There are many composting books out there, but only a handful make this list. That’s because some books can be misleading, poorly written, or inaccurate, while others are adequate. Only a few truly stand out as excellent.
Of course, the best book for you depends on your needs. That’s why in this round up I’ve highlighted who each book is best suited for, so you can find the perfect match.
For more details, check out the full review of each book below, or explore even more recommendations in our book category – there’s something for everyone!
At a glance
| Book Title | Best For | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Composting for a New Generation | New composters, DIYers | ★★★★★ |
| Compost by Charles Dowding | Keen gardeners | ★★★★★ |
| Humanure Handbook | Science/history lovers | ★★★★★ |
| Worms Eat My Garbage | Worm composting beginners | ★★★★☆ |
| Rodale Book of Compost | Enthusiasts/farmers | ★★★★☆ |
Composting for a New Generation by Michelle Balz: Well-illustrated, great for newbies.
Score: ★★★★★
Composting For a New Generation is one of the most digestible composting books I’ve read, with beautiful illustrations and bite-sized explanations of science and compost chemistry. That makes it perfect for new composters. The book also covers an impressive variety of composting techniques, from standard setups to more exotic ones like the African Keyhole Garden.
DIY enthusiasts will also love this book, as it’s packed with low-cost garden projects you can start right away.
If I have a bone to pick, it’s the advice on mixing materials (one part green to three parts brown), which feels overly restrictive. Browns can be hard to source in spring and summer, potentially discouraging new gardeners. Many composters achieve great results with ratios like 1:1 or even 3:1.
But that’s only a single bone, and it doesn’t stop this book from being a top-notch choice for anyone starting their composting journey, earning a solid 5/5.
Compost: Transform Waste into New Life by Charles Dowding: Great option for keen gardeners
Score: ★★★★★
With decades of professional gardening experience and a deep passion for composting, Charles Dowding delivers a book full of practical, science-based tips that often challenge conventional wisdom. If you’re looking for advice backed by years of hands-on expertise, Compost: Transform Waste into New Life is hard to beat.
This book provides a solid grounding in the science and benefits of composting, while teaching you how to make compost the Dowding way. However, unlike Balz’s book, this one doesn’t focus on DIY projects or a wide variety of composting techniques.
If you’re a keen gardener, though, don’t let that put you off. Dowding’s methods will improve your composting skills and transform your garden’s health, yielding more vibrant plants and better harvests.
Humanure Handbook, Shit in a Nutshell by Joseph Jenkins: Funny and informative, but not a straightforward composting guide
Score: ★★★★★
The Humanure Handbook is one of my all-time favorite composting books, though for very different reasons than the first two.
At its core, this book is about using composting toilets to transform human waste into compost. But that premise doesn’t do justice to a book that takes you on a fascinating and endlessly entertaining journey through the history and science of composting.
That said, it’s not the best choice if you’re looking for a straightforward, beginner-friendly composting guide. However, it does include useful tips for those with some composting experience who want to expand their knowledge.
What it lacks as a simple guide, it makes up for with humor, engaging storytelling, and a unique perspective on composting. It’s a thoroughly good read.
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Worms Eat My Garbage by Mary Appelhof: For Anyone Interested in Worm Composting
Score: ★★★★☆
Mary Appelhof, the author of Worms Eat My Garbage, is widely regarded as the pioneer of worm composting. When I read other books with vermicomposting chapters, they almost always reference her work. If you want to compost with worms, this is the definitive guide, covering everything from bedding to feeding to troubleshooting.
Although the book has been updated since Appelhof’s passing in 2005, it only lightly touches on newer worm farming techniques. Fortunately, the fundamentals of vermicomposting haven’t changed, and this book remains the ultimate starting point. I can personally vouch for its effectiveness—my worm farm, built on Appelhof’s advice, has thrived for years.
Rodale Book of Compost: For the enthusiast or small-scale farmer
Score: ★★★★☆
The Rodale Book of Compost isn’t for the average gardener. With sections like ‘how to choose a tractor,’ it goes far beyond managing a typical backyard compost heap.
The book is also quite dense, with entire sections dedicated to the finer details of composting materials. While I learned a great deal, it contains far more information than you’d need to simply turn waste into compost.
However, if you’re an enthusiast seeking advanced knowledge, this is the book for you. It’s a treasure trove of information, offering deep insights into the science, history, and advanced methods of composting, along with a wide variety of techniques and setups.