I like to ask farmers when they expect certain produce to arrive and disappear. If I know how much longer strawberries will be around, I can plan for any final pies or jams. Or if I want to buy in bulk, I'll place an order in advance . —More and more I find that there are really good meat and fish stands selling stuff that's better than what you get at the supermarket. Bring a cooler in your car if you can so you don't have to rush home after.
I've brought home bunches of herbs I couldn't use before they wilted and lost interest in turnips after a single meal. But I've never bought too much fruit. I've never struggled to polish off pints of berries or gotten bored eating juicy peaches over the sink. And on the rare occasion I need an "excuse" to use up fruit before it goes bad, well, that's what crumbles are for.