MAIL: Reader questions and thoughts

You want ripening to have started before picking. Look for changes in the background colour of the skin – changing from dark green to light green.

‘Conference’ pears have a similar colouring to ‘Beurre Bosc’, which on mine I look for the green parts to begin to pale. But don’t wait ’til they turn yellow.

You can also try cutting one of the bigger ones in half, the flesh should be moist, but hard with a slightly sweet taste, and the seeds should be brown.

Pears don’t ripen all at once, so pick progressively, once you’ve observed the colour change, by carefully lifting and slightly twisting the pear, it should come away easily with the stem attached. If it doesn’t this is also a sign it may not be ready.

For longer storage you can use cold storage with each pear wrapped in tissue paper and kept at 0 degrees, but a pear picked at the right time and stored at room temperature should be ready to eat about 10 days later. Penny Woodward

Left: These ‘Conference’ pears have lightened from dark green to pale green so should be ready to pick.

MY PEARS WON’T RIPEN

We subscribe to your magazine and find it both informative and inspirational; it’s a treat to read when it comes out. Perhaps you can help with a problem we’re having with our ‘Conference’ pear tree? Our tree is now eight years old and producing an abundance of large pears. However, they won’t ripen! The last two years they’ve all been wasted as they stay rock hard after months of storage. A few that did ripen this year were mushy in the middle. Do they need any special treatment to ripen, like cold storage? (We did try the fridge, but to no avail). Rebecca, Aldgate, Adelaide Hills [SA] Hi Rebecca, The short answer is that you are probably picking them too early. But it’s a bit more complicated than that, so I’ll explain. Pears do need to be picked when still firm as they go mushy if left to ripen on the tree. But if you pick them too early then they may never ripen.

CLIMATE DISASTERS

Thank you so much for your autumn editorial (OG 132). That third last paragraph spoke volumes to me. You’re right. NOW is the time [to relocate infrastructure, flood prone homes, boost renewable stand alone power and more...] One disaster after another. It’s biblical! Along with the plague (COVID), for God’s sake.

I’m on Coffs Coast and last year we had a massive hail storm in the mix. Still recovering, rebuilding, renewing after that. These ongoing events not only batter our physical land and homes but our metaphysical sense of safety and security. What you said about relocating towns is key. Be prepared for what is coming...

Yes hard work. But life as it is, is hard work. And the bar keeps being raised, and the sad thing is people are becoming numb to it. (I do it myself).

It makes me angry, too. With all of this plus the housing crisis (I also rent), a garden of Eden seems like a no brainer. Cathy O’Gorman Coffs Harbour region (NSW)

BIRDWATCHING FAN

Thank you so much for your informative, beautiful magazine. Organic Gardener is a fantastic resource for our keen gardening group at Cooranbong Public School.

I was more than happy to purchase two issues of the latest mag. We have an amazing student who has formed a bird appreciation group within the school. They observe the native birds, hang up recycled bird feeders and educate others. Izabell was so happy to receive this edition all related to brilliant birds. We will certainly be planting more bird-attracting plants. Mrs Hosken Cooranbong Public School (NSW)

As further encouragement to Izabell, we’d like to send her and the school a copy of 100 Australian Birds by Georgia Angus.

Above: Izabell has started a bird appreciation group at her school. WINNING WORDS

Please include your town/suburb. Photos are helpful, and any details such as climate and soil. The more information we have the better. post Locked Bag 5555, St Leonards NSW 1590 email editor@organicgardener. com.au web organicgardener.com.au Find us on: