market garden in Somerset, Charles continues to experiment with crops and methods – comparing dig and no dig plots, testing new varieties, and refining techniques. The garden yields around £35,000 of produce annually and serves as a living example of how low-input, soil-first methods can lead to healthy plants and sustainable harvests.

Charles is passionate about helping others find joy and success in growing food, and believes that no dig is not just a method, but a mindset.

Reviews

[Laura F-W · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you'd have told 2015 Laura that she would not only read a book about compost, but thoroughly enjoy it, she would have laughed in your face. What a difference a decade can make.

I loved this. It's a beautiful book, with gorgeous woodcut images throughout. I also love Charles Dowding and how excitable he is - he is truly passionate about sustainable veg growing. He explains things in a clear and engaging way, and I did learn a lot. I intend to put all of his lessons to his use on my allotment this year.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad I read this before starting my compost, goes a bit more in depth than his videos.

[Bob Baxendell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, all one needs to now about compost. I enjoyed the deep dive in different types of compost too. Recommended for those looking to start with a small compost bin, to those who have a huge garden!

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, useful and practical, explains all the basics to get started in simple, understandable terms. Perfect for a beginner. But also a bit repetitive. Would have liked a bit more on the science of what is happening during decomposition/composing, beyond just "bacteria and fungi doing things."

[Kateri]

starts off more scientific and brainy than i anticipated or was after, but has a lot of great information
(mid-book i read Inside the Compost Bin which helped me process).
the latter part of the book has more of the practical info.
lovely woodcut illustrations <3
really appreciated the approachable tone and how it's split into small, digestible sections.

[Aleksandra Gajewska · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dla amatorów ogrodnictwa pozycja interesująca, a dla reszty przeczytanie recenzji jest zbytkiem. W każdym razie wkrótce zaczynamy kompostować.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great tips on composting

[Alan Blue Heron Milinazzo-Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nutrient Recycling

Using Dowding’s method of composing is the ultimate in nutritional recycling. All the nutrients pulled up from deep in the soil and stored in the body of the plant are being recycled instead of being shipped out of the garden to a landfill. The recycled material brings nutrients from beyond the roots to the surface where they are used to regenerate soil, nourish plants and create a healthy abundant harvest. And reduce expensive and often unnecessary inputs. Composting and sheet mulching make for an easier and more relaxing gardening experience. At 76, it’s the way to go!

[Zoe Flack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. The actual book. Beautiful paper, really gorgeous lino cutting illustrations throughout. The book is quite small and I read in a couple of short sittings.
Very informative, and written with a lovely style.

[Meeds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book answered every question I had about starting my compost heap, and also sparked an interest in soil science that I never knew I had!

I recommend this to everyone and anyone, whether you want a tiny compost bin on your balcony or you’ve got an allotment and want to build a big boy!

Beautifully written, gorgeous illustrations, practical knowledge mixed with fascinating facts. I’ve gone on about this book for hours and everyone is sick of me talking about compost and Charles Dowding!

[PottWab Regional Library]

SM

[Dustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re unfamiliar with composting and the why and how behind it all, this little book can be a great start!

[Jenna Kepnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information, nice overview of various composting methods & systems. Not too in-depth on any one particular facet. Frustrated by reference to images/diagrams throughout audiobook.

[Maxime Fortin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Va droit au but pour bien expliquer comment faire du bon compost, très concret et technique, j’adore!

[Lincoln Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sound composting advice.

[Mimmo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not very informative. Design over substance.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love my compost bins and this book has inspired me to make them even more productive. And beautiful illustrations too.

[Annburnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent information on making and using compost in your no dig garden. I love the books by Charles Dowding and this no one is no exception. Wonderful!

[Tom Silberschmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good overview, could provide a little more details on some topics.

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely little book full of good sense and excellent instruction.