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Some of the best fertilizer on the planet can be made with your very own garbage. Starting with something as simple as coffee grounds – a top composting product – and including all of your old banana peels, bread crusts, and leftover meals, you can start creating a garden with your food waste from scratch, using the age old secret of composting to build a healthy, happy garden. Knowing the necessary steps to building and cultivating a compost bin will help anyone with a garden no matter its size cut down on waste, save money on fertilizer, and have fun learning more about the cycle all biodegradable matter goes through.
This book provides a detailed outline of how anyone with a little extra space and a garden can start composting today to build their garden from scratch into a thriving jungle of roots, herbs, and vegetables. You will learn about all of the different ways that composting can be helpful to you, as well as the different reasons why people choose to compost and what you and your vegetables might best benefit from when you decide to make the leap and start composting yourself. You will learn how decomposition works and what the ideal conditions are for decomposition. You will learn which compostable materials are around you right now, from the coffee grounds in your coffee maker to the old fruit in your crisper. Learn about the different kinds of activators and how they get the process started as well as the different composting materials used by home gardeners and professional composters alike – dozens of which have been interviewed for this book.
You will be walked through the process of recognizing and using the end product as effectively as possible. You will be walked through how you can effectively take your end product and start using it for various different vegetable types in your garden. Finally, you will be walked through the process of recognizing and using the end product as effectively as possible. For anyone who has ever considered composting as a viable means by which to feed their gardens, this book is for you.
Introduction: Why Compost? 11
Chapter 1 Let us begin with the Basics 15
What is Composting? 15
How Composting Benefits your Garden 16
How Composting Benefits the Environment 20
Common Myths About Composting 23
About This Book 24
Chapter 2 Getting Started 27
Types of Compost Systems 28
Compost heaps or pile 28
Compost bins 29
Holes or trenches 30
Cone digester systems 31
Rotating or tumbling barrels 31
Stationary bins 32
Indoor systems 33
How Big is a Compost Pile? 33
Choosing a System 34
Can I compost? 35
What kind of system can I afford? 36
Where will the compost system go? 36
Are there local ordinances to account for? 38
What Can I Compost? 41
Yard and garden waste 42
Kitchen and household waste 47
Food items to compost 49
Non-food items to compost 50
Other sources of compost material 54
Materials to Avoid Composting 55
Organic materials 55
Non-organic materials 61
Activators 62
Natural activators 64
Artificial activators 70
Preparing Waste for Composting 71
Composting weeds 72
Case Study 74
Chapter 3 The Science of Composting 77
Essential Composting Elements 78
Oxygen 78
Moisture 81
Carbon 82
Nitrogen 82
Organisms 84
The Chemical Process of Decomposition 88
Slow compost systems 90
Medium compost systems 90
Fast compost systems 91
Case Study 92
Chapter 4 Outdoor Compost Bins 95
Do it Yourself 96
Cardboard box composting 96
Wire bin composting 97
Trash can composting 99
Trench composting 101
Trench composting in a dry environment 104
Wood trench composting 107
Hole or pit composting 109
Straw or hay bale compost piles 110
Concrete block compost bin 112
Three-bin composting 114
Build a tumbling barrel composter 119
Commercial Outdoor Compost Bins 133
Tumbling bins 134
Stationary bins 135
Digesters 137
Case Study 138
Chapter 5 Building a Compost Pile 141
Tools for Digging and Raking 141
Shovels or garden spades 142
Hoes 142
Rakes 143
Forks 143
Mattocks 144
Post-hole diggers 144
Tools for Storing and Moving Compost 145
Tools for Cutting 146
Knife 146
Scissors 146
Hammer 146
Machete 147
Compost Maintenance Tools 147
Thermometer 147
Watering tools 148
Aerators 148
Safety Equipment 149
Gloves 149
Dust masks 149
Goggles 150
Ear protection 150
Compost Ingredients 150
How do I know if I have the right ratio? 151
Slow or Cool Compost 152
Medium or Warm Compost 153
Supplies and tools 153
Instructions 154
Fast or Hot Compost 155
Supplies and tools 155
Instructions 156
Sheet Compost 157
Leaf Mold Compost 157
Case Study 159
Chapter 6 Maintaining a Compost Bin 163
Aerating a Stationary Bin 164
Aerating an Outdoor Bin or Heap 164
Watering 166
When is Compost Ready to Use? 168
Case Study 170
Chapter 7 Using Compost 171
Where to Use Compost 173
Healthy Soil Leads to Healthy Produce 174
Preparing Compost for Use 176
Testing for pH levels 177
Making a Compost Sifter 180
Supplies and tools 180
Instructions 181
Making Compost Tea 184
How to use compost tea 186
Case Study 187
Chapter 8 Vermicomposting 189
Worms - Nature's Own Compost Machine 191
Worm physiology 195
Worm species 197
Buying your worms 199
Worm Bins 199
Buying a worm bin 199
Making your own worm bin 200
Filling the worm bin 203
What to Feed (and Not Feed) Your Worms 205
Harvesting the castings 210
How to Make Worm Tea 212
Supplies and Tools 213
Instructions 213
Using worm tea 213
Troubleshooting a Worm Bin 214
Where to Use Vermicompost 219
Case Study 220
Chapter 9 Winter and Indoor Composting 223
Winter Worm Bins? 223
Indoor Composting 226
Pros and cons of indoor composting 226
Indoor trash bag composting 227
Commercial Indoor Compost Bins 228
Non-electric indoor systems 229
Electric systems 230
Case Study 232
Chapter 10 Troubleshooting 233
Diseases 233
Farmer's lung 234
Histoplasmosis 234
Legionnaires' disease 235
Paronychia 235
Tetanus 236
Toxoplasmosis 236
Common Compost Problems and Solutions 237
Problems with Neighbors 240
How to Start a Community Composting Group 242
Case Study 246
Conclusion 249
Appendix A More Information on Vermicomposting 253
Vermicomposting Supplies 254
Appendix B Where to Purchase Composting Items 255
Where to Buy Compost Systems Mentioned in this Book 255
Appendix C The Composting Community 257
Informational Sites 258
Community Sites 262
Glossary 267
Bibliography 277
Index 285
code7r
Posted August 13, 2012
The Back to Basics Growing series is published by Atlantic Publishing Group. One of the titles in this series is “How to Build, Maintain and Use a Compost System: Secrets and Techniques You Need to Know to Grow the Best Vegetables” and it is written by Kelly Smith. Ms. Smith’s previous books have dealt with quilting, so I was intrigued on how much knowledge she would impart on composting, which is nothing like quilting. She definitely showed that she does know a thing or two about composting!
She starts off by explaining what composting is and why people do it. In Chapter 1 she includes some “Common Myths About Composting,” such as: composting is difficult, it smells bad, isn’t for people who live in a city, you can use any type of worm if vermicomposting, etc., and then proceeds to debunk these myths. She moves on to discuss the different types of composting. Who knew there were so many?! There are compost bins, holes, trenches, cone digester systems, rotating barrels, stationary bins and indoor systems. Going into detail about each type, it makes it easier for the person who is new to composting to figure out which type would work best for them. She even includes a table that shows at a glance what type of system works in what type of living situation (e.g. rural, suburban, city, condo, and apartment). She also details about what can and cannot be composted and what type of substances can be added to help the composting process. As with the other Back to Basic books, this book also includes many case studies throughout where individuals share their stories about composting. I like the personal touch that the case studies add. In Chapter 4, there are instructions on how to make your own composting bins. These can be made out of many things: cardboard box, chicken wire, trash cans, trenches, concrete blocks, and more. There are instructions for those with experience in building on how to build a tumbling barrel composter which is covered in about 14 pages including pictures and diagrams. Building a composting system doesn’t have to cost much and is much more economical then purchasing one.
The author covers how to use compost and about vermicomposting, which is composting using worms. In the back she includes the web address for each state’s Cooperative Extension System (these sites include agricultural information specific to your state) and information about companies who sell composters.
Ms. Smith definitely has done her research and this book is a good one to keep on hand when deciding to compost. With it, the reader can make a determination of what type of composting would work best for them and cost effective ways to start and maintain a composting system.
In this book, Kelly Smith makes composting accessible to anyone who is interesting. From indoor systems for those who live in apartments or condominiums to larger systems for those who want large amounts of healthy fertilizer for gardens, you can find the answers you need by reading the book. The contents balance the science you need to succeed with layman¿s terms so the process is easy to manage. She provides plans on building different styles of composting systems along with many helpful tables. The tables provide quick reference to the nutrient balance of different ingredients, the qualities of different systems, and many other topics. You don¿t have to read the book cover to cover to get the answers you want. In fact, Ms. Smith designed the book so that you can read the first couple chapters as your baseline and then skip around to the information you need for wherever you are at in the composting process. One of my favorite sections covers the myths of composting. Starting on page 23 you¿ll hear many of the common things people believe about preparing your own compost that simply aren¿t true. For example, I simply did not know that while earthworms are great in the garden, they aren¿t a good choice for an intense process like focused composting. This is just one myth that is dispelled making it easier for each person to get started, large or small, with their own composting projects. As with everything I¿ve seen from Atlantic Publishing, the book is laid out well and the print is a pleasant size to read. I¿m sure like many others I¿ve read and recommended, you¿ll find this book a great addition to your gardening resources. No doubt you¿ll refer to it repeatedly over the years and get exceptional value for your investment in ¿How to Build, Maintain, and Use a Compost System.¿
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Vicki_Landes
Posted August 30, 2011
As the 'green' movement moves to mainstream life, many people ask the question, 'What more can I do to reduce my carbon footprint and help the environment?' Enter composting! Author Kelly Smith gives the 'whys', 'hows', and 'wheres' in her new book (which is printed on recycled paper), "How to Build, Maintain, and Use a Compost System: Secrets and Techniques You Need to Know to Grow the Best Vegetables". "How to Build, Maintain, and Use a Compost System" is an organized and comprehensive discussion on all things compostable. Smith begins by introducing the beginner to the subject with vivid descriptions and lots of possibilities. The benefits as well as potential issues are also discussed as well as myths and answers to a myriad of questions. She also gives plenty of options that range from the inexpensive set ups to store bought systems. Sidebar articles from people who compost regularly are also included to give readers various viewpoints on the subject. Further, the extensive appendices offer helpful sources for additional reading, finding others in your community that also compost, a glossary of terms, and places to purchase composting items. I found the book to be exceptionally thorough on what goes into composting. There was probably more than I've ever thought I'd want to know but reading from the perspective of someone with no background or knowledge on the subject, it was a perfect introduction. Smith's clear descriptions as well as her pictures assisted greatly in understanding what exactly she was trying to convey while her obvious passion got me excited about starting a compost pile of my own. I especially liked the included building plans for an enclosed system; I think this is something many people - who wouldn't otherwise want an open pile of decaying matter in their yard - would be extremely interested in having. She not only takes the concept of 'living green' into account but aesthetics as well. Good for the environment, less garbage trucked to landfills, readymade fertilizer for your garden - these are all benefits from the simple act of composting. Large yard or small plot and even no yard at all, "How to Build, Maintain, and Use a Compost System: Secrets and Techniques You Need to Know to Grow the Best Vegetables" gives you the down and dirty on how to get started and do your part! Reviewed by Vicki Landes, author of "Europe for the Senses - A Photographic Journal"
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 8, 2011
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Overview
Some of the best fertilizer on the planet can be made with your very own garbage. Starting with something as simple as coffee grounds – a top composting product – and including all of your old banana peels, bread crusts, and leftover meals, you can start creating a garden with your food waste from scratch, using the age old secret of composting to build a healthy, happy garden. Knowing the necessary steps to building and cultivating a compost bin will help anyone with a garden no matter its size cut down on ...