Composting for Dummies

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

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.