If you have fruit trees and bushes, there's a good chance that in September you'll have a glut of produce; trees will be laden and bushes glistening with berries. Even if you don't grow your own, look out for wild fruits when you go on country walks.

Here's some advice on how to pick and store:

Orchard fruit, including apples, pears and plums, can be picked with a quick twist of the wrist. A ripe fruit will come away easily but will need careful handling and packing when storing.

How long they last will depend on the variety and conditions, but they can keep for several weeks in a cold, dark, frost-free place. When you're putting them away, choose only unbruised ones and lay out carefully, so they aren't touching each other, in containers that allow the air to circulate. Fruit from trees doesn't freeze well but can be made into chutneys and jellies. Or invest in a press and make pear or apple juice.

Soft fruit from bushes, such as raspberries, blackberries and cranberries, disintegrates very quickly once picked so only harvest when you've got the time and kitchen space to deal with it immediately.

Freezing is the easiest option and although fruit will lose some of its 'bite' when defrosted, it will be fine for most purposes. Soft fruits can also be made into jams, cordials, chutneys and juices.