Fallen fruit rots on the ground and harbors pests and plant diseases that survive the winter and could wreak havoc on your harvest next year. With plum season upon us and apples and pears on the way, raking up what you can't eat – weekly, if possible, plus at the end of the season – helps keep your yard healthy.
Put it in your yard waste bin
Put fallen fruit in your yard waste collection bin to prevent being pestered by problems next year. Unless you’re an expert “hot” composter, it’s best to keep fruit out of backyard compost bins where pests can live large until next spring.
Donate
Better yet, donate your harvest to a gleaning group in your area – they may be able to come pick the fruit for local hunger relief. These are volunteer organizations that need advance notice (call a couple of weeks before the fruit is ready to pick) and do their best to get to everyone.