In these turbulent days, when the leaders of the world have to deal with everything from war to disease, it is easy to overlook the importance of our soil. But, as the Romans discovered, poor soil can damage or even destroy empires. In America, the Dust Bowl was a stark reminder of what can happen […]
Founding Farmers: The Presidents Obsessed With Manure Read More »
1st April 2025 Fascinated by the thought of human composting, but don’t have the funds to pay for it? Or maybe you have multiple relatives coming to the end of their time on earth, and you want a cheap and ecologically friendly way to dispose of them? At Compost Magazine we have the solution with
DIY Home Human Composting Kit Now Available Read More »
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
My Top 6 Composting Book Picks for 2026 Read More »
At a glance: A solid composting book by a true expert, Dowding’s years of experience shine through with practical advice. However, casual gardeners and those wishing for a wide range of composting techniques might wish to explore other options. Full disclosure: I’m a huge fan of Charles Dowding. I discovered his website on NoDig well
Charles Dowding’s Compost: Book Review Read More »
When I was a kid, my weakest subjects were often science. Humanities weren’t so bad because I loved reading, but when a teacher droned on about science, I retreated into a daydream. The best lessons were interactive—whether it was talking or doing an experiment. I’m pretty sure it’s not just me. During my decade as
Should Schools Teach Kids to Compost? 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It Rot is an entertaining read that mostly demystifies the process, though it’s occasionally let down by confusing or outdated elements.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 »
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 »