{"title":"Composting \u0026 Soil Improvement Books","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"improving-your-soil","title":"Improving Your Soil","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBy Stu Campbell\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImproving your soil both increases the yield of your garden and makes your garden easier to tend. With \u003cem\u003eImproving Your Soil\u003c\/em\u003e, you'll learn about soil and how it is formed and the best way to make improvements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetermine whether your garden soil is sandy, clay, or loam\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdentify the right time to work your soil and how to take a soil sample\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eImprove difficult soils such as soggy, sandy, compacted, or shallow soils\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse of soil amendments, and much, much more!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoftcover. 32 pages. Storey Publishing, LLC 1980.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grow Organic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21543368884337,"sku":"BF1080","price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0061\/1391\/9089\/products\/improving-your-soil.jpg?v=1747085880"},{"product_id":"rodale-s-book-of-composting","title":"Rodale's Book of Composting","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis updated, classic guide to composting solves the mystery of building and utilizing compost piles. With a thorough description of compost materials and the composting process, home gardeners and farmers will gain the skills and knowledge to produce the real “gold” of organic gardening. Learn how to turn everyday organic matter—kitchen scraps, yard debris, and farm waste—into nutrient-rich compost that improves soil health, supports sustainable growing, and enhances plant vitality. This essential reference blends practical instruction with historical context and modern composting techniques suitable for gardens and farms of any size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside, you’ll discover step-by-step methods for balancing green and brown materials, managing moisture and aeration, and preventing common issues like odors or pests. Topics range from backyard piles to large-scale systems, vermicomposting with worms, and the use of manure to boost fertility. Whether you’re maintaining a small home plot or working an organic farm, this book provides the guidance you need to recycle organic materials into a powerful soil amendment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those looking to get started right away, explore our full selection of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.groworganic.mom\/collections\/organic-compost\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eOrganic Compost\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eproducts to enrich your soil naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore more sustainable gardening resources in our\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.groworganic.mom\/collections\/garden-books\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGarden Books\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ecollection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTopics Covered:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eComposting throughout history, materials for composting, using manure, composting with earthworms, large-scale composting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLength:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSoftcover, 278 pages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eRodale Press, 1992\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBenefits:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eImproves soil fertility, boosts microbial life, supports sustainable gardening\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest For:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eHome gardeners, small farmers, and organic growers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Grow Organic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21543379763313,"sku":"BF665","price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0061\/1391\/9089\/products\/rodale-s-book-of-composting.jpg?v=1747085876"},{"product_id":"gardening-in-clay-soil","title":"Gardening In Clay Soil","description":"\u003cp\u003eHas your garden struggled because your soil is clay? Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletins feature 32 pages of practical, hands-on instructions designed to help you overcome your gardening challenges!\u003cbr\u003eLearn the rules for gardening in clay soil, including \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ewhich inorganic and organic additives help\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003estrategies for especially hard cases\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ehow to water clay soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ethe plants suited to clay soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eby Sara Pitzer. \u003c\/i\u003eSoftcover. 32 pages. Storey Publishing, LLC 1995.\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGardening in Clay Soil: Turning Challenges into Opportunities\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eGardening in clay soil can often feel like a daunting task due to its dense structure and poor drainage. However, with the right knowledge and approach, gardening in clay soil can be incredibly rewarding. Drawing insights from Sara Pitzer's book \"Gardening In Clay Soil\", this summary aims to provide you with valuable tips and strategies to transform your clay soil garden into a thriving oasis.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnderstanding Clay Soil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eClay soil is made up of very fine particles that stick together, leading to its characteristic heavy and sticky texture when wet, and hard, compact nature when dry. This soil type can hold nutrients well but often struggles with drainage and aeration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdvantages of Clay Soil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eDespite its challenges, clay soil has several advantages. It's nutrient-rich, holding more minerals than sandy or loamy soils. This richness can support a wide range of plant life if managed correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImproving Clay Soil Structure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrganic Matter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Incorporating organic matter is key. Compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold improves the soil structure, drainage, and aeration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInorganic Additives:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gypsum and sand can also help improve the soil structure. Gypsum improves drainage and soil structure without altering the soil's pH. Sand can improve soil drainage but requires significant quantities to be effective.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRaised Beds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Creating raised beds can alleviate many clay soil problems by improving drainage and making soil easier to work with.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering and Fertilizing Clay Soil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eWatering clay soil requires a careful approach. Over-watering can lead to waterlogging, while under-watering can make the soil brick-hard and impede plant growth. Drip irrigation systems can provide consistent, moderate moisture levels beneficial for clay soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eWhen it comes to fertilizing, slow-release or organic fertilizers are preferable. They provide a steady supply of nutrients without the risk of leaching or overwhelming the soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChoosing the Right Plants\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eSome plants thrive in clay soil, including many perennials, shrubs, and trees. Look for plants that prefer or tolerate heavy soil conditions. Some examples include:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003ePerennials: Astilbe, Hosta, and Echinacea\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eShrubs: Lilac, Viburnum, and Forsythia\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eTrees: Maple, Elm, and Crabapple\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultivating Clay Soil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eTilling or digging clay soil should be done with caution. Avoid working the soil when it's too wet or too dry to prevent damaging its structure. Adding organic matter can be done during the fall or spring when the soil is workable.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMulching\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eMulching is beneficial for clay soils as it helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and gradually improve soil quality as it decomposes. Organic mulches like straw, bark chips, or leaf mold are excellent choices.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDealing with Compaction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eClay soil is prone to compaction, which can be alleviated by avoiding walking on wet soil and using stepping stones or paths to distribute weight evenly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal Care\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eIn winter, covering the soil with mulch or planting cover crops can protect and improve clay soil. In spring, wait until the soil is dry enough before planting or tilling.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eGardening in clay soil is undoubtedly challenging, but it's also rich with potential. By understanding and respecting the nature of clay soil and implementing the right strategies, you can create a lush and productive garden. Embrace the challenge, and you'll be rewarded with a garden that's as resilient as it is beautiful.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eRemember, every soil type has its unique characteristics and challenges. The key to successful gardening in clay soil lies in understanding these characteristics and working with them, rather than against them. With patience, care, and the right techniques, your clay soil garden will not only thrive but also become a source of great joy and pride.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grow Organic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21545169387633,"sku":"BF1016","price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0061\/1391\/9089\/products\/gardening-in-clay-soil.jpg?v=1747082636"},{"product_id":"how-to-start-a-worm-bin","title":"How to Start a Worm Bin","description":"\u003cp\u003eWorm composting is an easy and sustainable way to recycle kitchen scraps into rich, nutrient-dense compost, and \u003cem\u003eHow to Start a Worm Bin\u003c\/em\u003e by Henry Owen is an excellent guide for getting started. Whether you’re a beginner curious about vermiculture or a gardener ready to set up a productive worm composting system, this book provides the step-by-step information you need to succeed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author explains the basics of worm composting in clear, approachable language, covering how to choose the right bin, create proper bedding, and select the best worm species for composting. You’ll learn how to feed your worms the right balance of materials, maintain optimal conditions, and troubleshoot common challenges like odors, pests, or escaping worms. Practical advice is paired with a helpful FAQ section, making this a reliable reference as you establish and maintain your worm bin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 95 pages of detailed guidance, this softcover book is ideal for urban gardeners, homesteaders, or anyone looking to reduce household waste while improving soil health. It’s a practical, eco-friendly solution that turns food scraps into a valuable gardening resource.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore home vermicomposting with tools and resources in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.groworganic.mom\/collections\/worm-composting?_pos=2\u0026amp;_psq=worm\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWorm Composting collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Henry Owen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Softcover, 95 pages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Self-Published\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYear:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2015\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTopics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Worm composting, bin setup, troubleshooting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Grow Organic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21548825575537,"sku":"BF971","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0061\/1391\/9089\/products\/how-to-start-a-worm-bin.jpg?v=1747082334"},{"product_id":"the-ultimate-guide-to-soil","title":"The Ultimate Guide to Soil","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eBy Anna Hess\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHave you noticed the extraordinary flavors and yields emanating from even a small garden when the soil is just right? If you've every been envious of your neighbor's dirt or just curious about homesteading, them this book is perfect for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book begins with a personality test for your soil, then uses that information to plan a course of action for revitalizing poor soil and turning good dirt into great earth. Next, you'll learn to start and maintain a no-till garden, to balance nutrients with remineralization, and to boost organic matter with easy cover crops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDon't forget the encyclopedic overview of organic soil amendments at the end. Old standbys such as manures and mulches are explained in depth along with less common additions such as bokashi compost and castings from worms and black soldier fly larvae. Learn when hugelkultur, biochar, paper and cardboard do and don't match your garden needs, then read about when and how to safely use urine and humanure around edible plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePersonality tests for your soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall-scale no-till gardening basics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBalancing nutrients and acidity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrganic soil amendments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoftcover. 275 pages. Skyhorse Publishing. 2016.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grow Organic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21549569540209,"sku":"BF841","price":16.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0061\/1391\/9089\/products\/the-ultimate-guide-to-soil.jpg?v=1747082058"},{"product_id":"grow-your-soil","title":"Grow Your Soil","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBy Diane Miessler\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreating healthy soil isn't rocket science. It's easier than you think! Step away from the rototiller, stop digging, skip the fertilizers, and let microbes do the heavy lifting. Discover no-sweat soil-building steps like turning weeds into on-the-spot mulch, using cover crops and kitchen waste to feed and protect your soil food web, and brewing super-easy, super-charged compost tea to fend off soil pathogens. Then sit back, relax, and watch your garden thrive.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContents includes chapters on cover crops, the soil food web, no-till growing, soil testing, composting and making compost tea, much, much more.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoftcover. 165 pages. Storey Publishing 2020.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grow Organic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39310244806769,"sku":"BF108","price":16.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0061\/1391\/9089\/products\/grow-your-soil.jpg?v=1747081740"},{"product_id":"the-living-soil-handbook","title":"The Living Soil Handbook","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBy Jesse Frost\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Living Soil Handbook\u003c\/em\u003e is centered around the three basic principles of no-till market gardening: Disturb the soil as little as possible, keep the soil covered as much as possible, and keep the soil planted as much as possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFarmer Jesse Frost guides readers in applying these principles to their own garden environments, with their own materials, to meet their goals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginning with an exploration of the importance of photosynthesis to living soil, \u003cem\u003eThe Living Soil Handbook\u003c\/em\u003e provides in-depth information on:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUsing compost and mulch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncorporating biology, maintaining fertility\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTurning over beds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUtilizing path management\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCover cropping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiversifying plantings through intercropping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImplementing production methods for seven major crops\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Grow Organic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39710805393521,"sku":"BF109","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0061\/1391\/9089\/products\/living-soil-handbook-front.jpg?v=1747081579"},{"product_id":"know-your-soil-by-amigo-bob-cantisano","title":"Know Your Soil by Amigo Bob Cantisano","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"175\" data-end=\"561\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"175\" data-end=\"193\"\u003e\"Know Your Soil\"\u003c\/em\u003e is more than just a technical handbook—it reflects the lifetime of experience and passion of Amigo Bob Cantisano, one of America's greatest organic farming pioneers. Drawing on decades of consulting with growers, mentoring farmers, and shaping organic standards, Amigo distilled his hard-won knowledge into a practical guide for anyone serious about soil health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"563\" data-end=\"940\"\u003eThe book demystifies soil chemistry and biology, showing readers how to interpret complex laboratory reports and translate them into on-the-ground practices. It offers clear, actionable advice for improving soil fertility by balancing major nutrients, fine-tuning micronutrients, and understanding the relationships between soil pH, trace minerals, and nutrient interactions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"942\" data-end=\"1368\"\u003eAmigo’s work goes beyond the numbers—he shares insights into organic matter management, cover cropping, compost, compost teas, and the use of natural rock minerals, all grounded in his deep belief in regenerative practices. He also explains technical terms like Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), Excess Lime Rate, and Estimated Nitrogen Release (ENR) in plain language, making soil science accessible to growers of all levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1370\" data-end=\"1661\"\u003eBy blending scientific precision with the wisdom of a farmer-activist who dedicated his life to organic agriculture, \u003cem data-start=\"1487\" data-end=\"1505\"\u003e\"Know Your Soil\"\u003c\/em\u003e empowers readers to build healthier soils, more resilient crops, and profitable farms.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grow Organic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40031829753969,"sku":"BF975N","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0061\/1391\/9089\/products\/Know-Your-Soil-Book-1.jpg?v=1747081442"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0061\/1391\/9089\/collections\/books-composting-thumbnail_688644d6-1683-4d36-8491-acba5b7fad8b.jpg?v=1786831548","url":"https:\/\/www.groworganic.mom\/collections\/composting-soil-improvement-books.oembed","provider":"Grow Organic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}