abundance of fruit and veg

  It isn't just about the growing, they also have preserving, cooking and everything you can think of. http://www.allotment.org.uk/

Preserving fruits without sugar is difficult as sugar is actually a preserving agent that kills microorganisms. But you could use alcohol instead.  

Following on from Gala I have had success poaching figs in vino cotto and then freezing them, also stoned cherries poached in Masala freeze well. Am not a fan of using sugar or of bottled fruit or veg, so invested in a chest freezer, that might be your answer pamela.