Root cellars can be an efficient and economical way to keep vegetables, fruit and hardy plants fresh for longer. By providing cool and dark environments in which to preserve foodstuffs, as well as saving energy with reduced electricity usage. Furthermore, since many underground structures can be constructed directly onto home foundations with less work required than conventional basements.
Construction of a root cellar may appear simple, but for it to be safe and functional it requires proper planning. Consult with a geotechnical or structural engineer in your area before beginning digging for optimal size and depth parameters for your cellar, as well as to secure any necessary permits before commencing construction work.
Once your cellar has been built, it must be finished off to get the most from it. Installing stairs may help make use easier if your cellar has steep walls; also be sure to insulate and ventilate properly for best results; fresh air should enter while stale air escapes through vents in the walls.
An arch is ideal for root cellar roofs to help prevent moisture pooling inside of it, leading to mildew and mold growth. Furthermore, monitoring its internal temperature regularly and taking measures to maintain it at an ideal level is also highly recommended.
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to build a root cellar is repurposing an existing concrete septic tank. Made from prestressed concrete, septic tanks are typically strong enough to support food and other items you store in a cellar. If you decide on this method for creating your root cellar, contact your local concrete septic tank manufacturer and have them select an adequate tank size; once installed it may become difficult or impossible to move.
Root cellars were traditionally constructed by digging into the ground or erecting an underground structure with access through a trap door in a shed or house, both methods which can be difficult to do due to soil removal costs. Now however, precast root cellars make building one easier around an existing relatively shallow septic tank in multiple sizes from small to large; just remember the following when selecting one: