Root cellars provide an ideal place for vegetables and fruit storage, thanks to their cool temperatures that prevent over-ripening while inhibiting microorganism growth. Their humidity level also helps prevent moisture loss through evaporation that would otherwise lead to produce withering or becoming rotten, while low temperatures limit ethylene gas release from apples, bananas, melons and tomatoes that would otherwise spoil rapidly in other environments.
Based on your desired produce type and destination, ideal storage conditions will vary accordingly. A refrigerator root cellar requires three primary conditions in order to function effectively: constant temperature, adequate ventilation and darkness. Furthermore, proper air circulation helps control condensation while eliminating vegetable-related odors.
Root cellars should be located in an area that is cool and dry with partial shade if possible. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate an old refrigerator or chest freezer, line its bottom with rocks or gravel for drainage, then fill up the rest of it with soil and pack tightly to provide insulation and stability.
Repurposing an old refrigerator as a root cellar is an energy- and cost-efficient solution to storing produce. Modern fridges use efficient cooling systems, enabling you to keep vegetables at an ideal temperature without using too much electricity.
Before making any modifications to your refrigerator, always consult a professional or follow manufacturer guidelines regarding safe handling of refrigerants. Also during the modification process, always disconnect it from its power source to avoid electric shock, as well as wear eye protection and sturdy work gloves when handling sharp tools.
Refrigerator root cellars can be an effective option for gardeners with limited space who produce multiple crops that benefit from being stored under refrigeration. They’re an economical and time-efficient alternative to building dedicated underground root cellars which require significant investments both time and money to create.
As opposed to a traditional root cellar, which may cost several thousand dollars to construct, refrigerator root cellars can be created relatively cheaply if gardeners owning an older refrigerator or chest freezer are looking to repurpose into their root cellars.
An effective refrigerator root cellar can safely store produce for six months, making it the ideal solution in areas prone to extreme weather or those living far from a grocery store, where fresh produce needs to be stored long term. Furthermore, root cellars save money by eliminating prepackaged veggie purchases at grocery stores while providing food security by enabling farmers to preserve their crops year round.