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

by Mark Cullen

Discusses the advantages of making and using compost, tells how to select a compost bin, and offers advice on avoiding animals and insect pests

Genres: Gardening

172 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1994

Reviews

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book gave a great overview of the various composting options for the urban/suburban dweller. As an apartment dweller, I was particularly interested in vermicomposting, to which Cullen devotes an entire chapter. He discusses a lot of the science behind composting and the best ways to maximize our benefits from it.

The reason I'm not giving this book five stars is that it's kind of dated (which makes sense--it's 20 years old). There are good instructions for building your own worm bin but then I got online and discovered that there are waaaaay better commercial options now, AND better ideas for homemade bins.

Basically, I recommend this book for the general knowledge and the overview of composting methods and science, but make sure you browse the internet before you jump into any composting projects.

[Yates Buckley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought the book thinking I could compost from my urban set apartment and it does not actually help for this scenario despite the title.

Otherwise an informative book on composting.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Start

[Micah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had a lot of good composting information. However, I was hoping from the title that it would be more closely focused on composting options for small areas, like apartments. Many of the methods take quite a bit of space. While many suburban backyards have room for these, they can be found in any composting resource.

[Christinamarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

picked this out from the library because i was wanting to touch up on my compost knowledge. it's a good basic book for beginner and a good reminder for those with experience. very good coverage of the different types of composts one can start and the effort required with them.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for beginner the composter but often repetitive. Composting isn't rocket science so there isn't much new in this book. put food and plants in a pile and let it rot. It does give nice tips about making your compost pile work better and what to do when it isn't working like you want it to.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm learning about vermicomposting. Hopefully my apartment can take it!