The Complete Compost Gardening Guide

March 15, 2008
With today's concerns over waste, energy costs, and recycling, composting is experiencing a renaissance. Pleasant ("Garden Stone: Creative Landscaping with Plants and Stone") and former garden book editor Martin here provide both a reference guide and an introduction to composting. The first section will be helpful to nearly all composting neophytes, though more experienced composters, too, should read it for the excellent prose and colorful illustrations. It includes a number of interesting facts, definitions, and even recipes (e.g., for Miracle Leaf Mold). The second section, on compost gardening techniques, examines easy methods of composting with piles, bins, and cans as well as more elaborate approaches involving pits and trenches. It also discusses the use of earthworms in composting. Finally, the third section treats in detail the kinds of plants that will do well in a composter's garden. Pleasant and Martin conclude with a helpful glossary and a resource list for tools, containers, and worms. Essential reading for any gardener interested in composting, this should find its way into many public libraries with active gardening communities and academic and special libraries with an interest in horticulture and gardening.Edward J. Valauskas, Dominican Univ. Lib., River Forest, IL

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2008
When heaping mounds of garden debris just sit there like so much, well, garbage, many frustrated garden composters bemoan their lack of success and throw in the old pitchfork. Some worry about becoming a slave to elaborate, multiplex bins requiring heavy maintenance, while others fret over locating a compost pile where it wont draw the ire ofneighbors. Based on their own trial-and-error experiences, the authors calm the fears that can wriggle through gardeners psyches like so many burrowing earthworms. Writing in an easygoing, conversational style, the authors introduce such novel practices as underground composting and vermicomposting. Including critical safety tips, indispensable tool recommendations, and extensive guidelines for compostable materials, this comprehensive how-towill persuadenovices to give composting a try, and offer accomplished compostersingenious new methods for creating healthy gardens.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)