How much can I cut my plants down in the fall?? In 1/2?........Also, my pear tree has produced some fine large pears,however, they are as hard as a rock, Can I soften them in any way???

Dear Mike,

Pears can soften after harvest if they are mature when picked. You should keep only the very best, wrap them individually in a few sheets of newspaper and store them out of direct sunlight and heat inside the home. Check on them every few days once they start to soften and begin to enjoy them as they continue to ripen. Pear culture may vary in Vermont vs. Illinois, yet post harvest care should be similar.

Fall pruning - to be helpful, I would need to know what plants you are pruning.

Sincerely, Richard Hentschel