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 […]
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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
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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It Rot is an entertaining read that mostly demystifies the process, though it’s occasionally let down by confusing or outdated elements.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
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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
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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
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If you’re looking for a solid, comprehensive and well-illustrated introduction to composting, Composting for a New Generation, Latest Techniques for the Bin and Beyond by Michelle Balz is probably the best. (Or at least, it’s the best I’ve read so far!) In fact, while the Humanure Handbook is my favourite book for a good read,
2nd April 2023 The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is allocating millions in funding to support community and municipal composting programs across the US. The department is keen to spread the word to people setting up innovative composting projects around the USA, and recently reached out to Compost Magazine to help spread the word.
US Gov Allocates Millions for Compost Programs: Is Yours Eligible? Read More »
Compost science is a fascinating topic, but getting a decent grasp of it online often means wading through realms of densely written material. Simply put, science-based articles on compost are rarely written for the layperson. So when I was recently offered a copy of “Compost Science for Gardeners: Simple Methods for Nutrient Rich Soil” for