Synopses & Reviews
Back-to-basics gardening that will benefit the earth and your wallet!
Want to use ordinary waste to create an extraordinary garden? Composting lets you turn household food waste, yard clippings, and more into free compost and mulch that's chock-full of nutrients. From building and working with traditional compost bins to starting an indoor worm-composting operation, Composting For Dummies makes these often intimidating projects easy, fun, and accessible for anyone!
Digging into compost basics get a handle on the benefits of composting and the tools you'll need to get started
Choosing the best method and location find the best composting method and location that's right for you, whether it's above ground, in a hole, in a container or bin, or even right in your kitchen
Building your pile learn which ingredients can go into your compost pile, what stays out, and how to mix it all up in the right proportions
Stepping beyond traditional composting get the lowdown on vermicomposting (letting worms eat your garbage), growing green manures to compost later, and sheet composting in the same spot you plan to plant
Open the book and find:
A step-by-step guide to composting
The right gear and tools for the job
Tips on constructing your own composting containers and bins
Materials you can safely compost (and those to avoid)
Cover crops to improve your soil now and compost later
Recommendations for using your finished compost
What worms contribute to your compost
Troubleshooting advice if your compost pile isn't cooperating
Learn to:
Turn household food waste, yard clippings, and more into nutrient-rich compost
Build and maintain your own compost bin
Use worms to aid in composting, both indoors and out
Give your vegetable and flower gardens a boost of energy
Synopsis
Discover how easy it is to master composting
Whether you're an avid gardener or simply want to reduce the amount of materials you send to the landfill, Composting For Dummies shows you how to turn household food waste, yard clippings, and more into free, nutrient-rich compost and mulch.
From building and working with traditional compost bins to starting an indoor worm-composting operation, Composting For Dummies makes these often intimidating projects easy, fun, and accessible. If you've ever said to yourself, I should start composting, this book will help you get the job done. You'll get expert tips and helpful advice on which materials to compost (and materials to avoid), whether to turn or not to turn your pile, how to achieve the right balance of materials in your pile, and more Building plans for a variety of compost bins How to make and maintain a compost pile Up-to-date container trends
With the helpful guidance of Composting For Dummies, you'll discover a back-to-basics skill that will benefit the earth and your wallet
About the Author
Cathy Cromell is a Regional Reporter for the National Gardening Association. She is a certified Master Gardener, Master Composter, and Master Entomologist. The National Gardening Association is the leading garden-based educational nonprofit organization in the United States.
Table of Contents
Introduction.Part I: Composting Basics.
Chapter 1: Digging into Compost.
Chapter 2: Tools of the Trade.
Chapter 3: The Decomposition Process.
Part II: Selecting a Home and Method for Your Compost.
Chapter 4: Composting Aboveground or Underground: No Bin Required.
Chapter 5: Working with Compost Containers.
Chapter 6: Erecting Your Own Compost Containers.
Part III: Compost Happens.
Chapter 7: Selecting Your Ingredients.
Chapter 8: Mixing Up a Batch: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Chapter 9: Using Your Finished Compost.
Part IV: Expanding Your Compost Horizons.
Chapter 10: Working with Worms.
Chapter 11: Adding Cover Crops and Green Manures.
Chapter 12: Composting in Sheets.
Part V: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 13: Ten Answers to Common Questions about Compost.
Chapter 14: Ten Tips for Troubleshooting Compost.
Index.