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. ( )

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” ( )

If you think you want to start composting, but feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, this book is for you. This book is also for you if you already compost, but you’re wondering if you’re doing it right, or if there is anything else you should be doing. I fall into the second group—I grew up in a household where we composted, and I’ve always composted since I’ve had my own house. But I’m a rather lazy composter, and for the most part I just dump my fruit and vegetable scraps and yard waste into the bins. Every year or so I dig out what I’ve made, and I have to admit I find it rather mesmerizing to dig through the pile. With Kelly Smith’s help, I’ve learned why some of my composting techniques didn’t work so well and others turned out great. And I now know that I have to give the pile a big stir every now and again. I also really enjoyed the information on worms. Lots of clear information, step-by-step guides for those starting out, and an extensive trouble-shooting section. The book has both a very helpful table of contents and an index. This would make a great housewarming gift for a first-time home buyer. ( )