Book Review: Let it Rot!

Book Cover

When packing for my (work) trip to Los Angeles I grabbed a couple books off our bookshelf to read during the week-long trip.  One book I grabbed was called ‘Let it Rot! The Gardener’s Guide to Composting’ by Stu Campbell.

I want to start by saying I really enjoyed reading this book.  Stu does a great job explaining how the ENTIRE compost process should work.  After reading the book, I feel I better understand what happens between the time I add the raw materials to my bin and put the compost in my garden.  I now know if I tend to my compost pile more often by turning it, aerating it and adding a natural activator, such as alfalfa  meal, I could have compost ready to add to our garden multiple times a season instead of once a season.

Here’s one of my favorite excerpts from the book:

“Maybe the time has come for us to start being less compulsive about worms, insects and bacteria and to become more conscious of  how these things benefit us rather than harm us. Things might be better if we just let them rot!”

Overflowing Compost Bin

I also realize I need a better compost bin. Much to my delight, Stu provides instructions on how to build compost bins to meet a variety of needs.  I even found one I plan to build in my back yard to replace the small plastic bin we’re not happy with – it’s too small and falls apart often.

If you’re curious about compost and want to know how to do it right, you should pick up Stu Campbell’s book ‘Let it Rot! The Gardener’s Guide to Composting.’  It’s a quick read that’s packed full of easy to understand and very useful information.

My only regret is that I didn’t read this book earlier.