Product Description
In 1975, Let it Rot! helped start the composting movement and taught gardeners everywhere how to recycle waste to create soil-nourishing compost. Contains advice for starting and maintaining a composting system, building bins, and using compost.Third Edition. 267,000 copies in print. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

Great read
I'm almost finished reading this book. It puts composting into no nonsense terms and is an easy read. I feel that it is a good guide into the world of composting. It explains several different ways to compost, and encourages composting no matter which method you decide to use. If someone hadn't started composting yet, it would be instrumental in helping them decide that they should begin.

Useless Detail
I am a beginning composter and wanted a "how to" guide that was direct and functional.This is not it.The author spends too much time expounding on details that have little functional application. One wonders if his ojective is to impress the audience with the extent of his esoteric knowledge and intelligence.Indulging such ego needs at the expense (and waste) of the readers money and valuable time is a disservice. Additionally, it makes the topic so complex as to discourage the public from composting at all. Save your time and money - buy a more direct guide to composting!

Down to Earth Composting
Let It Rot could be a valuable addition to the casual composter's library. For a befuddled Potato Head like myself, it's almost a necessity. Stu Campbell's casual style is easy to read and reassuring, helping the novice composter keep his or her composture when confronted with a compost crisis.

The beginner will learn about the why's, where's, and how's of composting. He/she will learn about managing quantities and ingredients, about types of compost containers and maintenance. More advanced composters might be more interested in creatingcompost formulas geared to adding specific elements to the soil, like extra nitrogen or phosphorus. Also for the more advanced reader are numbers aplenty and percentages regarding Ph and soil elements.

Another excellent book for those interested is "Secrets to Great Soil" which includes more of an emphasis on amending soil with or without compost.

Having read three composting books recently, I can definitely recommend this one. It's the kind of book one might want to buy and keep.

Very good!
This book is very informative and easy to use if you're interested in beginning a compost.

nothing rotten about this book
I've been composting for about six months, as a completely ignorant amateur.I just piled up all of my lawn trimmings and vegetable kitchen scraps out next to the garden - it worked, but I needed to know more.

Who knew I knew so little!I was avoiding putting things in my pile that belonged there.Layering, turning, components- I am now so ravenous for compostables I look at everything around me, and wonder how it'll rot.

If you garden, you should compost.If you don't garden, you should compost.Early in the book Stu Campbell delivers the startling fact that you can cut 35% of your homes garbage weight, merely by composting.To relieve the burden you place on the planet, for that reason alone, you should do what you can.

If you're investigating permaculture- a compost pile is a necessary part of your home ecology.
... Read more

Product Description
The essential guide to composting for all gardeners and enviromentally conscious people

Composting is fast becoming a household word.Gardeners know it is the best way to feed the soil, while others look to composting as a way to dispose of grass clippings, autumn leaves, and tree trimmings.The Rodale Book of Composting offers:

* Easy-to-follow instructions for making and using compost
* Helpful tips for apartment dwellers, suburbanites, farmers and community leaders
* Ecologically sound solutions to growing waste disposal problems
... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Good OLD fashioned composting book
I picked up a used copy of this older book but was not disappointed. Other reviewers have deemed parts of it dry but they are probably referring to the sections I liked. Who else [but I] would enjoy reading about the composting habits of the ancient Akkadians, Greeks, and Israelites. Fertilizing from the Talmud, the use of manure by the Arabs, the composting techniques of medieval Christian monks. Perhaps we have more in common than we-all thought. Why are we still fighting? OK I am having fun with this but I did really enjoy most of this book. Useful information indeedCompost Tea Making: For Organic Healthier Vegetables, Flowers, Orchards, Vineyards, Lawns (Volume 1).

Rodale Book of Composting
Comprehensive update of a much earlier edition.Has the basic info. without resorting to the glitze formats of some of the recent "complete composting" books.

Must Have for Eco Conscious Persons
I saw this at the library, and checked it out, couple of weeks later, decided to buy it on amazon, because it is a storehouse of thorough information.I just had to have all that information in my home!I learned quite a lot, and the amazon purchase experience was perfect!

thanks all,

jeff cummings

Very good book on composting.
Covers all the general details of composting...I don't have a yard anymore but will never part with this book.

Almost more than you'll ever need
This book truly covers it all, and does so in a way which describes methods of composting in such a way as to rival hydroponics for sheer efficiency.

As the heir of a home with a badly neglected yard, this book has given me more information than I'll ever be able to use. I'd go broke if I had to have all my yard cuttings hauled away... in addition, this book informs me that I'd be throwing away a fortune if I did. If you live in the Southwest, particularly in Los Angeles where there was a great deal of developing since the 1950s, then you are probably no stranger to poor hardpan soil, and you would do well to buy and read a copy of this book.

On the pro side, this book goes into detail about plant nutrients without resorting to addition of chemical fertilizers (we can leave that to the hydroponics crowd), instead relying on nutrient adjustment through addition of the proper compostable materials to any given batch. There are even guidelines in here for people like my neighbor, who has expressed interest in starting his own composting operation and adding a methane recovery unit.

On the con side, about the very worst I can say about this book is that there is no mention of sow bugs and armadillo bugs and the role they play in reducing large pieces of rotten wood to a good, peatlike compost; but then again, as I write this, my budget cannot accommodate the expense of a brush chipper.

On the whole, I thoroughly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description

Back-to-basics gardening that will benefit the earth and your wallet!

Want to use ordinary waste to create an extraordinary garden? Composting lets you turn household food waste, yard clippings, and more into free compost and mulch that's chock-full of nutrients. From building and working with traditional compost bins to starting an indoor worm-composting operation, Composting For Dummies makes these often intimidating projects easy, fun, and accessible for anyone!

• Digging into compost basics — get a handle on the benefits of composting and the tools you'll need to get started

• Choosing the best method and location — find the best composting method and location that's right for you, whether it's above ground, in a hole, in a container or bin, or even right in your kitchen

• Building your pile — learn which ingredients can go into your compost pile, what stays out, and how to mix it all up in the right proportions

• Stepping beyond traditional composting — get the lowdown on vermicomposting (letting worms eat your garbage), growing green manures to compost later, and sheet composting in the same spot you plan to plant

Open the book and find:

• A step-by-step guide to composting

• The right gear and tools for the job

• Tips on constructing your own composting containers and bins

• Materials you can safely compost (and those to avoid)

• Cover crops to improve your soil now and compost later

• Recommendations for using your finished compost

• What worms contribute to your compost

• Troubleshooting advice if your compost pile isn't cooperating

Learn to:

• Turn household food waste, yard clippings, and more into nutrient-rich compost

• Build and maintain your own compost bin

• Use worms to aid in composting, both indoors and out

• Give your vegetable and flower gardens a boost of energy

Product Description
The definitive guide to vermicomposting-a process usingredworms to recycle food waste into nutrient-rich food forplants. Newly revised and updated, this 162 page manual providescomplete illustrated instructions on setting up and maintainingsmall-scale worm composting systems. Topics include different bins,what kind of worms to use, sex life of a worm, preparing wormbeddings, how to meet the needs of the worms, what kinds of foods tofeed the worms, harvesting worms, and making potting soil from thevermicompost produced. A 63 page bibliography, 24 annotatedreferences, a glossary,and comprehensive index make this a valuabereference book as well as a practical manual. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

Very pleased
Book looked new, was received in record time.Now all I need are some worms.

wormderful!
I just got my worms and this book was an easy quick read providing all I needed to know to care for them. I hope to be fertilizing my garden with worm compost in another couple months.

Worms have been eating my garbage since 2003
This a must have book for vermicomposting. It covers and answers all the questions you might have as a beginner and keeps you going for a few years. I've been composting since 2003, and although I refer to the book less and less over the years, I used the heck out this book for the first 2 years. It almost covers everything (99%). If you can maintain a compost bin for more than 3 years, then you might need more specific info on the web, but otherwise, this is the book to have.

I highly recommend this book. I highly recommend letting worms eat your garbage.

Great resource for people new to vermicomposting!
This is a great resource for people considering getting started in vermicomposting. I got this book and read it cover-to-cover about 3 times before recently setting up my worm bin. I also checked out several online sites and forums about vermicomposting before I got started.
This book is not overly long (~150 pages) nor complicated, and it covers all the basics very well. This is a great place to start your "worming" journey. But I would also recommend checking out the online forums where people tell about their own personal experiences and ask other vermicomposters for advice.

A must read for anyone interested in becoming a "worm worker"!
I had just begun composting my kitchen scraps with a worm bin and my worms were surviving, but I still had questions and not sure where to turn. Everyone had a different idea and I was uncertain as to the best things to do.Then I heard about "Worms Eat My Garbage" during a lecture on Earth Day this year, but the speaker wasn't sure the book was in print anymore.Amazon had it, of course!I ordered it, and I believe it is a must read for anyone wishing to do vermicomposting (worm composting).It is so informative and educational, very clear and directive, and funny.My worms are fat, sassy, and making bunches of little worms, and I have no concerns what-so-ever that I will be successful with this adventure.I am already recommending this book to my friends and I recommend it to you, too.Worm composting isn't the messy process I thought it was going to be, I keep mine indoors, and I have no smell at all. ... Read more

Product Description
Dead leaves, food scraps, and grass clippings for lunch? Small animals, fungi, and bacteria called decomposers turn trash into a tasty compost treat. Learn more about compost and how you can use it in your garden or yard. ... Read more

Product Description
Home Composting Made Easy is considered to be the best educational guide on home composting for the public. It is used throughout North America by hundreds of municipalities, counties, waste management districts, states, organizations, and businesses. Absolutely the easiest and funnest book to read about composting: Home Composting Made Easy is fully illustrated with step-by-step, no-nonsense instructions and state-of-the-art advice by gardening and compost experts.Content includes: What is Compost?, Benefits of Compost, Compost: Key to Nutrition, Setting Up Your System, Composting Systems, Siting Your Compost Area, Stockpiling Materials, Composting Basics, What to Compost, The Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio, How to Use Activators, Turning Your Pile, Composting: A Quick Start Guide, The Add-As-You-Go Pile, The Batch Pile, Grass Clippings, Food Scraps, Leaves & Weeds, Garden Debris, Worm Composting, Compost Tea, Stages of Composting, Using Finished Compost, Questions & Answers, Troubleshooting Chart, Resources ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

How to Create "Black Gold" Out of Waste
Late last fall, I bought a composting bin from my county, determined to stop wasting all those perfectly good, brown leaves laying all over my backyard.Along with the bin, I received a colorful, short (30-page) book, called "Home Composting Made Easy."Unfortunately, I didn't read the book right away, and the next thing you know, the winter had set in.For several months, as the temperature dropped into the teens or even single digits, I gave the compost bin -- or the book -- little thought...

Early the next spring, I looked inside my compost bin and, big surprise, not a lot of composting had gone on during those frigid December, January, and February months.It was right then that I realized, "hey, I have no idea what the heck I'm doing here!"

Luckily, I still had that colorful, little book on composting, and pretty soon I had the answers to all my questions:the pile needed water (duh!) and turning (double duh!) in order to aerate it.And really, that's all it took, regular turning and moistening, and now I've got a bin full of rich compost, "black gold" as the book calls it.Boy, is my garden going to be happy when I spread it around!Anyway, the moral of this story is that composting is rewarding, environmentally beneficial, and not difficult at all - assuming, of course, that you've got "Home Composting Made Easy" and that you actually read it! ... Read more

Product Description
Worms are the latest (as well as, of course, perhaps the oldest!) trend in earth-friendly gardening, and in this handy guide, the authors of DEAD SNAILS LEAVE NO TRAILS demystify the world of worm wrangling, with everything you need to know to build your own worm bin, make your garden worm-friendly, pamper your soil, and much much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

A GOOD STARTER BOOK..
THIS BOOK WILL GIVE YOU ALL THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO GET STARTED RISING RED WORMS.

The Worm Book
This book is the best that I've seen on the subject of worms and vermiculture. It's comprehensive, even including recipes that include dried, powdered worms, worms in song and poetry--you name it! I've researched this topic extensively in my community and this book addressed every concern for me, a home worm composter wannabe. The only drawback is that it does not provide photos. However, I plan to search the web for photos of the worms that are mentioned in the book so that when I gather them from my yard, I won't put the nightcrawlers with the red wrigglers! (Disaster-read the book!)

Not the best cookbook in the world!
I agree with the others who've stated that "this is an excellent book for beginners" of vermiculture. Loren and Janet explore basic worm biology, how to get started raising your own worms, feeding & maintaining your livestock, pest control techniques, and how and where to use or sell your vermicompost. Overall the book was quite enlightning and interesting, but I gave up in the last chapter where they give a recipe for "Vermicelli and Earthworm Meatballs"! I mean, how could anybody possibly use Worcestershire sauce in a Vermicelli/Earthworm meatball? Just the thought of the Worcestershire Sauce is repulsive, if you ask me!

not bad
this is an informative and quirky book complete with worm recipes and poetry. the quirkiness is fine with me, if only it had been balanced out with a little bit more vigor and consistency. for example, when other species found in the bin are described, sometimes their scientific names are given, and sometimes not. i generally wish it had been more detailed and technical. it could have been so without sacrificing the chatty tone.

the other concern i have is with the treatment of sustainable and ecological practices as optional. for instance in the treatment of peat moss, the fact that it is non-renewable is mentioned at the end of the section. the fact that it must then be shipped thousands of kilometers is not criticized. these kinds of decisions should no longer be treated as optional. the authors should flat out say: "do not use peat moss, use what you have on hand locally, especially things which would normally be considered 'waste'".

similarly with certain so called pests in the bins which are often beneficial, the authors meekly say that some people do not like them and suggest irradiation methods. they don't like them because they have been trained in zoophobia from an early age. the authors who presumably know better should flat out say something like: "if you have no good reason to remove them, leave them alone as they do no harm and almost certainly have beneficial interactions within the bin's little ecosystem which we do not yet and may never fully understand."

another area where the authors could have gone into a lot more detail, is with regards to the integration of vermiculture with other systems: hydroponics (vermiponics, vaquaponics), rabbit hutches, how to treat say chicken poop so that it can then go through the worms, how to integrate worms with black soldier fly larvae, worms as a feed source for other animals and fish, etc etc

i give it 4 stars instead of 3 because it is well intentioned and i did learn quite a few things. i hope the second edition is improved upon though.

Well done
This book was easy to understand and answered many of my questions regarding my worm farm. ... Read more

Product Description
The 10th Anniversary Edition of the most comprehensive, up-to-date and thoroughly researched book on the topic of composting human manure available anywhere. It includes a review of the historical, cultural and environmental issues pertaining to "human waste," as well as an in depth look at the potential health risks related to humanure recycling, with clear instructions on how to eliminate those dangers in order to safely convert humanure into garden soil. Written by a humanure composter with over thirty years experience, this classic work now includes illustrated, step-by-step instructions on how to build a "$25 humanure toilet," a chapter on alternative graywater systems, photos of owner-built humanure toilets from around the world, and an overview of commercial composting toilets and systems. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (78)

Why hasn't this been started on a large scale?
i've learned more about composting than I ever knew (and micobiology) from this book. Initally I searched "composting human waste" as i was considering getting a 5th wheel but didn't want "crud" in the plumbing if i could use another method...i'm so very happy i stumbled across this book.thank you all for your great reviews which convinced me to buy!Now it's my turn

the more i learn the more it kills me that so many of us have a mental block and most can't even consider the thought of having anything to do with recyclying human waste.This book lays it out so simply yet with great detail and respect to the living earth (in every aspect! from preserving clean water, not being a disease on the earth etc etc). the methods laid out in this book teach you how to recycle human waste in a natural way which is safe, clean, odor free, and most importantly which transforms "it" into the purest cleanest humus/dirt you can find! truly!science proves it!

I live in a rental located in a beautiful part of california and I would expect to have amazing soil in my back yard but instead it's bone dry and rock hard...roots of tree's are exposed etc...I've had to bring lots of dirt to the property in order to garden...
In a perfect world, this system of recycling human waste (*in the proper way*) would be accepted by all and every home would have a system that worked. we would all replenish the soil of wherever it is we live by this process...I can't wait for the opportunity to try!

Phenomenal Read
This book was simply amazing.I immediately wanted to do away with my traditional plumbing system and put in place a composting/humanure toilet system. You can tell the author is passionate about composting waste material and truly understands the science behind it.It doesn't hurt either that he's been doing it for over twenty years.Any questions you may have about how composting works and how it applies in the bathroom get answered.You also get to learn about the fascinating process involved in composting and the the beautiful roll naturehas in it.This should be required reading for all; to shed some light on how we are polluting our water, damaging our soil, hurting ourselves, and most importantly, what we can do about it.

infomative
Very interesting book. Brings to light some long avoided issues, and provides a simple effective solution.

Finally something to back up a little voice i always heard
I always wondered why we flush our crap into the ocean and rivers.It seemed like we're constantly depleting all our farmland this way.Throughout history people have composted their own poo and nothing crazy happened.The craziness happened when too many people crowded cities and well.. poo hit the fan quite literally by not being composted but rather stacked up and rained on and...well poo all over the place.

So at the same time I always heard all these backyard composters saying they had to turn piles and can't use meat, can't use poo.But there weren't a bunch of fools turning piles throughout human history, it makes no sense and finally this book explains why it makes no sense and finally it explains why composting the natural way is actually safe and you can compost anything.This book is it. I mean it's literally the answer to a lot of problems we have today and I wish these novices that are taught western composting would bother to understand science just a little bit.

everything you would ever want to know
If you are looking for information about composting- both if you are composting table scraps and/or humanure, this is the book for you.I'm impressed by the breadth and width of information here.It definitely has a more scientific base (as it should) with some more casual reading that covers the benefits of composting humanure.It'san interesting book for anyone- I would recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description
From systems for cottages to year-round systems with micro-flush toilets and graywater gardens, the wide range of ecological recycling toilet options are featured in The Composting Toilet System Book.

More than 40 systems—including those you can buy and those you can build—are featured.

Composting toilet systems and other ecological wastewater management methods are increasingly installed in both seasonal and year-round homes, as municipalities require systems that won't pollute the environment and drinking water. This book details why—and how to choose, install and maintain them.

You'll also find profiles of owner-operators worldwide, regulatory information for every state, compatible toilet stools (waterless, micro-flush, foam- and vacuum-flush and urine-diverting), a chapter on graywater systems, information about health risks and handling, and sources for many off-the-shelf and DIY designs.

[IMPORTANT NOTE: This book is written to be regulator friendly to make getting local permits for a system easier.]

If you are seeking to install a system that meets state codes or if you are simply seeking to make your own system, this book is for you. Stop polluting and start recycling and saving water today! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

If you're serious about composting toilets, buy this book
This book really offers straight advice on a wide variety of composting toilet systems... including the stuff you won't get from the manufacturers. It's a great reality check if you're considering a system like this. The authors clearly have first-hand experience with many types of toilets, and include a lot of information on pathogens, safety etc. Extremely thorough, well worth the cost.

extremely detailed, well organized, good read
Before I read this book I didn't know anything about composting toilets, except I had heard that they are 'green' and I am building a 'green' cabin so I decided to find out what it's all about ... when I first started the book I was not sure if I was up to having a composting toilet.I continued to read and laugh about 'skid marks' (I mean laugh out loud, there are funny parts in this book) but by the end I have decided that it is something I can do and we are going to do it.He made it understandable, he wrote about the details in an understandable way, and he explained why it is safe (big issue) and why it is environmental.So I am very happy I bought this book and I feel that with this referrence I can do this.And it was a fun read.

Most complete and credible book on the topic
After reading a couple of books about composting toilets and graywater systems that were either suspiciously poetic or a little too humorous, I was happy to find this book.

As someone who needs a variety of systems for a variety of high-use sites, I was glad to find a book that deals with this topic in technically and responsibly (in terms of public health). I showed this book to my local health agent, and he was far more amenable to permiting an "experimental system" afterwards, saving me a lot of money.

Also, after experimenting with various systems over the years, I am aware that some systems still described in books and magazines just don't work well. The authors of this book have apparently had the same experience, and I appreciate their researching this so completely.

The best book out there
I would venture that the authors have forgotten more about toilets than most of the rest of us will ever know.There is no possible toilet configuration that does not receive at least cursory discussion.I only have 2 complaints about the book, both of them minor.First there were a couple of systems that I felt were described incompletely and critiqued a bit unfairly.Second, much of the book seemed to be a compilation of other writings without a lot of editing.Consequently there is significant repetition, and a presentation of information that is sometimes slightly disorganized and confusing.

I definitely think that the book is worth reading.

Impressive, comprehensive, reader friendly, practical.
The Composting Toilet System Book is an impressive, comprehensive, reader friendly, and practical guide to choosing, planning and maintaining composting toilet systems for those seeking an alternative to traditionalsewer and septic tank systems. David Del Porto and Carol Steinfeldcollaborate to explain the technologies, sources, applications, graywaterissues, and regulations relevant to a composting toilet system for thehome, whether manufactured or site-built. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
COMPOSTING: AN EASY HOUSEHOLD GUIDE
THE CHELSEA GREEN GUIDES—A NEW SERIES OF POCKET-SIZED BOOKS TO HELP SAVE THE EARTH!
Did you know that up to two-thirds of most household trash can be composted? That composting reduces the need for more landfills? Composting is fun and easy! And you can make compost even if you live in an apartment and don’t have access to a garden. This book provides all the information you need for successful composting—a satisfying way to live lightly on Earth. Also available:
WATER: USE LESS—SAVE MORE
ENERGY: USE LESS—SAVE MORE
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE: AN EASY HOUSEHOLD GUIDE ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good information
It is a little book, but has really great infomation for composting.The ideas in the book will keep the stink from the compost down to nothingIf you are going to compost, I suggest you read this first. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review
There have been many articles over the years about thebenefits of composting for gardeners, but living in the city without ayard, this reviewer never really thought it was something that wouldapply to me with my handful of flower boxes and potted plantsoutside. Joke's on me! This book tells you everything you need toknow about composting and household refuse, and most importantly, howto get STARTED, and will be enough to convince you to finally getorganized and go for it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

excellent for beginners
Earlier this summer I developed an interest in gardening, and especially the at-home composting. I found that this book was recommended to me more than any other.

I picked it up at my local library and was surprised at how thorough it was. After all, who knew that there were so many methods to composting?

This book helped me to quickly and easily set up my first compost pile, which is coming along great. It even has tips for indoor composters!

This book is like having a neighbor show us how to compost.
How do we demystify the simple act of home composting? This easy to read book is the next best thing to having a helpful neighbor show us how to compost. During my past 10 years as a compost evangelist, I have conductedhome composting workshops for thousands of people. Backyard Composting isoften distributed by sponsoring agencies for public education and includedwith the purchase of a compost bin. I like the way this book combines basichow-to's and a holistic perspective of how compost fits in to the notion ofsustainability, recycling, and permaculture. ... Read more

Product Description
This lavishly illustrated guide contains everything the beginner needs to know about creating useable compost -- described in clear, step-by-step detail that eliminates all of the guesswork that too often creeps into how-to books. Experts share their knowledge of the proper tools and techniques the novice needs to compost successfully in rural, suburban, or urban settings. Traditional bin systems and an unconventional approach using worms are explained fully. Includes a fascinating look at the science behind the composting process, as well as clear instructions for building a variety of composting bins for the backyard. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Short and sweet
I liked this book because I AMa beginner composter, and I didn't want a book that had a whole lot of information in it. I just wanted to know who I should get started and, well, the basics. It lives true to it's name. And it was a short read.

Basic is Right
This book is very basic. A majority of the book is pictures. I was going to check the book out of the library, but I didn't need to because I read the entire book standing at the shelf. If you are going to take the time and money to order something then I would order something else.

Basic Composting
This is a very good book for those beginning to compost. It gives you the basics of what materials to use and not use and how they break down. Great reference!

Excellent, informative and easy to understand
This book is awesome! It has the information you need to know about every stage of creating great compost. The photos are wonderful. The science behind composting is explained well so that you can understand why the mix of materials is important and which materials should not be included. Also well described are the different choices in compost bins... which work the best... which are the least expensive, etc. Using this book as a reference will help anyone become proficient in creating this valuable garden additive.Basic Composting: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started (Stackpole Basics) (Basic How-to Guides)

Good for Beginners
This book is excellent for beginning composters. I'm still gathering supplies and learning all of the vocabulary and this book was very helpful for that. I definitely recommend it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

ok
This seller is great, the item came on time and as described, i'm just not sure how much i really like the book itself!it's really dense and hard to get through, i'm just not sure how much use i'll get out of it!

great book
helped a lot really helps you realize how mother nature works a must have for any gardener

rodale's book of composting
This particular edition is old,so even though there is a lot of information, the pictures are old and the diagrams very few.I bought it because it was a hard cover but would have preferred a newer paperback version with more updated information. ... Read more

Product Description
Composting organic waste beyond ordinary compost in a medium-sized vermicomposting system. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Nice try
It is a nice example of eco-ingenuity. It goes a step forward into the expansion of the use of eco-friendly techniques in our lives. In my point of view, the author would have made an excellent book elaborating a bit more over the working hours needed to use the system that he proposes. I would like as well to have more information about the productions achievable,but overall I am happy that I've bought this book

informational bliss
I just bought this book and already found it really useful. If you like Worms Eat My Garbage you defintely buy this book. ... Read more

Product Description
We don’t need to poison the earth in order to grow better food, and what is harmful to the environment when improperly disposed of often can be turned back to the soil in a beneficial way through composting — if you know how. Here’s how. Malcolm Beck’s Garden-Ville is one of the largest commercial composting operations in the country. He shares his insight into the processes of decay that can transform everything from lawn trimmings to sewer sludge into life-giving earth. Coupled with Beck’s insight into nature and practical advice are remarks from Charles Walters, author, founder of Acres U.S.A. ... Read more

Product Description
Waste not, want not.

The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Composting takes readers step by step through the process of selecting the right compost container, filling it with the right "ingredients," maintaining the mix at the right temperature and humidity, and using the end product.

•A concise format, simplified approach, and thrift-conscious price Chris McLaughlin

•Author is a Master Gardener and an expert on all forms of composting

•Gardening has risen greatly in popularity in the last few years, with an added boost from first lady Michelle Obama, and so has composting, which is cheap, effective, and environmentally friendly

•Thousands of state, regional, and municipal programs have been developed to encourage composting and thus reduce landfill waste ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent source for various composting techniques
I really like this book.With most books for dummies or idiots guides, I was expecting not so much detail, and more generalities.The author of this book goes into great detail with a large variety of composting ideas and techniques.You never feel overwhelmed with information and at the same time, never feel "short changed" so to speak, on the info either.

Whether it's a compost pile, trench composting or vermicomposting, it is in this book.When you are done reading it, you will want to get your compost piles started right away.

-Mike
a.k.a. Mike the Gardener
[...]

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Composting is my new Composting Bible!!
Dirt is my life. No kidding. Its microbial fungus, bacteria, and complexity is what makes it possible for gardeners like me to grow the plants we do. Because of the gardens I have grown, thanks to the soil beneath my toes, I have built a green lifestyle and a career. I feed my family because of this complex dirt and I write stories about the community that surrounds my garden. All of this starts with the soil my garden grows in. Interestingly, soil is life and in the end of our lives we all end up as soil as well.

Composting is, simply put, a way to make kitchen and lawn waste into humus, which is both a soil and soil additive. It can be so rich and full of nutrients that gardeners often refer to it as "black gold".

Over the years I have composted in many ways, learning the hard way because most instructional guides I have found to reference are hopelessly complex.

Recently I read Chris McLaughlin's "The Complete Idiot's Guide To Composting" and see it as an amazing breath of fresh air. Quite clearly it spells out composting - clean, easy, simple, and thorough. Let me repeat - EASY!

From vermicomposting (worm composting) to traditional composting (with bins) to creative composting (grasscycling and sheet composting), this book spells out everything so simply and in such a clear way, that the book has quickly become my "composting bible", not to be loaned out and to always be in my quick reference library.

Composting is such a marvelously green solution; it prevents thousands of tons of food waste from clogging the landfills. You can see in the photos below that I have many types of compost bins and feel it is a necessary and helpful part of gardening. Composting is amazing and compost certainly adds innumerable nutrients and structure to the soil, which increases fertility thereby building a better garden. I wish I had a simple guide like this from the very beginning of my composting adventure.

Get this fantastic "composting bible" for a well-rounded, easy-to-understand, and always handy guide on how to compost.

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Product Description
Learn how to manage yard and kitchen waste and transform it into a rich, dark, hummusy soil amendment.Discover the leading options available and the specific information needed to utilize each one.

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Customer Reviews (2)

Actual useful practical advice
This is a great little paperback on the basics of composting. Just about everything I have learned about composting is here. I higly recommend this to anyone interested in composting or vegetable gardening. All the important topics are covered: from basic understanding of the decomposition process, to particle size, to bin construction, equipment, and using the finished product.

Easy composting
It is a veru usefull book to help the Mother Nature in the processing of the waste in our home and land. I recomend it a lot!!! ... Read more

Product Description
FROM THE PREFACEThe main objective of composting is to transform organic materials into a stable usable product. Often organic materials which may have limited beneficial use in their raw state or have regulatory disposal constraints can be transformed by composting into marketable products. The limits on beneficial reuse may be regulations or they may be due to the potential for materials to be putrescible or pathogenic. Composting can be a solution for each of these.The implementation of composting on a large scale (in contrast to home or backyard composting) involves materials handling. Technological implementation of composting must be consistent with the biological demand of the system. If the biological system is violated, conditions will not be optimized for composting, and problems such as odor generation, insufficient aeration or moisture, or a combination of these conditions may result. Past problems and closure of facilities have been largely due to violations of the biological systems. Product quality with respect to particle size, inclusions, moisture content and other physical aspects are a function of engineering design. A well designed system must have the biological and engineering principles in harmony at all times. ... Read more