I don't think we're technically allowed to compost. Normally this stuff is given a pass in my area but in my particular neighborhood, there happens to be a rather persnickety contingent of retired people who like to call the county on any infractions they feel are decreasing the value of their houses. They called the county on me for having a wood pile in view from the street. It turned into a small nightmare and I'm not looking to go through that again. I'm pretty sure they'll find something wrong with my planned garden but I'm trying to make sure I have all my ducks in a row in case that happens. As far as deer, it seems like there are as many remedies as there are gardeners. One guy even recommended hanging Irish Spring soap on poles around the garden.