Root cellars are an old-fashioned method for long-term storage of vegetables, fruit and other foods. Some people utilize cool basements, crawl spaces or empty cellars in their home while others build more permanent root cellars underground. Root cellars protect food from heat, cold and humidity changes to extend shelf life by protecting from rotting and sprouting while decreasing spoilage – helping save money while enjoying local, fresh produce all year long! A properly built underground food cellar can help save you money while giving access to seasonal freshness year-round!
Root cellars can be constructed using many different materials, but selecting one that will withstand damp and cold environments is key. Brick, concrete blocks and recycled tires are good choices for building walls of a root cellar, while you will require a roof that can withstand snowfall without collapsing or collapsing; for optimal cooling results a curved roof usually works better as it provides drainage while simultaneously helping keep its contents cooler.
Before selecting the location for your root cellar, take into account your local climate. Certain regions experience extreme cold winters while others enjoy very warm summers – it is recommended that any root cellar be located below the frost line where ground temperature won’t drop below freezing point.
Once you’ve settled on a location, the next step will be preparing the area. Dig down at least 10 feet (3.05 meters). When choosing your site location it should be away from houses and offer access to a door as this will serve as both entrance and barrier against soil and air elements outside.
Make sure that the cellar is out of direct sunlight to ensure optimal conditions and prevent it from heating up too quickly and leading to faster rotting of produce. Provide adequate ventilation; as cool air settles while warmer air rises; this will ensure a consistent temperature for root cellar storage while also venting ethylene gases that form as produce ripens.
If you need guidance in creating your root cellar, consulting a professional or reading books about it are both excellent ways of getting the process underway. Books such as “Build Your Own Underground Root Cellar” by Phyllis Hobson and “The Doable Off Grid Homestead” may prove especially useful.
If you want to start growing your own food this winter, digging a root cellar might be just the thing to help save money, consume locally grown produce year round, and boost self-reliance. Plus it’s an enjoyable DIY project you can complete on your own!