Sun, 03 May 2026 04:16:09 +0000

This Forgotten Bartlett Pear Could Be the Key to Flawless Compost When it comes to building nutrient-rich compost, most gardeners focus on greens and browns—kitchen scraps, leaves, wood chips—but rarely consider one of nature’s quietly underutilized composting assets: the forgotten Bartlett pear. This once-ubiquitous fruit tree variety, prized in orchards for its crisp, juicy pears, holds unexpected potential to elevate your composting efforts—often going overlooked by both home gardeners and composting enthusiasts. ### Why the Bartlett Pear Matters in Composting The Bartlett pear, a classic European variety introduced to American orchards in the 19th century, is more than a culinary favorite. Its peels, seeds, and fallen fruit scraps contribute vital organic matter that accelerates decomposition and enriches finished compost. Unlike many modern hybrids bred for shelf life and transport, the Bartlett pear delivers quality “green” and “brown” material with a unique balance of cellulose, sugars, and trace minerals essential for a thriving compost ecosystem.