- Composting has disadvantages.outils de jardin image by Claudio Calcagno from Fotolia.com
Composting may offer a way to create fertilizer for the rest of your garden at little cost, but some disadvantages do come with the practice. While many people who compost are aware of these disadvantages and continue to put their food scraps and other biodegradable matter into their compost, you should be aware of the risks before you begin your own compost pile in your backyard or garden. - The time it takes to create fertilizer that you can actually use is one disadvantage of composting. In order for the compost to be successful, you need to give the food and other material in compost bin at least a month to decay into something usable. In addition, during cold weather, it takes even longer for the material to break down.
- Another major downside of composting is the smell. As things rot and decay, they emit a bad odor. Even though most compost bins are self-contained units, there is the chance the stench of the composing food and plant matter will emit into your yard. One way to cut down on the smell is make sure food items are buried deep into the compost or just don't compost food at all.
- Composting bins, especially the good ones, can cost a lot of money. Although you will be saving money in the long run on fertilizer, compost bins can cost more than $100 for the top-end models.
- Whether you are using a commercially available bin or just starting your own compost pile, you will need to devote some of your land to compost. While aesthetics are not as important to some people than others, a pile of compost or a big bin can stand out in a yard that is well manicured with green grass and flowers.
- Rotting food, especially in a pile outside a bin, will likely attract pests like insects and rodents. Of course, this depends where you live, but having rats and mice set up camp in your backyard not only unsanitary, but they may also eat the plants and vegetables in your garden.
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