Rodale's Book of Composting

Edited by Deborah L. Martin & Grace Gershuny

This updated, classic guide to composting solves the mystery of building and utilizing compost piles. With a thorough description of compost materials and the composting process, home gardeners and farmers will gain the skills and knowledge to produce the real “gold” of organic gardening. Learn how to turn everyday organic matter—kitchen scraps, yard debris, and farm waste—into nutrient-rich compost that improves soil health, supports sustainable growing, and enhances plant vitality. This essential reference blends practical instruction with historical context and modern composting techniques suitable for gardens and farms of any size.

Inside, you’ll discover step-by-step methods for balancing green and brown materials, managing moisture and aeration, and preventing common issues like odors or pests. Topics range from backyard piles to large-scale systems, vermicomposting with worms, and the use of manure to boost fertility. Whether you’re maintaining a small home plot or working an organic farm, this book provides the guidance you need to recycle organic materials into a powerful soil amendment.

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• Topics Covered: Composting throughout history, materials for composting, using manure, composting with earthworms, large-scale composting
• Length: Softcover, 278 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Press, 1992
• Benefits: Improves soil fertility, boosts microbial life, supports sustainable gardening
• Best For: Home gardeners, small farmers, and organic growers