Organic Gardener's Composting (Van Patten's Organic Gardener's Series)

Rating:
Summary: Great explanation of composting.
Review: Steve Solomon's "Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades" is a truly wonderful book and a must for anyone gardening west of the Cascades. "Composting" is a very good book, but is variable. It feels as if Solomon is getting a little crotchety as he ages, and the book would have profited from an editor with a strong pen since the writing style occasionally gets annoying.

Solomon's explanation of Carbon Nitrogen ratios is excellent. I now understand better why my compost does what it does at different speeds different times of the year. He is realistic about the benefits of compost and does not uncritically accept the Rodale "Organic" party line. However, I think he goes too far in rejecting it. Solomon has clearly seen many people overcompost and damage their soil's ecology. Yes, too much of anything can be bad and one can increase humus content irrationally, but I think he is too negative. Most of the gardens I see have been neglected and one really can "build the soil" to improve fertility, moisture retention, etc. I would prefer the message to be "It takes time. Don't try build your soil too fast. Do soil tests regularly." not "only try replace the humus you take out". He ends one section with "I conclude that organic matter is somewhat dangerous stuff whose use should be limited...". On this I disagree strongly. In my experience it is a rare case when someone overcomposts. However, I must strongly agree with Solomon on the advantages of using soil testing and using a good organic fertilizer mixture in addition to applying compost on your garden. He gives his famous recipe for complete organic fertilizer (I originally saw it in "Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades") and I can vouch for its efficacy.

Solomon raves about poor nutrient value of vegetables caused by over composting. I only partially buy his nutrition arguments. Yes, poor soil can grow veggies with poor nutrition. But the argument does not follow not to build your soil. If veggies grow well and taste great, I trust that measure of nutrition. On the nutrition argumentshe is doing what he accuses other of, making an assertion and providing noevidence to back it up.

If you are interesting on composting the book is well worth reading. In fact, it is probably more fun because of the flaws I have just complained about.

Rating:
Summary: Composting - The Bible
Review: Steve Solomon's work in producing the Organic Gardener's Composting is second to none. His research standards are those of a true academic, yet his writing and general presentation of the material is accessible, non formulaic and for a book of this nature, subtly novelesque.
I headed straight for the chapter on Sir Albert Howard's composting methods at Indore in the 1930's and wasn't disappointed - fascinating reading. Also especially interesting was the chapter on vermicomposting. Steve doesn't seem to add material just for the sake of it unless it meets his rigorous criteria. Could only get hold of a 2nd hand copy at a premium price, but have no regrets - it's a gem!