The aim of this website section a guide on what to do in the fruit patch on a monthly basis, The heart of a gardening year is a work plan, twelve months of gardening which begins in March when the ground becomes workable after frosts, the climate varies considerably depending on where you are so there is no hard and fast rule when you begin to sow vegetable seeds or transplant seedlings outside, it all comes down to common sense.

January February March April May June July August September October November December

Harvesting fruit

Ripening of apples and pears heralds the coming of autumn, but actual harvesting time varies from year to year, so check regularly to ensure you pick at the right stage of ripeness.

Picking technique

When it is ready, hold each fruit lightly in the palm of the hand and gently lift, twist and pull away. Generally, apples should be harvested while slightly under-ripe and allowed to develop in store. However, there are a few exceptions. Apples that ripen in early September, such as ‘James Grieve’, can be harvested and eaten as soon as they are ready on the tree. Very late apples, including ‘Winston’, should be left until hard frosts or strong winds are forecast, usually in late October. These will then ripen in store.

Harvesting pears

Picking pears at the right time is critical to ensure you get to eat good-quality fruit. Harvest early-season pears while still under-ripe (usually early August) and mid-season pears in late August when they are immature. They will ripen indoors. Many pears are late-season types and should be picked in mid- to late September when the first windfalls appear. These will ripen while in storage.

Storing fruit

Only store the best quality fruit as poor fruit will not store well and may affect otherwise healthy fruit.

Environment

This needs to be cool with an even temperature, ideally around 3-7°C (37-45°F), ensuring that temperatures do not fall below 2.8°C (36°F). The store should be well ventilated, dark and with a moist (but not damp) atmosphere. A cellar, garden shed or garage would suit if they meet these requirements.

Containers

Containers should give enough space for air to circulate between the fruit. Stacking crates are ideal for this, but specially constructed slatted wooden shelves, wooden orchard boxes or polystyrene trays are also suitable.

Preparing fruit

Although fruit stores well unwrapped, the best results come from wrapping. Fruit can be stored in polythene bags, providing that the temperature is kept even to prevent condensation. Pierce one hole per 500g (1lb) of fruit, placing fruit in a single layer and folding over the end. Larger apples such as 'Bramley's Seedling' which do not store well if wrapped, can be stored in polythene bags but double the number of holes.

Apples can be wrapped in tissue paper or newspaper. Pears should be left unwrapped. Quince have a pungent aroma and should not be stored near other fruit.

Problems

Fruit rotting: Due to inadequate ventilation or damaged fruit.

Shrivelling: Temperatures may be too high or atmosphere lacking in humidity. If you can damp down the floor occasionally this will help maintain a moist atmosphere, or store fruit in polythene bags.

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