Compost

by Rachelle Strauss

Compositing is one of the easiest ways you can prevent rubbish from going to landfill, return nutrients to the soil and treat your gardens. Of course, it is only easy when you know how. This book discusses why we should compost and explains in practical terms how to make and what to do with compost. It includes types of compost bins, what you can and can't compost and composting techniques. Written by an expert in the field, this informative and accessible guide takes you step-by-step from kitchen scraps to blooming flowers.

Genres: Gardening

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2009

Reviews

[Heidi Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Simplistic, with a somewhat condescending tone; seemed geared toward children/middle schoolers in tone, formatting and content. Was looking for an update of info vs my Rodale book, but very little new info; must useful was the section on commercial compost kits/products (e.g., the Green Johanna).

[Maggi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Very informative without being too complicated.

[Rachel Groves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful, clear, informative and practical book on composting in Britain. Split into small chapters with illustrative photos and bullet points at the end of each chapter about key points makes an excellent reference guide as well as getting you started on home composting.

Also explains briefly and clearly about composting alternatives like wormeries and bokashi, plus how to use your compost and a trouble shooting section for common problems. I feel well informed and eager to get started composting my own kitchen and garden waste and making use of unwanted cardboard, brown paper and toilet roll tubes!

A little thicker than I had expected but a great book to have on your shelf I'll be looking to get a copy of my own now.

[Blossom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly accessible book with detailed chapters, pictures, checklists, and bullet point recaps. She compares different kinds of composting, bins, systems, and alternatives and how to chose what will work best for you. The problem solving section is invaluable. I really liked her ecological approach to some things (you have ants in your heap? good! they're important). The only thing I disliked was how repetitive it was in places, especially in the how to use your compost by season - 40 pages that could probably have been covered in just five.

[Cynthia Maddox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for how to make your own compost. Easy to read, and reference back to. Includes common problems and solutions for making and using compost. Also there is a whole chapter on the different types of composting bins, so that whatever type of compost bin you are using this is a great reference book.