This little book is essential to anyone who has the slightest interest in the subtle mysteries and elusive beauties of composting, nature's own recycling plan. It's funny, detailed, and extremely practical. Even if a reader has never given a passing thought to composting (as I hadn't, before reading it), he or she will be drawn into the subject immediately. Highly recommended: a delightful book. ( )

If you want to turn all your grass clippings, autumn leaves, hedge trimmings, vegetable scraps, paper, cardboard, dryer lint, etc into garden food- or compost- then this book is an invaluable resource! Marty and Tom, the authors, share their differing views and methods of composting, as well as a plethora of other composting "recipes" they've tested out. There's instructions on how to build your own compost bin (from simple to complex), and an overview of ones you can buy. There's information on exactly what compost is, how it works and what to put in it. There's even a history of composting, and all kinds of info about how different communities have used (or ought to) composting to help manage waste, improve the environment, reduce costs, etc. A great little resource.

from the Dog Ear Diary ( )