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No-Waste Composting: Small-Space Waste Recycling, Indoors and Out. Plus, 10 projects to repurpose household items into compost-making machines
In No-Waste Composting , you’ll discover the hows and whys of composting and find over a dozen practical step-by-step plans for building both indoor and outdoor composting systems that require a minimal amount of space. “I don’t have enough space to compost.”
“I don’t know what’s safe to compost and what isn’t.”
“I live in the city, so I don’t think I can compost.”
“Indoor composting systems are smelly.”
“I don’t have a garden, so I don’t need to compost.” If any of these is your excuse for not composting, then this is the book for you! Small-space composting has never been easier, more efficient, and more eco-friendly. Composting keeps millions of tons of waste out of landfills and creates carbon-sequestering, nutrient-dense compost that can be used to help fuel plant growth (including houseplants!) and build soil health .
Plus, you’ll find plans to keep cat and dog waste out of the landfill by using a groundbreaking (and safe) DIY composting system. And if you don’t garden, author and composting professional Michelle Balz offers plenty of other ways you can utilize the wonderful, crumbly compost you create . Whether you’re just starting your no-waste journey or you’re a seasoned recycling and repurposing pro, No-Waste Composting is an invaluable tool to have at your side.
This book is part of the Cool Springs Press No-Waste Gardening series , which also includes No-Waste Kitchen Gardening and No-Waste Organic Gardening .
“I don’t know what’s safe to compost and what isn’t.”
“I live in the city, so I don’t think I can compost.”
“Indoor composting systems are smelly.”
“I don’t have a garden, so I don’t need to compost.” If any of these is your excuse for not composting, then this is the book for you! Small-space composting has never been easier, more efficient, and more eco-friendly. Composting keeps millions of tons of waste out of landfills and creates carbon-sequestering, nutrient-dense compost that can be used to help fuel plant growth (including houseplants!) and build soil health .
Plus, you’ll find plans to keep cat and dog waste out of the landfill by using a groundbreaking (and safe) DIY composting system. And if you don’t garden, author and composting professional Michelle Balz offers plenty of other ways you can utilize the wonderful, crumbly compost you create . Whether you’re just starting your no-waste journey or you’re a seasoned recycling and repurposing pro, No-Waste Composting is an invaluable tool to have at your side.
This book is part of the Cool Springs Press No-Waste Gardening series , which also includes No-Waste Kitchen Gardening and No-Waste Organic Gardening .
128 pages, Paperback
Published April 27, 2021
2 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Balz
4 books9 followersMichelle Balz is a long-time backyard composter with a passion for reducing our impact on the planet. She spends her days writing laid-back advice for home composters in the Confessions of a Composter blog, teaching classes on backyard composting, and learning everything she can about composting, recycling, reusing, and waste reduction. Since 2002, Michelle has worked as a solid waste (a.k.a. garbage) professional encouraging residents and businesses to reduce their waste and use fewer resources. Michelle has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and a master’s degree in Professional Writing both from the University of Cincinnati. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her high-school-sweetheart-turned-husband Adam and two adorable children Benjamin and Emily.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 7, 2021
This is a great guide to composing for newbies or more advanced gardeners. It features a variety of types of compost options with lots of projects. I wish there was a little more focus on the day to day maintenance of each type. I've had several types over the years and that's always where I got hung up so compost always takes me forever. A lot of these methods are pretty commitment-intensive, like an indoor method where you add a special ingredient after each food scrap addition. I do the pit method sometimes myself (dig a big hole, bury the pail's worth, leave it) but I am still searching for reliable advice on how to really maintain compost piles in an easy way. This is great for showing options and giving great tutorials for building your own with lots of types, but less good about troubleshooting and making it more foolproof for overstretched gardeners.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
January 17, 2021
As a gardener, I already do compost quite a lot of my household vegetable waste as well as somethings from the garden. My compost heap is great but I do actually need another one, and this book has been excellent for giving me some ideas.
The book is very well laid out with loads of practical tips and lovely photos. There are a variety of different compost methods, bins, piles. With lots of information in siting, using, what to do with them afterwards.
My compost heap is established and does look after itself but as I mentioned I want another that it easier for me to access and turn. Using or recycled materials or upcycling materials is definitely something I want to do and this book has definitely given me some other ideas.
I may have experience as a gardener, but this book worked really well for me as well as a book that someone starting out could really get to grips with.
This is a practical and very well laid out book. There are do's and don't as well as things to try. It has a very useful index at the back and is also really interesting if you are just flicking through it. Greta book, informative and I found myself looking forward to getting out into my garden once the winter weather has passed by a little more. A book I would definitely recommend.
The book is very well laid out with loads of practical tips and lovely photos. There are a variety of different compost methods, bins, piles. With lots of information in siting, using, what to do with them afterwards.
My compost heap is established and does look after itself but as I mentioned I want another that it easier for me to access and turn. Using or recycled materials or upcycling materials is definitely something I want to do and this book has definitely given me some other ideas.
I may have experience as a gardener, but this book worked really well for me as well as a book that someone starting out could really get to grips with.
This is a practical and very well laid out book. There are do's and don't as well as things to try. It has a very useful index at the back and is also really interesting if you are just flicking through it. Greta book, informative and I found myself looking forward to getting out into my garden once the winter weather has passed by a little more. A book I would definitely recommend.
December 27, 2020
No- Waste Composting by Michelle Balz is a great book if you are clueless, as I was, about how to begin composting . She walks you through everything you could need to know from what to compost, how to mix the right “scraps” together, and how to make composite bins and gardens. I highly recommend this book if you are a beginner!
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
August 9, 2021
A great beginner's overview of all things composting. Balz goes over different ways to compost, how to diy your bins, and everything else you might need to know starting out.
April 11, 2022
Very thorough and informative. I liked her sense of humor too.
June 9, 2021
I've been cold composting for nearly 2 decades. I've read many books in which they mention composting & nearly all of them seem pretty adamant about hot composting. It always made me feel like I was doing something wrong even though I had loads of compost each year to apply to my rows each Autumn. It was only until more recently I finally felt free. There is nothing wrong with how I compost. It simply takes longer. Mother Nature will do the work. She always does. Humans seem to have this need to over complicate everything.
If you like to make it complicated, then you want this book. If you want to hide your compost due to neighbors complaints, then you want this book. If you want to DIY your own pet waste "septic system", you want this book.
When you come right down to it, you don't really need this book. With that said, it's not a bad book or a worthless book. In fact, it's a very good book. But truly, if you put your food scraps & leaf litter in a pile on the ground & continue to add organics to it, you will eventually get compost. That's pretty much how I do it. However, I live on a small farm. I don't have any tractors though. It's human power all the way.
Everything gets dumped on one compost pile for the year. I don't even turn it. The pile is too big, it's too flipping hot outside & I already have more work than I can handle. Come autumn, I remove the outside bits that are not composted & start a new compost pile. What is composted goes onto my rows which I then cover for the winter. Compost is pure gold. My method means I always have 2 compost piles chilling. Not cooking. Well, sometimes they get hot depending on what has been dumped on them. Compost slows come winter, but as I said, Mother Nature does her thing. She's got this down pat. Just don't put your compost against your house or fence or in a wet low lying area & you should be good to go. Food scraps, lawn clippings (you don't put down lawn chemicals do you??? I really hope you don't), leaves, straw, hay, etc.
This awesome little book provides several projects for different composting methods. You can even set up to compost inside your home. There really are some great projects including worm bins. I'm thinking of incorporating the pet waste septic for my cats waste. I currently have a dedicated cat waste pile. I use Okocat kitty litter so it breaks down as well. The thing is, the cat waste pile just gets bigger & bigger. I'm not too sure what to do with it. The pile is 11+ years old now! A note to my fellow crazy cat households, this book only discusses dog waste. For feline waste, composting is not recommended. My thoughts on the pet septic project however, seems viable (to me). No mention that I recall for feline waste in the pet septic. After you read it, you can decide for yourself.
If you are afraid of what is safe to compost, this book will help you out. If you are just afraid in general, this book will ease most of your concerns. The author recommends against composting meat scraps & similar but if you have a hot pile & a tractor, for example, you can compost anything. There is a farm who even composts their animals after they pass. Crazy, but it works for them. Note that it can & often does attract rodents, so there are legitimate concerns about adding these types of tidbits to your pile.
There are also some really attractive projects that I never heard of like the African Keyhole Garden. This is basically a raised bed with a small compost area inside it. Another nifty idea comes from the Viking era called a Hugelkulture Bed. This trees as it's base (not live trees). Some composting methods are a lot more work than others, but they all have their usefulness depending on ones situation & goals.
Simply put this book is great for the beginner composter. Even if you are experienced, there is probably something in here you didn't know. I love beginner books as they often provide fresh ideas &/or refresh me on things I forgot.
When you come right down to it, every single one of us should be composting, no matter where we live.
If you like to make it complicated, then you want this book. If you want to hide your compost due to neighbors complaints, then you want this book. If you want to DIY your own pet waste "septic system", you want this book.
When you come right down to it, you don't really need this book. With that said, it's not a bad book or a worthless book. In fact, it's a very good book. But truly, if you put your food scraps & leaf litter in a pile on the ground & continue to add organics to it, you will eventually get compost. That's pretty much how I do it. However, I live on a small farm. I don't have any tractors though. It's human power all the way.
Everything gets dumped on one compost pile for the year. I don't even turn it. The pile is too big, it's too flipping hot outside & I already have more work than I can handle. Come autumn, I remove the outside bits that are not composted & start a new compost pile. What is composted goes onto my rows which I then cover for the winter. Compost is pure gold. My method means I always have 2 compost piles chilling. Not cooking. Well, sometimes they get hot depending on what has been dumped on them. Compost slows come winter, but as I said, Mother Nature does her thing. She's got this down pat. Just don't put your compost against your house or fence or in a wet low lying area & you should be good to go. Food scraps, lawn clippings (you don't put down lawn chemicals do you??? I really hope you don't), leaves, straw, hay, etc.
This awesome little book provides several projects for different composting methods. You can even set up to compost inside your home. There really are some great projects including worm bins. I'm thinking of incorporating the pet waste septic for my cats waste. I currently have a dedicated cat waste pile. I use Okocat kitty litter so it breaks down as well. The thing is, the cat waste pile just gets bigger & bigger. I'm not too sure what to do with it. The pile is 11+ years old now! A note to my fellow crazy cat households, this book only discusses dog waste. For feline waste, composting is not recommended. My thoughts on the pet septic project however, seems viable (to me). No mention that I recall for feline waste in the pet septic. After you read it, you can decide for yourself.
If you are afraid of what is safe to compost, this book will help you out. If you are just afraid in general, this book will ease most of your concerns. The author recommends against composting meat scraps & similar but if you have a hot pile & a tractor, for example, you can compost anything. There is a farm who even composts their animals after they pass. Crazy, but it works for them. Note that it can & often does attract rodents, so there are legitimate concerns about adding these types of tidbits to your pile.
There are also some really attractive projects that I never heard of like the African Keyhole Garden. This is basically a raised bed with a small compost area inside it. Another nifty idea comes from the Viking era called a Hugelkulture Bed. This trees as it's base (not live trees). Some composting methods are a lot more work than others, but they all have their usefulness depending on ones situation & goals.
Simply put this book is great for the beginner composter. Even if you are experienced, there is probably something in here you didn't know. I love beginner books as they often provide fresh ideas &/or refresh me on things I forgot.
When you come right down to it, every single one of us should be composting, no matter where we live.
December 18, 2020
If there is one thing I am passionate about, it is my vegetable garden. I start seeds indoors in February, start growing cool-season plants outdoors in March, and am busy with my garden until it goes to sleep in November(Zone 7, NY). So how do I spend the nongardening months(December and January)? By reading books, perusing seed catalogs, and making a plan for next year.
I started composting two years ago when I found two bins on clearance at a big box store( love end of season sales). I knew that I could add leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen scraps, keep it moist(like a damp sponge), and turn the pile occasionally, and eventually, I had black gold for my garden. So I knew the basics but had no idea that there were so many choices for outdoor composting, or that you could compost indoors
No-Waste Composting is divided into seven chapters, highlighting everything from composting basics, to harvesting and using your finished compost. By the time I finished reading this book, I knew a lot more about getting the most out of my resources. Did I know that my compost pile should be balanced with 75% brown and 25% green materials? Why yes I did. But did I know that chopping up food scraps like banana peels would help my pile by aiding the microorganisms that digest them? No, I did not.
Whether you have been composting for years or are interested in starting, this book provides a wealth of information. Everything is presented clearly and concisely, whether it is how to build a kitchen bin compost liner from a newspaper, or how to pit compost right in your garden beds. Whether you have a large yard or just some room on your patio, or if you have a little or a lot to spend, you will find something that works for your situation. The best part is you will have great compost without having to lug those bags home from the garden center, and you will have reduced your contributions to the trash. The pictures in this ebook were great too, and I do not doubt that when I get my hands on a physical copy, it will be a lovely addition to my gardening bookshelf.
If there was one thing I would have liked to see in this book, it would have been some information on winter composting. That might just be me though since we had a major snowstorm yesterday and it looks like my compost bins will be frozen for quite a while.4.5 stars.
I started composting two years ago when I found two bins on clearance at a big box store( love end of season sales). I knew that I could add leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen scraps, keep it moist(like a damp sponge), and turn the pile occasionally, and eventually, I had black gold for my garden. So I knew the basics but had no idea that there were so many choices for outdoor composting, or that you could compost indoors
No-Waste Composting is divided into seven chapters, highlighting everything from composting basics, to harvesting and using your finished compost. By the time I finished reading this book, I knew a lot more about getting the most out of my resources. Did I know that my compost pile should be balanced with 75% brown and 25% green materials? Why yes I did. But did I know that chopping up food scraps like banana peels would help my pile by aiding the microorganisms that digest them? No, I did not.
Whether you have been composting for years or are interested in starting, this book provides a wealth of information. Everything is presented clearly and concisely, whether it is how to build a kitchen bin compost liner from a newspaper, or how to pit compost right in your garden beds. Whether you have a large yard or just some room on your patio, or if you have a little or a lot to spend, you will find something that works for your situation. The best part is you will have great compost without having to lug those bags home from the garden center, and you will have reduced your contributions to the trash. The pictures in this ebook were great too, and I do not doubt that when I get my hands on a physical copy, it will be a lovely addition to my gardening bookshelf.
If there was one thing I would have liked to see in this book, it would have been some information on winter composting. That might just be me though since we had a major snowstorm yesterday and it looks like my compost bins will be frozen for quite a while.4.5 stars.
April 7, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
No-Waste Composting is a solidly comprehensive guide to composting (indoors and out) by Michelle Balz. It's part of the No Waste Gardening series. Due out 27th April from Quarto on their Cool Springs Press imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. (Ebook available now).
The layout is logical and the information accessible and easy to locate in the text. The introductory chapters include benefits and general how-to basics of composting and how to get started. The following chapters cover outdoor composting, using the products of your composting, indoor composting (yes, you can ... without obnoxious smells and mishaps), composting pet manure outdoors, and more tips and tricks for improving soil composition with compost and more tips for getting the most out of your bins.
The author has included an abbreviated bibliography and reference list as well as cross referenced index. The book is well illustrated with clear color photographs and drawings throughout. The information is comprehensive and presented simply enough to be accessible to readers of all ages.
Five stars. This would make an excellent choice for library acquisition, gardening groups, homesteaders, home gardeners, allotment/community garden groups, and similar.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
No-Waste Composting is a solidly comprehensive guide to composting (indoors and out) by Michelle Balz. It's part of the No Waste Gardening series. Due out 27th April from Quarto on their Cool Springs Press imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. (Ebook available now).
The layout is logical and the information accessible and easy to locate in the text. The introductory chapters include benefits and general how-to basics of composting and how to get started. The following chapters cover outdoor composting, using the products of your composting, indoor composting (yes, you can ... without obnoxious smells and mishaps), composting pet manure outdoors, and more tips and tricks for improving soil composition with compost and more tips for getting the most out of your bins.
The author has included an abbreviated bibliography and reference list as well as cross referenced index. The book is well illustrated with clear color photographs and drawings throughout. The information is comprehensive and presented simply enough to be accessible to readers of all ages.
Five stars. This would make an excellent choice for library acquisition, gardening groups, homesteaders, home gardeners, allotment/community garden groups, and similar.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
December 11, 2020
A great introduction to composting. I picked this up because I have been thinking about upping my compost game (or doing it correctly). I had just enough info to know it is possible and even easily doable but never knew the finer points. I knew about anaerobic and aerobic because of a science background but not how to prevent anaerobic bacteria. This book helped piece together all the pieces I had. Basic internet searches can lead you to a rabbit hole and this book condenses and simplifies. I appreciate the different composting options described. This has been my biggest deterrent because there are so many options, and some are expensive. This book gives a variety of options for a variety of prices. If you are a newbie to composting, I would recommend this as a starting point. The biggest criticism for me was not a lot about winter composting in the Northern areas when the world is frozen.
4 stars for being easy to follow, new ideas, and explaining the different composting bin options. Lost a star for not addressing regional notes. Thank you to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing and Michelle Balz for the ARC. This was an honest review.
4 stars for being easy to follow, new ideas, and explaining the different composting bin options. Lost a star for not addressing regional notes. Thank you to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing and Michelle Balz for the ARC. This was an honest review.
May 16, 2022
-3-4 stars? i was only looking for info on worm composting, i'd already read all the other composting stuff in other books.
-there was an interesting chapter on how to compost dog poop to help it break down and get rid of it (NOT to use in your vegetable garden). and how to build your own dog poo composter and bury it in your yard. basically you're building a mini septic system for your pet waste. you bury a bucket with holes in it, put a lid on it, and occasionally add septic system enzymes like rid-x to it. or you can buy a 'solar digester', but they're around $250. it says it only smells when you take the lid off. and if your drainage isn't good, then dig out deeper and put gravel under the bucket. also has a link in the back of the book for the doggy dooley system ($45). i went online and read reviews, and a lot of people said just go buy a 5 gallon bucket and lid instead, far cheaper and sturdier than the doggy dooley. also, it cant be used in winter, which is half the year here. i think that is why i never tried it before.
-there was an interesting chapter on how to compost dog poop to help it break down and get rid of it (NOT to use in your vegetable garden). and how to build your own dog poo composter and bury it in your yard. basically you're building a mini septic system for your pet waste. you bury a bucket with holes in it, put a lid on it, and occasionally add septic system enzymes like rid-x to it. or you can buy a 'solar digester', but they're around $250. it says it only smells when you take the lid off. and if your drainage isn't good, then dig out deeper and put gravel under the bucket. also has a link in the back of the book for the doggy dooley system ($45). i went online and read reviews, and a lot of people said just go buy a 5 gallon bucket and lid instead, far cheaper and sturdier than the doggy dooley. also, it cant be used in winter, which is half the year here. i think that is why i never tried it before.
January 10, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Cool Springs Press for the digital galley.
I am new to composting and have a simple bin in my back yard. I’m constantly looking for new tips and tricks to reduce my carbon footprint, and this book is an excellent introduction into the whole world of composting.
There are all sorts of ways to compost, and this book is a great guide with information about what kind is best for your situation, the things you’ll need for each method, and what to keep in and out of your compost bin.
It’s a quick read overall is a great manual to have around, especially if your living situation changes, or if you’re looking to expand your methods/ways to reduce waste and feed your garden. It’s out in March, just in time for spring gardening.
March 21, 2021
A great guide to composting! I've been trying my hand at composting for the past year or so and I've run into a few bumps in the road. This book provided me with some great troubleshooting information to fix my problems! It included great pictures, quite a few composting projects and options and it's just a great book to have on hand for your composting needs. I really like that this book gave you options. No one way is the correct way to compost and everyone's composting space is different. This book went over everything from tools needed, to step-by-step instructions coupled with instructional pictures. It was easy to read and follow along and I think it would be a great help to any new composter! Would definitely recommend!
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
January 12, 2021
No-Waste Composting is the *ULTIMATE* composting book! This book breaks it down and is a must-read for anyone who’s looking to compost, or learn why we should. It is filled with DIY projects for your home and backyard, what you can compost, what you shouldn’t and all the many benefits of composting. I loved all of the many photos and the ways I can get my kids involved. I cannot wait for spring to work on a few of these outdoor DIY projects offered in this book for my own home and yard. This is a book I’ll be sharing with my friends who are homesteaders, and also those just interested in composting!
April 2, 2022
I never would have thought I’d have so much fun reading a book about composting, but I’ve been proven wrong! As a complete novice, this book provided me with so much information, and I now feel prepared to start composting myself asap. I will definitely be referring to this resource a lot as I go through the process. As an added bonus, the pictures in the book were super helpful, and I really loved the author’s sense of humor. You can tell she’s a character, and I’m here for it.
All in all, I highly recommend for anyone who’s looking to start composting!
All in all, I highly recommend for anyone who’s looking to start composting!
December 16, 2020
Beautiful beautiful. Many photos with a lot of details. I've been composting awhile, but my experience would be the lazy guide's way. This book offers a lot of motivation to keep things simple, but doable. Although a short book, there's a lot of great information to get started composting, even for people like me who have been doing it awhile. Also simple enough that we could get started right now. A great keeper book.
June 8, 2024
This book is full of helpful hints for composting and composting-related activities. The book targets gardeners as well as folks who want to be more environmentally friendly and less wasteful. It is written in a way that is accessible for all ages. Anyone could pick one of these projects and create a system for turning waste into something useful. Many of these would be great for parents or teachers to do with kids.
March 18, 2021
A very detailed look at composting on a small or large level. I had no idea there were so many ways to compost. Lots of photos to guide you along the way. This book is great for those who are new to composting or the experienced gardener. Now I just need garden season to get here so I can get to work!
Thanks to netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group-Cool Springs Press for the arc.
Thanks to netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group-Cool Springs Press for the arc.
June 14, 2022
I loved the simplistic, straight forward direction in this book. It is perfect for beginner composters or seasoned ones. I loved the pictures and the illustrations as well. I borrowed this book from the library, but considering buying it to keep on hand to reference.
June 1, 2023
This handy reference book was a gift from a friend who appreciates my interest in the garden. It is easy to read, comes with great instructions (including step-by-step images) and is optimistic, achievable and fun. Well worth the investment for those embarking on a compost project.
February 19, 2021
*received for free from netgalley for honest review* Really interesting book! i wouldnt mind buying a copy when we get a house!
November 28, 2021
Very well done. The right mixture of pictures, illustrations, science, and light humor makes this a perfect volume to consume as you figure out how to compost on whatever your situation allows.
April 18, 2022
Excellent introductory book with plenty of how-to suggestions for different techniques for the beginner or intermediate gardener. Highly recommended.
June 1, 2023
Chock full of great ideas and solutions and everything you’d could wish to know to start composting!
April 22, 2024
Practical and personable
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April 25, 2024i don't know what i was expecting. there isn't anything in here i didn't already know. i'm sure it would be a good resource for someone new to composting, though
April 13, 2025
Great intro to composting. For some reason expected to go in depth on troubleshooting
September 10, 2025
I like that different types of composting were included.
Something I would've liked to see would be an example calender month (or even year) of what you do and when.
Something I would've liked to see would be an example calender month (or even year) of what you do and when.
July 18, 2021
This is an excellent book. Content, organization, visual appeal and composition, it’s just perfect. I learned a lot. I’m a hobbiest gardener, it’s one thing I’m super passionate about, and one thing I could do all day, every day, gardening is so incredibly rewarding!
I would like to thank Quarto Publishing Group – Cool Springs Press for providing me with an advance reader copy via access to the galley for free through the NetGalley program.
I’d recommend this to any gardener, whether a novice gardener starting out, nervous and a notorious killer of your gifted house plants to an expert who can grow passion fruit and lemon trees indoors like my sister, I think anyone will find a treasure of gardening value in this book.
To answer to the book’s first question, I would say I’m definitely obsessed with composting. Whenever I throw a banana peel away without having access to throwing it into a compost, my heart turns a little, thinking of what could be in the little garden of mine.
First, the sans serif stylistic heading and body fonts made the reading experience fun and allowed for an ease of reading that drew me in, which is what I’ve really felt I needed this year.
As far as content, it makes a great case for composting and the enthusiasm is inspiring. I liked the troubleshooting, many methodologies, and the boldness to present how domestic animal manuring could be done.
The writing style is very conversation like, inviting, not overly academic yet packed with useful scientific information and rationale.
Structurally this book is very solid. Introductions to a concept, followed by real-life examples, then how to, step-by-step instructions in creating your own project with very affordable options. You can go fancy or budget.
It has a great amount and mix of photos with graphic images along with excerpt tidbits of supportive, detailed side notes that expanded on a lot of good topics.
I will say there were just a few small parts that were repetitive in nature like the urine being higher in nitrogen, benefits of coffee grounds, layering with leaves, burying the fruit and vegetables to avoid pests, but they were minor and I suppose it was good to be reminded of those principles.
I am so excited for next gardening season! If you are too, I’d highly recommend this one!
Looking forward to trying Bokashi method and I’m curious to try spraying the Bokashi tea on leaves, the terra-cotta method, and the Hügelkultur method. Be sure to tag me with your gardening adventures, I’d love to see what you’ve been up to and what methods you use to amend your soil.
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I would like to thank Quarto Publishing Group – Cool Springs Press for providing me with an advance reader copy via access to the galley for free through the NetGalley program.
I’d recommend this to any gardener, whether a novice gardener starting out, nervous and a notorious killer of your gifted house plants to an expert who can grow passion fruit and lemon trees indoors like my sister, I think anyone will find a treasure of gardening value in this book.
To answer to the book’s first question, I would say I’m definitely obsessed with composting. Whenever I throw a banana peel away without having access to throwing it into a compost, my heart turns a little, thinking of what could be in the little garden of mine.
First, the sans serif stylistic heading and body fonts made the reading experience fun and allowed for an ease of reading that drew me in, which is what I’ve really felt I needed this year.
As far as content, it makes a great case for composting and the enthusiasm is inspiring. I liked the troubleshooting, many methodologies, and the boldness to present how domestic animal manuring could be done.
The writing style is very conversation like, inviting, not overly academic yet packed with useful scientific information and rationale.
Structurally this book is very solid. Introductions to a concept, followed by real-life examples, then how to, step-by-step instructions in creating your own project with very affordable options. You can go fancy or budget.
It has a great amount and mix of photos with graphic images along with excerpt tidbits of supportive, detailed side notes that expanded on a lot of good topics.
I will say there were just a few small parts that were repetitive in nature like the urine being higher in nitrogen, benefits of coffee grounds, layering with leaves, burying the fruit and vegetables to avoid pests, but they were minor and I suppose it was good to be reminded of those principles.
I am so excited for next gardening season! If you are too, I’d highly recommend this one!
Looking forward to trying Bokashi method and I’m curious to try spraying the Bokashi tea on leaves, the terra-cotta method, and the Hügelkultur method. Be sure to tag me with your gardening adventures, I’d love to see what you’ve been up to and what methods you use to amend your soil.
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