In last week’s “Gardening Corner,” I wrote about some of the benefits of home composting: the creation of healthy organic material that will enrich the soil in your garden without the expense of lab-created inorganic fertilizers; decreased pollution from chemical runoff into our waterways; and fewer trips to the convenience center with smaller loads of trash. Ultimately, you will produce healthier homegrown fruits and vegetables and more beautiful flowers and shrubs.
Now that you are ready to begin composting, you still have some homework to do before you can start throwing stuff on a pile in your backyard. First, check county ordinances and community or homeowners’ association regulations. You shouldn’t have a problem in rural areas of Gloucester and Mathews, but let neighbors know that you plan to install a compost bin or pile. They will want to know that your latest garden project won’t smell or attract flies or unwanted pests of the furry kind. If you avoid adding animal products l...