Pick pears at the first hint of browning of the seeds. Apples can be picked when each seed is about half brown. Once picked, they can be stored at room temperature for a few days and then used. If you want to store your apples for a longer period, pick them when you notice the first hint of brown in the seeds. Place newly picked apples for storage in the refrigerator and reduce wilting by placing them in a perforated plastic bag.
Plums are tricky, and often fall from the tree just before they are ripe.
They should be picked when they are a little on the green side and allowed to ripen at cool room temperatures. The fruit for subsequent years is produced on these spurs. DO Leave the spurs on the tree for next year's growth. Ward is a staff member with the Department of Horticulture Science. This column is offered as a service by the Extension Division and the Department of Horticulture Science, University of Saskatchewan.