Is it correct that raw eggshells (dried and reduced to small pieces) will bio-degrade quickly in compost or soil, whereas cooked ones remain "as is" longer and tend to attract pests?
There is no indication that insects or pests are attracted to egg shells in compost, either raw or cooked.
Cooking your egg shells will eliminate any danger of salmonella or botulism transfer.
You should do what ever you feel safe with for your own composting.
Here are some links for you with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/eggshells-in-the-garden.htm
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/adding_eggshells_to_compost
I planted my first tomato plants this year. At the end of the season, I blended all the green tomatoes infected with what I understand is tomato blight and dumped the liquid mess into my hot compost bin. Do I have to burn my compost heap now?
Diseased plants should be disposed of and not be placed in your compost.
These articles have more information for you.
http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/pests/plant_pests/veg_fruit/hgic2217.html
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/composting-tomato-plants.htm
When is the best time to start a compost pile? I would like to have some compost material for early spring planting, but not sure it can be done in winter. Thank you! :)
You can start a compost at any time.
The articles below will help you get started.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics/starting-compost-pile.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics/turning-units-for-composts.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics/ultimate-beginners-guide-composting.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics/winter-composting.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/what-can-you-compost.htm
We use natural pine pellets for the cat litter. Works wonderful and breaks down to sawdust. After the litter is "worn out," is it safe to mix into the compost pile? Is the ammonia too much for the compost? Thanks for helping with our debate.
Because of the risk of diseases like toxoplasmosis, we don't recommend adding cat litter to a compost pile for use on edible plants. If the compost will be used only on ornamentals, then yes, you can add cat litter as a good source of nitrogen.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/manures/cat-feces-in-compost.htm
Leaves fall from Prunus subhirtella in autumn with holes in them (shot hole disease)...is it safe to compost them in black plastic bags?
Dispose of infected leaves by burning if possible. Do not compost.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/shot-hole-disease-fungus.htm
Are chicken bones good for the compost pile? Thank you, Stephen.
Chicken bones are not recommended in compost piles because they will attract animals, and because they don't compost well in most home compost piles:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/what-can-you-compost.htm
Since we live in a cold weather area, what is the best way to compost - in a bin or in an open area? What is the best way to do it?
Either a bin or an open pile are possible, though a bin will probably be more convenient in winter. When winter comes, either use up the compost in an open pile and start again, or cover an open pile with a tarp to prevent nutrients from leaching out.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics/winter-composting.htm
This article has a section about compost in winter toward the bottom:
https://web.extension.illinois.edu/homecompost/building.cfm