Grace Gershuny

Deborah L. Martin

Explains what composting is and how it works, provides instructions for making and using compost, and offers ecologically sound solutions to waste disposal problems

Easy Methods for Every Gardener

The Rodale Book of Composting

Matthew Royal

Lots of great information! The single most useful takeaway I have for my tumbler is that the internal wall subdividing the sections is probably useless, because compost needs to achieve a critical mass of decomposition in order to provide the internal heat (120F+!) and that I shouldn't compost so many oak leaves from my 2 big oaks, because of the acid in their leaves. 

Great insight into the process of humus production, from bugs masticating it into tiny bits to the molds and fungi that bulk it up and provide moisture and nutrient retention capacity. 

What I kept wishing this guide had was more "use cases" for compost. I'd like if there were some flows highlighting the complete cycle and all techniques required to diagnose the problems in the kitchen-scrap-to-fertilized-plants process and corrective actions: depending on whether I use the Indore method or a drum, how do I tell if it needs more water? less water? turning? more green material? more brown material? more time? How can I tell which plants need compost the most and how do I apply the compost in different situations to achieve healthy plants, lawn, trees, etc. Most but not all of these pieces are there, scattered throughout the book, but they're not accumulated in a reference table like some of the other data.

The Rodale Book of Composting Easy Methods for Every Gardener

Reviews