Looking for books on composting? Find the ones that suits your needs with our in-depth reviews. If you’re stuck for time, start with our round-up of the Best Compost Books.
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
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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It Rot is an entertaining read that mostly demystifies the process, though it’s occasionally let down by confusing or outdated elements.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
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
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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,
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
I have a good few books on compost in my library, and the now stained and worn copy Humanure Handbook, Shit in a Nutshell is one of my favorites. Firstly, there’s the breadth of the book. It could easily have been a narrow polemic on the need for humanure, but instead, the book takes you
Humanure Handbook Review – You’ll Never Think About S**t In the Same Way Again Read More »