The Rodale Book of Composting: Easy Methods for Every Gardener

This book truly covers it all, and does so in a way which describes methods of composting in such a way as to rival hydroponics for sheer efficiency.

As the heir of a home with a badly neglected yard, this book has given me more information than I'll ever be able to use. I'd go broke if I had to have all my yard cuttings hauled away... in addition, this book informs me that I'd be throwing away a fortune if I did. If you live in the Southwest, particularly in Los Angeles where there was a great deal of developing since the 1950s, then you are probably no stranger to poor hardpan soil, and you would do well to buy and read a copy of this book.

On the pro side, this book goes into detail about plant nutrients without resorting to addition of chemical fertilizers (we can leave that to the hydroponics crowd), instead relying on nutrient adjustment through addition of the proper compostable materials to any given batch. There are even guidelines in here for people like my neighbor, who has expressed interest in starting his own composting operation and adding a methane recovery unit.

On the con side, about the very worst I can say about this book is that there is no mention of sow bugs and armadillo bugs and the role they play in reducing large pieces of rotten wood to a good, peatlike compost; but then again, as I write this, my budget cannot accommodate the expense of a brush chipper.

On the whole, I thoroughly recommend this book.

I leafed through this book while visiting my neighborhood bookstore and I knew it wasn't all bull. The book explains that composting has many benefits aside from the cost saving factor of replacing chemical fertilizers. It how to identify when composted materials will work for you. It explains soil types (though that could have been more thorough), I had no idea my soil was so leached until I read the first chapter. To cut to the chase, unlike a previous reviewer, I do not see why it would not be workable in a small area (I live on a zero lot line plot in the 'burbs, the only issue I could for see is if your yard was paved, has no direct sun light (which speeds the process of breakdown) or your neighbors complained (which there are ways around you tube has excellent ideas).
Great tips on what helps break down the elements the quickest (human urine is suggested but only if one is not on medications which would taint it)?
I bought extra copies for like minded friends. I think this book is a great value compared to all the information that I had already perused.

I was looking for a basic "how to" book on composting, while still interesting enough to hold my attention. Sadly, this wasn't it. The black and white pages read like a school book. And the information is pretty vague. I am new to gardening/composting, so this book could simply be too advanced for me.

If all you plan to do is improve your garden using kitchen scraps and some yard waste, this book is not for you. It is very technical, and best-suited to those with lots of space and time on their hands to manage large composting projects. Don't let this be your first book on the subject, since it will probably (wrongly) convince you that you need a Masters in Agriculture or Ecology to do accomplish what will naturally happen if you get any of a number of inexpensive composting bins, toss in some banana peels, coffee grinds and dead leaves, mix in some dirt and let the microbes get to work.

This is the most thumbed-through book on composting I have. Easily 90% of anything you would want to know about composting is inside this book. A small amount of the material may not be useful to the typical gardener, but it is interesting none the less. An excellent guide for the beginner and a good reference for the advanced composter.