The Urban/Suburban Composter: The Complete Guide to Backyard, Balcony, and Apartment Composting [Paperback]

Mark Cullen (Author), Lorraine Johnson (Author), Andrew Leyerle (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1994

Whether you live in a house or an apartment, in the city, suburbs, or the country, composting is the ultimate way to achieve a greener garden and contribute to a cleaner planet. For the veteran composter or the absolute beginner, this no-nonsense, inspirational guide ensures successful composting. 40 illus.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Cullen ( A Greener Thumb--The Complete Guide to Gardening in Canada ) and Johnson ( Green Future: How to Make a World of Difference ), both Canadians, recommend composting as a way to reduce one's contribution to the global garbage overflow, and also as a means of simply, safely and effectively enriching what soil you have, even if you are a city dweller. They discuss the basic composting process, in which microorganisms break down organic waste with the help of water and oxygen, releasing energy; then survey assorted variations on the theme, from indoor composting, carried out with the aid of worms in some northerly places, to the pest-proofing of compost bins with wire mesh. Along with diagrams, dimensions and instructions, the authors provide bits of information that are less expected--George Washington favored composting, for instance--in addition to a glossary and source list.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Anyone not yet converted to this satisfying, ecologically "correct" task will appreciate a delightful and thorough introduction to the methods, philosophy, and benefits of composting. City and suburban settings are addressed by Cullen and Johnson, who show the way toward reducing the kitchen and yard waste generally shipped out with the rest of the garbage. How composting works and descriptions of systems will help in assessing and choosing an appropriate composter for any situation. Designs are provided for homemade units, and commercial types are recommended for those inclined to purchase rather than construct. A wonderful resource to help experienced composters with pests, odor, or other problems, and an indispensable guide for newcomers, without any jargon to confuse the issue. Alice Joyce

Product Details

• Paperback: 172 pages
• Publisher: St Martins Pr (February 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312105304
• ISBN-13: 978-0312105303
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,453,354 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fairly Comprehensive "How To" Guidebook, September 12, 1997

By 

Jeffrey Contompasis "Imagineer-in-Waiting" (Metro DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Urban/Suburban Composter: The Complete Guide to Backyard, Balcony, and Apartment Composting (Paperback)

Riveting. I really didn't know how it was going
to end. Was the internal temperature of the heap
high enough to kill the pathogens yet let the
aerobic decomposers work? Was the carbon to
nitrogen ratio correct? Was the worm population
going to survive or was there to be another mass
die off? Wow. A real page turner.

Actually, this does have some useful drawings for
making your own composters including worm based
composters and turning devices. It also has a
decent source list at the back where you can find
the names and addresses of places that will help
you recycle kitchen and garden waste.

I could have done without the political activism
parts of the book. It polarizes the reading audience. It should have focused on helping those
who are interested in starting compost heaps rather than trying to encourage a particular environmental policy.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, February 25, 2002

By 

C. Harnish "CH" (Cape Cod United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Urban/Suburban Composter: The Complete Guide to Backyard, Balcony, and Apartment Composting (Paperback)

This book has tons of info on composting. I personally was interested in vermicomposting (great for people who live in apartments or rentals) and this book gave me a lot of good information to start my compost bin.