Mike McGrath's Book of Compost

by Mike McGrath

During his seven years as Editor-in-Chief of Organic Gardening magazine, Mike McGrath learned quite a bit about the nature and science of composting. And he’s never stopped studying, because he wants to give the best, most up-to-date information to the listeners of his nationally-syndicated Public Radio show, “You Bet Your Garden.” He offers the fruits of his labors in this illustrated guide that reveals why compost is the answer to virtually every garden question. McGrath explains why compost improves soil structure; why it provides the perfect amount of food for every plant; how it fights plant diseases more safely and effectively than any chemical fungicide; and how to make your own. This is a must-have on every gardener’s bookshelf!
 

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, How To, Reference

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2006

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

The Short Take
Mike McGrath is:
Host of the nationally syndicated Public Radio show, You Bet Your Garden
Garden Editor for WTOP News Radio in Washington, DC
Contributing Editor and columnist for Greenprints magazine
Former Editor-in-Chief of ORGANIC GARDENING magazine
Author of books on Tomatoes, Compost and Kitchen Gardening

Reviews

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself bored out of my mind one day when I wanted to read the 4th Percy Jackson book but couldn't because somebody swiped it under the belief that I was finished with it.... no really I'm totally over it! But had that not happened I would never in hundred years have picked up this book lying on the shelf.

Since we have a garden and I have been trying to maintain it I thought I'd flip through the book quickly and get a few tips. The problem was that this guy who wrote it is really funny. I found myself laughing out loud as I read about the correct way to dispose of kitchen waste into bins and the fact that shredded leaves alone make what he calls black gold in 2 weeks under ideal conditions.

So if you are into gardening or want to get a compost going, read this book. Though your husband might smirkingly ask you why you are grinning from ear to ear while reading a book on dirt, your flowers, your vegetables and your lawn will love you for it.

[C. S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mike McGrath writes exactly the way he talks, so fans of his radio program will find the tone and the humor very familiar. More importantly, though, McGrath builds compost based on sound soil science, not "well I heard that my cousin's boyfriend's gramma used to put xxx in her compost and got great results so that's how I do it therefore I'm right and everybody else is wrong." For everything he recommends, he cites the experts and the studies to back it up - and the things that he vehemently unrecommends (bark mulch, much?) have the same authority behind them. I am even more enthusiastic about leaves, coffee grounds, and worms now than I was before reading this, and I've been a listener for years so I didn't think that was possible.

And you'd better believe that if I see people putting their leaves out for waste collection, I will commit thievery in a heartbeat! Gotta love those SPBs...

[Emily Flesher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read this book cover-to-cover on a Friday night. This book is either really good, really short, or I need to get a life .... but I'm pretty sure it's a combination of all 3. Anyways, if you're looking to get into composting but didn't major in Biochem, I highly recommend reading this!

[Laura Steinert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, it is about compost, so a pretty narrow audience. Not overwhelming, just easy to follow instructions and suggestions.

[Jocelyn Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and easy to read.

[Patrick Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insights on the art of composting!

[Kacie Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative!

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a very accessible guide for gardeners to get information on composting and how to do it. It is neurotically focused on maximizing the amount you can make for your garden, including multiple recommendations to steal copious amounts of leaves from other lawns.

Its accessibility makes it a quick read but makes it disappointingly thin in other spots. I'm going to have to hit some additional resources to get a more rounded approach to composting that addresses the impacts of composting to reduce household waste, such as paper goods. I'm not convinced that paper towels shouldn't go in the compost pile.

[Kristal · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my quest to learn as much as I can about gardening while waiting for the cold to move out and I can start planting some vegetables, I had already heard that the secret to a great garden was to use compost. It sounds like such an easy thing, to throw all your scrapes of leftover food and vegetables into a pile and let it rot. But that method takes an amazing long time to work, and I wanted some faster results. And to the rescue, Mike McGrath writes this little book. Yeap, it's small, 120 pages including index. But he packs a while lot of information in between those pages. If you need a good book on composting, I would recommend this one.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one in about a day and a half whenever the girls let me have a few minutes. It's short, simple, and enthusiastic about composting.

Other compost books I've flipped through have left me overwhelmed and thinking it might be too much trouble, this one emphasizes how easy it is. I wish it had more information about specific types of composters instead of just a short paragraph on each. But for a quick introduction that leaves you with an "I can do it!" feeling, this book is great.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is as entertaining as compost gets. But I suggest that, before you get serious about composting, you check some reference materials or your local cooperative extension to get the lowdown on composting in your area.

McGrath's writing style is very approachable, so it is easy and fun to learn the basics of composting. He inserts comic book character references, jokes and inside jokes (that you would get if you understand he is writing the way dem guys talk in Pennsylvania), which are cute at first, but drove me a little batty by the time I finished the book.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Until now, I haven't ever been hesitant to read a book on the train. The illustrations were 1) HUGE and 2) ridiculous, and the writing itself totally absurd. There's good info to be had in here but first you have to wade through tons of crazy italicizing and bolding and looooooooooooooves and exclamation marks and "youse" and so much other nonsense.

Takeaways: we need to take our composts' temperature at the garden and start collecting more leaves. I'm also really interested in mushroom compost and manure (mainly poultry) but have to do more research.

[Muchandquick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great introduction to the world of compost. It's a quick read and I found it easy to retain the main tenants that Mike McGrath offered:

1. Brown leaves are the best ingredient for backyard compost
2. How to get household waste to compost (hint: add brown leaves)
3. What to look for if you choose to buy compost instead of making your own

The book's tone is friendly with plenty of bad jokes thrown in. I'm glad to have borrowed it from the library and will put its information to good use.

[Mathew Carruthers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic introduction to the art and science of making compost. Easy to do, great way to get rid of yard and kitchen waste, and is the best thing for your garden, yard, and houseplants. McGrath's writing style is very conversational - entertaining and informative. Compost is the lowest cost cure-all for lawn and garden - worth the time to read this book and figure out how to make the magic happen on your own.

[erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A much faster read than Stu Campbell's book, and for some reason it really sank in just how much leaf-material is needed for "real" compost. I will be raiding the neighbors' yards this fall, that is for sure (we have evergreens, no deciduous trees on our property).

Thanks, Karen, for letting me borrow this one!

[Deena Scintilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for its purpose and a quick read. McGraph actually makes composting sound easy & fun. Since I garden and make my own compost, it was nice to find out I'm on the right track and can expand my "operation". Obviously this book is aimed at a limited population. Highly recommend for you gardeners out there.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got exactly what I wanted out of this book, a thorough introduction to composting, that's still only an introduction, meaning mercifully short, but that I'll be ready to make my own "black gold" after reading it. And it is a very quick read. Thankfully it also doesn't read like a textbook, even if the author's jaunty tone does become annoying a times.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read (read it in an hour), very informative. Told me basically everything I wanted to know about composting, which was, essentially, everything the internet says is wrong so don't listen to it. Which, you know. Pretty good advice, really. Also, now I know the pile of compost in my backyard is probably ready, and yes, husband, you really do have to mulch the leaves next fall.

[Taylor Friese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for anyone just getting into the world of compost. The best part is he provides many different options so it's available to everyone. PS. Get ready for some extreme dorkiness. If you've never listened to his radio show, your in for a treat. If you have, it's hard not to hear his voice as you read. I even heard the theme song in my head as I was finishing the book.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what it sounds like, but it's written in a slightly goofy way that keeps it from being tedious. It was straightforward, accessible, and a quick read. I'm really excited to power up my flowerbeds and garden this year (maybe after I steal leaves from everyone I know!).

[Arie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on composting that I have read, and I have read too many. Only thing is, Mike is an absolutist, which is fine ... if he is absolutely correct. We will see ... I am totally converting to his methodology this season, and next. If you are not sure of the book ... check his TED Talk first!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is well written. It covers everything you will ever need to know about composting.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book for beginners, has nice lists of what can and cannot be added to compost.

[Seeing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best, easiest book on Compost!

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is short, simple and makes sense out of composting. It reads just like his radio show and I am working on following the advice in this book to get my own compost off the ground.

[Zak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy to understand for anyone wanting to start composting. Small-scale, large-scale, whatever. Entertaining too.

[Eve · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little too over-the-top organic for me. Having taking college-level soil science classes, I did not agree with a number of the author's opinions.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic overview of what, why, and how of composting. Great practical handbook. Love that his writing style is just like his radio personality!

[CoolBreeze1978 · Rating 4 out of 5]

McGrath hates on wood chips. And McGrath is wrong! Still an amazing work on composting.

[Tegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike McGrath is my hero.