About this item
Create your own compost and grow better plants.With breathtaking clarity, Compost Science for Gardeners demystifies composting practices and helps readers determine the best technique for their unique situation. This comprehensive science-based book is your key to building healthier soil and growing better plants.Using plain language and easy-to-follow instructions, this essential resource distills and blends the latest scientific research with the author's many decades of knowledge and experience into manageable form, debunking a host of common gardening myths along the way. Learn about:The role of composting in the ecological cycleCompostable materials to incorporate and those to avoidBrowns and greens vs the carbon-to-nitrogen ratioThe full range of composting methods, including cold and hot composting; composting in piles, bins, and tumblers; and pit and trench compostingKeyhole gardening, food digesters, vermicomposting, bokashi, eco-enzyme fermentation, and moreThe relative merits and impact on the environment of each composting techniqueUsing finished compost to improve soil healthAnyone can compost.
About the Author
Robert Pavlis is a well-known speaker, and educator with over 40 years of gardening experience. He is the author of two books, Building Natural Ponds, and Garden Myths and publishes the popular gardening blogs; GardenMyths.com and GardenFundamentals.com. As the owner and head gardener of Aspen Grove Gardens, a six-acre botanical garden, he grows 3,000 varieties of plants.Who Am I? I live in Southern Ontario, Canada, which has a US zone 5 climate and have been gardening for more than 30 years - I stopped counting at 30! I am a Master Gardener and speak about gardening at many local gardening events and horticulture meetings. I contribute the 'Plant of the Month' articles for the Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society, write articles for some local newspapers and teach several courses including a 20 hr Gardening Fundamentals course at the local university and a garden design course through the city.I am a plantaholic!I have a background in chemistry and biochemistry which allows me to research topics and understand the underlying science behind things. Once I understand the topic it is then my task to present the information in an easy to understand style that is both informative and fun to read.My gardening philosophy:- Understand the 'why' in everything you do.- Look to nature for answers - mother nature already knows how to garden.- KISS in the garden; KISS = keep it simple stupid.- Bugs and diseases are part of life - learn to live with it.- Organic gardening works - too bad 'organic fanatics' mislead the public.- Have fun - or stop doing it.
