Let It Rot!: The Gardener's Guide to Composting (Third Edition) (Storey's Down-To-Earth Guides)

I haven't even finished yet (30 pages left), but when I logged in and saw I could review this book, I had to say Something. Most of the gardening books I have been reading lately (Square Foot Gardening in particular) have been Extremely boring, lacking detail and repeating the same things over and over, as if most gardeners have a deficient IQ. This book is actually packed with Tons of useful information, and it is Concise, so you aren't reading tons and tons of 'filler' material to make the book 500 pages long. There is a section dedicated to different types of compost bins and the pros/cons of each. There is even one complete instruction set if you were so inclined to follow it. But the rest were high level designs, leaving the details to be determined by the reader (which is perfect because no compost bin will be one-size-fits-all). Stu covered more ways to Activate (heat up) your compost pile that I ever anticipated. Even comparing the benefits and drawbacks of every type of manure you will likely be able to find. I will buy any other book by Stu Campbell, and will certainly consider any book published by Storey's, as they get directly into the material and don't make the reader suffer through repeated information. Fantastic presentation. I would give 6 stars if I could.

Let me begin by saying that I am new to composting, I have only read a few online articles about composting and how to build composting bins, but they still left me with unanswered questions. I have to admit that this book got me hooked and that I read through it about four days and almost all my questions about composting got answered in just the right amount of details where it wasn't extremely scientific nor was it overly simplistic. I mainly bought this book because I am interested in building my own composting bin because I just don't have the space to build huge piles of compost... and I don't think my neighbors would think much of that as well. After reading through the entire book, I went back and got a piece of paper and jotted down all the key points within the book from pile composition, compostable material, building composting piles and bins, turning piles, and carbon and nitrogen content. I now have everything I need to go out and get the materials necessary to start my own composting bin... and should my efforts turn out to be a success, I will try my best to convince as many people as possible to build their own. Even though I am only, currently, interested in building a composting bin (maybe even two), the book generally discusses dimensions and other details relating to compost piles and less for bin composters. The Author generally uses simple and understandable language that even the new gardener can understand and apply. For anyone who is considering following the composting steps in the book, rest assured that most, if not all, the materials required are easily attainable almost anywhere. Overall a great and straightforward guide to composting taking you through everything that you will need to know to start you own composting pile or bin. 02 Sept 2011 Update: -------------------- I have already created my very own composting bin out of a plastic bin which I drilled holes into for better air flow and raised it on three cider blocks as suggested in the book and I have to say that the results after about 5 - 6 weeks have been very pleasing! The only problem I have now is that I bought too big a bin and the amount of kitchen waste is not enough to fill it anytime soon!! I have found that composting is even simpler than I had initially imagined and the smell everyone was warning me about is actually not that bad even when I open the bin!

If you are looking for the definitive soil science treatise on compost production, keep looking. If you are looking for a down to earth practical guide to making your own compost, then this is a solid little book. The author shares personal experiences in a conversational way that makes this an easy read. There is some discussion of the various microbes involved, but this is done in the least technical way possible. The same goes with plant nutrients; there is some discussion of Nitrogen, Phosphorous​, and Carbon, but you don't need a chemistry degree to figure out what is being said.

My spouse and I are just starting out with composting, and this book is a no-nonsense, approachable guide for folks like us. Campbell explains different ways to compost and how the science of composting makes these methods effective using clear, simple language. I have read other composting guides that made it sound impossible to turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into rich compost for the garden, and this guide is the opposite: Campbell gives good information while reassuring readers that we can make composting work for us. The anecdotes he includes make it an engaging read as well--I would never have thought I'd spend an evening excitedly reading through a book about making things rot, but I did!

Good

If you like that sort of tone than its pretty clear about some of the main points. However, I am a scientist and though I wasn't looking for a college text book on horticulture, the "facts" the author throws around without any backing or reference are a bit of a turn off. Also, the colloquial style of the writing makes the "facts" feel so anecdotal, especially the "history" in the beginning (I had to skip a bunch of that). As I said, gets the main points across to get you jump started in composting, but leaves a lot to be desired.

Provides a wealth of knowledge on composting. Great read if you are considering getting into it. You will revisit this book many times during your composting journey.

Much to my wife's dismay I found a book solely devoted to compost a very good, informative read - well written and does a very good job of explaining the basics to the complex world of composting - would recommend to any gardeners out there!

Simple and easy to understand

Learning about composting, and many good tips and sound advice

コンポストが今一 上手く行かず原理を勉強する積もりでこの本を購入しましたが 今までちまたでコメントされている様な方法ではちゃんとしたコンポスティングは不可能という事が良く解りました。 コンポストがちゃんと出来ている人はどのくらい居るのでしょうか？ ここで理解出来たプロセスを元にコンポスト再挑戦です。

good work