01/25/2025 Bulking agents are essential for successful composting. They create air pockets to help oxygen-loving bacteria thrive, absorb excess moisture, and improve the structure of dense, wet material. Without them, composting can be slow and inefficient. Now a new study published in Nature.com has identified the best bulking agent for home composting – and it’s […]
Study Finds One Key Ingredient for Faster, Better Compost Read More »
After reading dozens of books on composting, I often come to the same conclusion – the books usually make composting sound too complicated, and lack a quick start guide. After all, while you can get technical with composting, at the end of the day it’s a natural process. If you pile up material you will
The Absolute Beginners Guide to Composting Read More »
At a glance: One of the seminal books on composting, Let It Rot is an entertaining read that mostly demystifies the process, though it’s occasionally let down by confusing or outdated elements. Let It Rot by Stu Campbell has been on my reading list for a while. First published in the 1970s, this book has
Let It Rot Review: Strengths and Flaws of a Composting Classic Read More »
At a glance: The Rodale Book of Composting is overwhelming and under-illustrated for new composters, but the breadth and depth of information makes it the perfect choice for the enthusiast. I’ve had and used the Rodale Book of Composting for years, but I’ve held off reviewing it until now because I had an older edition
Rodale Book of Composting: Best for Enthusiasts Read More »
At a glance: Well-written by someone who knows what they are talking about, but perhaps tries to cover too much in one book. Best suited to people trying to choose a composting system, but will still provide everything you need to get started. After reading a series of underwhelming books on composting, I was relieved
How to Make and Use Compost: Book Review Read More »
At a glance: Compost and Worm Farming has the advantage of being essentially two books in one. However, it’s let down by a lack of images and illustrated plans. While it is more than enough to get you started, there’s better options out there. One of my aims this year is to add more book
Composting and Worm Farming Review Read More »
In the dense, buzzing rainforests of Central and South America, an extraordinary story of mutual survival is unfolding in the canopies. Meet the Azteca ants and their Cecropia tree hosts—partners in one of nature’s most fascinating composting systems. A partnership built over millenia The Azteca-Cecropia relationship is a relationship that has developed over millions of
The Secret Compost Masters of the Tropics: Azteca Ants and Cecropia Trees Read More »
When I first started vermicomposting, I turned to the seminal work on the subject: Worms Eat My Garbage. The author, Mary Appelhof, built her first worm bin in 1972 and self-published the first edition of the book ten years later. She would go on to sell over 100,000 copies before her death in 2005. My
Worms Eat My Garbage – Review Read More »
It’s the 27th of December, and after 10 days away I decided to top up my worm bin with some manure and straw. When I lifted the lid off to add the material, I immediately saw a bunch of worms at the top (some munching on some well rotted kitchen waste). That’s despite the fact
Do Compost Worms Die in Winter? Not In My Experience Read More »
At work last year, one of my colleagues decided to grow a tonne of chili plants. He promised to distribute some of these chilis amongst the rest of us. I’d requested Jalapenos, as this breed was missing from my own collection this year. When they came, the chili plants were poor specimens indeed. Each one
The Magic Of Worm Castings (And How to Use Them) Read More »