For farmers in the Northern San Joaquin Valley, a very wet winter made it difficult, or even impossible, to carry out normal soil preparation, pest management, planting and dozens of other necessary operations. For home gardeners the horticultural problems were similar, although on a much smaller and less critical scale. One of the most common storm-related problems in home gardens is large amounts of citrus fruit, especially navel oranges, that fall from trees. Gardeners often find themselves needing to store large numbers of oranges that would normally remain on the tree until late early summer.

Unlike many other fruits, oranges do not improve in quality while in storage. In addition, the fruit is subject to several kinds of decay and other disorders that may develop. Temperature is probably the most critical factor in being able to store oranges for a long period of time. Oranges should keep 6 to 8 weeks at 38øF, 4 to 6 weeks at 40 to 44øF, and 3 to 4 weeks at 48øF. Unless you have room in a refrigerator you will not be able maintain such low temperatures. However, temperatures in the neighborhood of 60øF will also allow storage for 2 or 3 weeks, and is probably more realistic for most people. Choose a place such as an unheated garage or shed where the temperature can be held at a fairly uniform level, and where the humidity will remain relatively high.

It's also important to not store fruit that is injured. Set aside and use first any fruit that has a punctured or broken rind, or has any signs of decay. This may be especially difficult with fruit that has fallen to the ground.

Place the fruit in convenient containers, such as clean wooden or cardboard boxes, and get it into storage as soon as possible with a minimum of handling. Fruits may be stored bare or wrapped individually. Wrapping tends to isolate decaying fruit and prevents the withering that may occur if the air is too dry. A few bad fruits will speed up deterioration of the whole lot, especially if the fruit is unwrapped. Be sure to examine the fruit frequently, and remove any that are showing signs of decay.