I was recently asked if I wanted to review Charles Dowdings latest book 'Compost - transform waste into new life'. I have been lucky enough to meet Charles and visit his garden way back in September 2020 when going out from being in lockdown was an adventure, a treat and also felt a little like living on the edge. It was a fabulous visit (see blog post here) and it did create changes in how I garden and view gardening.
Yes he is holding a different book here, but it is a nice photo I took on the day so forgive me for reusing it. I did not pay for this book nor have I been paid to write this review. My words and opinions are as always my own.
The new book is rather lovely, a nice small A5 ish size that fits neatly into the hand so you can quickly and practically use it for reference. It also is nicely understated in how it is presented. It feels like a book that once you have read it to pieces you can compost it. This feels right, however I would hope you would not be composting it soon!
I love the woodcuts by Jonathan Gibbs in the book, they add a simple beauty. Yes there are diagrams and charts too that are really useful; but I like a practical book that is confident enough to include beauty as well.
Charles talks us carefully and accessibly through the what, the why and the benefits of composting before going into how compost works to benefit our soils and therefore our growing. Compost is free, that has to benefit number one and even better, it works. I like Charles's approach. There is a section on myth busting about the things that allegedly you can't compost. Charles has tried composting most plant-based things and seems to find that most will work it done in the right way and for long enough. Charles also talks about biodegradable items and what that means in relation to composting.
Who knew that one day I would find a discussion on different types and sizes of compost bins interesting and useful. I look back to my teenage self and half wonder who have I become whilst also thinking how good it is that this is who I have become.
This book is easy to read, it contains a good mix of practical information and science. It is a companion book to Charles's No Dig book that I have also reviewed and a very useful companion it makes. It might even be a gateway publication taking you from compost to No Dig and of course vice-versa.
and of course whilst I had the invitation I thought I would ask if Charles would answer The Questions. It felt foolish to let the opportunity pass.
I have to give a huge thank you to Charles for taking part with such good grace, anyone else thinks that Charles winning the lottery would be a good thing?
A big thank you to Emma Mason as well for facilitating.
Compost by Charles Dowding is published by DK Publishing
