Compost Science for Gardeners - (Garden Science) by Robert Pavlis (Paperback)

About the Book

Easy-to-read, practical guide to the science behind a healthy soil ecosystem and plants. It debunks common myths, explains soil science basics, and provides the reader with the knowledge to create a soil fertility program for better plants.

Book Synopsis

Turn waste into powerful soil -- predictably and efficiently.

Composting works best when you understand the science behind it. Compost Science for Gardeners explains the biology and chemistry of decomposition so you can create consistent, nutrient-rich compost with confidence.

No myths. No mystery. Just practical science you can use.

What You'll Gain

• How microbes break down organic matter
• How to balance carbon and nitrogen correctly
• How to speed up decomposition naturally
• How to troubleshoot odor, moisture, and slow breakdown
• How to know when compost is truly finished

Rather than guesswork, you'll compost with clarity.

Practical Composting Strategies

• Build efficient compost systems
• Improve soil structure and fertility
• Reduce organic waste responsibly
• Produce stable, nutrient-dense humus
• Integrate compost effectively into garden beds

If you're looking for practical ways to improve soil health while reducing waste, this guide provides grounded, research-informed solutions.

Who This Book Is For

• Gardeners starting composting
• Growers improving compost quality
• Sustainable gardeners reducing waste
• Market growers enhancing soil fertility
• Anyone seeking science-based compost guidance

Compost smarter. Grow stronger.

From the Back Cover

Create your own compost and grow better plants

This should be your go-to manual for great soil!
-- JEFF LOWENFELS, author, DIY Autoflowering Cannabis

Myth-buster Robert Pavlis has done it again, writing an essential resource on the science (and art) of composting.
-- REBECCA MARTIN, technical editor, Mother Earth News magazine

WITH BREATHTAKING CLARITY, Compost Science for Gardeners demystifies composting practices and helps readers determine the best technique for their unique situation. Using plain language and easy-to-follow instructions, it distills and blends the latest scientific research with the author's decades of experience, debunking a host of common gardening myths along the way. Learn about:

• The role of composting in the ecological cycle
• Compostable materials to incorporate and those to avoid
• Browns and greens vs the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio
• The full range of composting methods, including cold and hot composting, composting in piles, bins, and tumblers, and pit and trench composting
• Keyhole gardening, food digesters, vermicomposting, bokashi, eco-enzyme fermentation, and more
• Merits and environmental impacts of each composting technique
• Using finished compost to improve soil health.

Anyone can compost. Whether you are a balcony or backyard gardener, market gardener, small-scale farmer, or homesteader, or even if you are simply looking for a way to keep organic matter out of the landfill, this book will show you how to do it simply, safely, and sensibly.

Covers it all...leading you through the nitty-gritty, hands-on making of compost...including bokashi and vermicompost, and more. -- LEE REICH, PhD, author, Growing Figs in Cold Climates and The Ever Curious Gardener

ROBERT PAVLIS is a chemist, Master Gardener, speaker, blogger, and owner and developer of Aspen Grove Gardens, a 6-acre botanical garden featuring 3,000 varieties of plants. He is the author of Plant Science for Gardeners, Soil Science for Gardeners, and Building Natural Ponds.

To help bring you the very best inspiration and information about greener, more sustainable lifestyles, Mother Earth News is recommending select New Society Publishers books to its readers. This book is one of them.

Review Quotes

"Do you want to know anything about compost or composting? And I do mean "anything!" Robert Pavlis's book "Compost Science for Gardeners" covers it all, including of course, leading you through the nitty gritty, hands-on making of compost, various kinds of bins, and best uses of compost. Also, some specialized composts, such as bokashi and vermicompost, and more."
--Lee Reich, PhD. author of The Ever Curious Gardener and Growing Figs in Cold Climates Come visit my farmden at http: //www.leereich.com/blog http: //leereich.com

"Myth buster Robert Pavlis has done it again -- written an essential resource on the science (and art) of composting. This will be a great addition to your gardening bookshelf."
--Rebecca Martin, technical editor for Mother Earth News

"Robert Pavlis does what he does best: uses down to earth science to teach, this time to make great compost. This should be your go to manual for great soil!"
--Jeff Lowenfels, author of DIY Autoflowering Cannabis, and the Teaming series books on organic growing.

About the Author

Robert Pavlis is a Master Gardener with over 45 years' experience in the art and science of horticulture, with a particular focus on soil chemistry and health. He is the owner and developer of Aspen Grove Gardens, a 6-acre botanical garden featuring 3,000 varieties of plants. A sought-after speaker, and lecturer, Robert has published many articles in magazines such as Mother Earth News and Ontario Gardening. He maintains two widely read blogs - gardenfundamentals.com and gardenmyths.com - and a popular YouTube channel with nearly 50,000 subscribers. Robert is the author of Plant Science for Gardeners, Soil Science for Gardeners and Building Natural Ponds. He resides in Guelph, Canada.