Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Vegetable gardening; Organic gardening; Compost; Organic fertilizers; Gardening / General; Gardening / Organic; Technology ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Guru of soil
This book is the best book I've ever read about soil from a gardening perspective. Actually it's the only one I've read but still I have to say that it moved me from the rank of pretty good gardener to somewhere in the realm of master gardener. With it's excellent bibliography, unless you plan to get a Ph.D. in soil science, it should be the only book you will ever need as a gardener about soil, compost and worms. I highly recommend this book to serious and especially to self-righteous organic gardeners.

great info, but poorly published
I'm a big fan of Steve Solomon's writing styel and the information and experience he conveys.this book is no exception and it does a great job of building upon the information on composting that is in "gardening when it counts", which I highly recommend.

The problem with this copy is that it makes multiple references on many pages to figurs and charts that are not printed.It seems the book was designed for viewing on a computer and not everything made it into the paper edition.This problem does not mean the book has no value, but does reduce the value significantly. I still recommend reading it, but would also advise that you find a software edition if possible with the graphics intact.

Composting - The Bible
Steve Solomon's work in producing the Organic Gardener's Composting is second to none. His research standards are those of a true academic, yet his writing and general presentation of the material is accessible, non formulaic and for a book of this nature, subtly novelesque.
I headed straight for the chapter on Sir Albert Howard's composting methods at Indore in the 1930's and wasn't disappointed - fascinating reading. Also especially interesting was the chapter on vermicomposting. Steve doesn't seem to add material just for the sake of it unless it meets his rigorous criteria. Could only get hold of a 2nd hand copy at a premium price, but have no regrets - it's a gem!

Great explanation of composting.
Steve Solomon's"Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades" is a truly wonderful book and a must for anyone gardening west of the Cascades."Composting" is a very good book, but is variable.It feels as if Solomon is getting a little crotchety as he ages, and the book would have profited from an editor with a strong pen since the writing style occasionally gets annoying.

Solomon's explanation of Carbon Nitrogen ratios is excellent.I now understand better why my compost does what it does at different speeds different times of the year.He is realistic about the benefits of compost and does not uncritically accept the Rodale "Organic" party line.However, I think he goes too far in rejecting it.Solomon has clearly seen many people overcompost and damage their soil's ecology.Yes, too much of anything can be bad and one can increase humus content irrationally, but I think he is too negative.Most of the gardens I see have been neglected and one really can "build the soil" to improve fertility, moisture retention, etc.I would prefer the message to be "It takes time.Don't try build your soil too fast.Do soil tests regularly." not "only try replace the humus you take out".He ends one section with "I conclude that organic matter is somewhat dangerous stuff whose use should be limited...".On this I disagree strongly.In my experience it is a rare case when someone overcomposts.However, I must strongly agree with Solomon on the advantages of using soil testing and using a good organic fertilizer mixture in addition to applying compost on your garden.He gives his famous recipe for complete organic fertilizer (I originally saw it in "Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades") and I can vouch for its efficacy.

Solomon raves about poor nutrient value of vegetables caused by over composting.I only partially buy his nutrition arguments.Yes, poor soil can grow veggies with poor nutrition.But the argument does not follow not to build your soil.If veggies grow well and taste great, I trust that measure of nutrition.On the nutrition arguments he is doing what he accuses other of, making an assertion and providing no evidence to back it up.

If you are interesting on composting the book is well worth reading.In fact, it is probably more fun because of the flaws I have just complained about. ... Read more

Product Description
Explore the fascinating cycle of waste, decay, and rebirth with this exciting and enriching guide to composting. The first in the Color and Learn "Green" Book Series , Savannah s Eco Adventures: Composting, is the perfect book for any young environmentalist. Composting teaches children how to care for the environment by turning food scraps, lawn clippings, and other biodegradable materials into rich, healthy soil ideal for growing new plants. Several hands-on activities, an experiment, and coloring pages enlivens young children s imagination and helps them understand the cycle of nature provided by composting. Children and Adults alike will learn about gross stuff like dirt and worms, and even get the chance to start a compost bin of their own. ... Read more

Product Description
The third single-subject primer from Smith & Hawken, "Composting" is basic enough to get any new gardener started, yet sufficiently detailed to serve as an essential reference for the experienced composter. The book covers all the many compost bins and tools available and common problems, such as smells, animal attraction, drying out, and more.Amazon.com Review
Backyard composting can be almost a religious topic amongserious gardeners, so it's no surprise that Smith & Hawken has chosenit for the subject of one of their exceedingly thorough single-subjectgardening guides. Composting is for the gardener who likesinformation to be presented economically but completely. It explainsthe difference between simple and managed composting, the essentialhow-tos of each, sources for composting bins and tools, compostproblem-solving, and the benefits and use of the rich results (which,if properly managed, can be ready in as little as three weeks), injust over 100 short, readable pages, illustrated with line drawings.A list of compost substitutes and a complete index finish the book offneatly. It's as useful a guide to improving the soil as the homegardener is likely to find anywhere. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Simple and best
The Simplest and best composting book out there.Doesn't waste time/pages and let's you make up your own mind.

smith & hawken;hands on grdener;coposting
great book! i am a newbie to composting and this is a great idea book. good suggestions for building materials, placement and use. would highly recommend

A really good basic book
This book was easy to read, and had very good basic information.It would be great for the first time gardener and/or composter.Recommend!

Ten star book
This is a rarity of a book since it doesn't spend a lot of time telling you stuff you don't need to know, but is what it says.A book about the various means of composting whether you live in an apartment or have an acre for an organic vegetable or flower garden.

The illustrations are helpful and easy to follow.And if you think you cant compost or that it will just be to hard, this book will change your mind.It is also an important book in my opinion, because Americans throw away so much useful compost material or grind it down the kitchen garbage disposal. By composting your kitchen and garden wastes you not only produce rich soil but you build up the entire eco system. And with garbage dumps becoming full and new ones harder to find I think that composting of kitchen and garden wastes should be a law.

Compostagem de residuos agricola (fruta)
Como resolver o problema dos residuos provenientes das retiradas de fruta ... Read more

Product Description
Since 1973, Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletins have offered practical, hands-on instructions designed to help readers master dozens of country living skills quickly and easily. There are now more than 170 titles in this series, and their remarkable popularity reflects the common desire of country and city dwellers alike to cultivate personal independence in everyday life. ... Read more

Product Description
Fruit can be grown almost anywhere says Mr. Bush, "if you are prepared to take the trouble" . However, quite often the most intelligent and ardent gardener can go wrong simply because the trouble he takes is ill-directed. This book, first published in 1942 and since twice reprinted and revised, tries to guide the amateur in the growing of soft fruits. The subject is dealt with methodically the general questions of aspect, soil, nursery material and planting procedure are reviewed first. There follows a discussion of the specific cultural details associated with the various soft fruits. The range is wide. Besides the better known blackberries, loganberries, currants, gooseberries, raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes and mushrooms, the less familiar figs, outdoor grapes, mulberries, cranberries, barberries, melons and passion fruit are included. Other matters are dealt with as well. The vagaries of temperature and climate, the use of the compost heap, the need for and practice of spraying are all separately and exactly explained. There is also a chapter on the pruning of cobs, a subject of which many horticulturalists fight shy. The perils and pitfalls which complicate the best laid plans of the most well-intentioned gardener are here averted. Contents Include: An Ounce of Practice Coming Down to Earth On Choosing Nursery Stock Planting Fruit Bushes Blackberries, Loganberries and Hybrids The Black Currant Red and White Currants The Fig Gooseberries Grapes out of Doors The Raspberry Strawberries The Tomato Some Oddments Nuts: Cob Nuts, Filberts and Walnuts Is Spraying Necessary? Mushrooms The Whys and Wherefores of Spring Frosts Manuring and Compost Heaps ... Read more

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Composting: Decomposition is a Heinemann title. ... Read more

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A practical guide for communities trying to solve their solid waste disposal problems. ... Read more

Product Description
This work offers a description of available and potential composting technologies, together with associated scientific, economic and legislative issues. It includes discussions on composting technologies to suit social, economic and geographic conditions in different countries. ... Read more

Product Description
Composting Inside and Outs is beneficial to anyone who grows houseplants, maintains a large garden, or participates in community gardening. This practical guide will teach readers why it's important to compost, the many methods of composting and the benefits of turning trash into soil nutrients, including: ... Read more

Product Description
About this Organic Composting Book:

“Secrets to OrganicComposting for SmartAsses”

Now you can use a practical, step-by-step guide to achieve the Organic Garden Composting you’ve always wanted:


Dear Reader,

Today, there has been more of an emphasis than ever before on eating healthy, getting back to nature and enjoying the benefits of wholesome organically grown foods. If I’m right, you would love nothing better than to be able to enjoy the goodness of organic foods, without the pesticides and chemicals.

Without the right tools and information, it could take you years and cost you a small fortune to experiment and find the right formula for growing great organic foods without the need to use chemicals. Instead of spending a fortune on so-called experts or knocking yourself out with the old trial and error method, there is an easier way to enjoy the organic foods you want, homegrown, without spending a fortune on them at the market.

The secret is organic compost.

Now there’s good news ....

I won’t deny that there are a ton of books out there on organic gardening. Unfortunately the problem with most books on the subject of organic gardening is that they are either filled with plenty of promises and no solid techniques and strategies to back up those promises or they contain only one or two pieces of useful information and not a comprehensive look at the basics of organic composting; which is an essential to succeeding with an organic garden.
This Guide To Organic Gardener's Composting breaks the mold of all the other gardening books and manuals you have heard and read about. It presents solid, proven steps to help you learn how approach organic composting so that you can grow the wholesome, healthy organic foods you and your family deserve.

Suppose you could finally grow a garden that would be the envy of your neighbors-simply and easily?

Imagine being able to eat fresh, delicious vegetables that you grew in your own garden without worrying about harmful chemicals and pesticides?

• A simple explanation of composting; how it works, why it’s necessary and how to do it!
• A season by season explanation of composting
• Tips on Turning Compost
• How to Make Humus-step by step!
• Understanding how Temperature Effects Composting

Take a look the specifics contained within this amazing book:

• FAQ about Organic Composting
• How to find more organic composting than your home/land produces to grow even larger gardens
• How to keep down the smell of a compost/waste bucket
• How to handle the disposal of yard and kitchen wastes

Get this and more from:
Secrets to Organic Composting for SmartAsses!
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Learn hot to start composting correctly with this book
If you are looking for information on composting, this book will get you on the right path.Teaches you the safe and healthiest way to start composting. Go green.

Composting Reference Must Have
Composting can be a tricky,you need to know what you are doing.This book will be a good reference on organic composting to get you started correctly and on the right path to being a good at gardening. ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you live in a house or an apartment, in the city, suburbs, or the country, composting is the ultimate way to achieve a greener garden and contribute to a cleaner planet. For the veteran composter or the absolute beginner, this no-nonsense, inspirational guide ensures successful composting. 40 illus. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great book
This book has tons of info on composting.I personally was interested in vermicomposting (great for people who live in apartments or rentals) and this book gave me a lot of good information to start my compost bin.

Fairly Comprehensive "How To" Guidebook
Riveting.I really didn't know how it was going to end.Was the internal temperature of the heap high enough to kill the pathogens yet let the aerobic decomposers work?Was the carbon to nitrogen ratio correct?Was the worm population going to survive or was there to be another mass die off?Wow.A real page turner.

Actually, this does have some useful drawings for making your own composters including worm based composters and turning devices.It also has a decent source list at the back where you can find the names and addresses of places that will help you recycle kitchen and garden waste.

I could have done without the political activism parts of the book.It polarizes the reading audience.It should have focused on helping those who are interested in starting compost heaps rather than trying to encourage a particular environmental policy. ... Read more

Product Description
Rapid urbanization has created a major challenge with regard to waste management and environmental protection. However, the problem can be ameliorated by turning organic waste into compost for use as an agricultural fertilizer in peri-urban areas. This is especially significant in less developed countries, where food security is also a key issue. This book addresses these subjects and is based on papers presented at a workshop held in Ghana by the International Board for Soil Research and Management (IBSRAM, now part of the International Water Management Institute) and FAO. Special reference is given to Sub-Saharan Africa, with acknowledgement to experiences from other parts of the world. Contributing authors are from several European, as well as African, countries. ... Read more

Product Description
Composting and Recycling Municipal Solid Waste is a comprehensive guide that identifies, describes, explains, and evaluates the options available when composting and recycling municipal solid waste (MSW). The book begins with an introductory chapter on the nature of MSW and the importance of solid waste management programs and resource recovery. Chapter 2 discusses MSW storage and collection, with emphasis on recyclables. Chapter 3 examines issues involved in determining the quantity, composition, and key physical characteristics of the MSW to be managed and processed. The book's other chapters cover topics such as the steps required for processing MSW for material recovery, the use of uncomposted organic matter as a soil amendment, composting and use of compost product, the marketing of recyclables, biogasification, and integrated waste management. Composting and Recycling Municipal Solid Waste provides essential information needed by solid waste professionals, consultants, regulators, and planners to arrive at rational decisions regarding available economic and technological resources for MSW composting and recycling.Features ... Read more