Composting within a bin is not a requirement for decomposition to occur. However, containing your compost piles in some manner serves several purposes including keeping a tidy appearance and expediting decomposition.

An ideal compost pile should be no larger than 3 ft x 3 ft x ft. This is a manageable size for turning by hand and reduces the likelihood of compaction. At this size the pile will generate enough heat to improve decomposition and kill off pests and weed seeds within the pile. Do not make the pile any larger than 5 ft x 5 ft x 5 ft.

Compost bins that facilitate regular turning can be purchased, but a more cost effective option is to build one. Compost bins can be built using a variety of materials including some that can be sourced free such as pallets. Here are plans for some do-it-yourself options https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6957

A common compost setup uses three bins to store materials throughout the stages. The first bin stores green material. The second bin holds the actively decomposing material and the third bin houses the finished compost that is ready to be used.

Here is a video to help with selecting the compost bin system that is right for you. https://kansashealthyyards.org/all-videos/video/composting-choosing-a-bin 

Cynthia Domenghini, Extension Agent

Pears are typically ready for harvest from now through October. Don’t wait until fully ripe to harvest though; pears left to ripen on the tree may develop a gritty texture. Harvesting at maturity but before peak ripeness along with a chilling period can bring out the sweet flavors we love from pears.

Pears that are ready for harvest change to a darker green color. Some varieties will have brown spots on the skin. These are the fruits’ “breathing pores” known as lenticels. The lenticels are white or greenish-white on immature pears and change to brown at maturity. The fruit will develop a waxy coating and will separate easily from the branch when twisted. Mature fruit should have a pear aroma.

When harvesting, carefully remove the fruit by lifting it at an angle and twisting. Avoid damaging the twig where it attaches as this could negatively impact fruit development next year.

Refrigerate newly harvested pears at 31 to 50 degrees F for two days to several weeks depending on the variety.

To complete ripening, remove pears from the cold storage and allow to sit at 60 to 65 degrees F for one to three weeks. Conditions that are too warm may cause the fruit to rot instead of ripening.

Cynthia Domenghini, Extension Agent

Mulching the landscape is a recommended practice to moderate soil temperature and moisture and prevent weeds. Wood chips created by tree trimming companies can be an inexpensive way to mulch around trees and shrubs in the landscape. Homeowners have some concerns about the effect green wood chips may have on their landscape plants.

Will using fresh wood chips as mulch deplete nitrogen from the soil? Microorganisms found in the soil break down organic matter using nitrogen from the soil. Wood chips are very low in nitrogen so more is pulled from the soil to break down the wood chips making the nitrogen less available for the desired plants. However, when used only on the surface as a mulch, this is not a concern. It is not recommended to incorporate fresh wood chips into the soil. Recognize the difference between mulch and compost.

Will wood chips from a diseased tree spread the disease into my landscape? The short answer is “it could.” However, if handled properly, the wood chips can be safely used in the landscape. If it is known that the wood chips are from a diseased tree, allow them time to dry out completely before spreading in the landscape. To be safe, avoid spreading the mulch around trees of the same species where the wood chips originated.

Will using wood chips near my home encourage termites? This can be a concern if the wood chips are mulched right up to the foundation of the house. Termites are light and heat sensitive and will not bother the chips themselves if they are 3 inches deep or less. Therefore, keep the depth of the mulch less than three-inches near the house and other buildings. Also, leave a bare area several inches wide next to the house so that any termite activity is noticeable.

Cynthia Domenghini, Extension Agent