Compost Everything by David Goodman

When you receive a signed copy like this....


...it's rather awesome!!

Thanks David The Good!

I give this book 9 out of 10 acorns.

Compost Everything by David Goodman was one of the first Permie-ish books I had purchased. I found this book to be simple yet groundbreaking. I, like many, have somehow created 'rules' that had to be abided by to create compost. Through a laid back yet humorous tone, the author explains what composting is and what people aim to want to achieve with their compost piles. He then talks sense about the reality of the process and how things you originally would not add might be perfectly fine to go into the pile!

I would recommend this book to others.

I give this book 9.5 out of 10 acorns

David Goodman, aka "David the Good" may best be known for his YouTube videos on grocery row gardening, but he also has a growing list of books available (as well as some snappy music playlists!). This one is not to be ignored if you want to increase your soil's fertility. Even if you're starting with clay or sand.

The book is a quick read. It is 154 pages, 4.5 x 6.75 in, with easy-on-the-eyes typesetting. One practical thing I like is his lack of verbosity. He tells you what you need to know, often with humorous examples, and then moves on to the next topic. You could begin reading this book on a Saturday morning and have started two or three of his methods by Sunday evening.

I think the central mantra, for me, was the idea that we're throwing away so much fertility by not composting everything that we can.

Here are my two actionable take-aways:

1. He addresses these in "composting for anarchists" and "composting with melon pits." And that is to basically start a compost pile above ground or dig a deep hole and dump everything in there. You can do this in a new area, or in one of your existing garden beds. He goes into detail about all of the things you're thinking about right now, and allays your concerns.

2. Know where the stuff you're putting into your gardens comes from. And keep out the icky stuff. This is especially true with grains and grasses that have herbicide and pesticide residue on them, and the poo that comes from animals that have eaten that ick. Those things can kill your plants.

The only reason I deducted half an acorn is because I wish he went into a bit more detail on how to get enough compost materials to fill a melon pit without grossing everyone around you out.

j