Root cellars are cool, dark spaces designed to protect vegetables and fruit from spoilage. For optimal results, temperatures should hover around freezing (32-40F/0-4.5C). This helps minimize ethylene gas production that causes food to ripen prematurely; no sunlight should enter as exposure increases the risk of mold growth and sprouting, making shadier locations such as basements more preferable than direct sun exposure.
Building a root cellar can range from being simple to quite complex. Most require significant effort and money for their creation; homesteaders often opt for prefabricated models instead, which typically cost under $10,000.
Reusing an old chest freezer is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to build a root cellar cheap. This method will hold your first batches of potatoes and root vegetables safely; just remember to remove any freon as this could be toxic if it comes in contact with food.
Next, ensure your root cellar is properly insulated to prevent heat loss while also keeping soil cool – two key requirements for effective storage conditions. Depending on its design and layout, use rigid foam batts or fiberglass insulation boards on its walls but make sure there is space between these and joists above for air circulation.
Once your root cellar has been properly insulated, the next step should be constructing its roof. A strong roof that can hold the weight of its stored produce must be constructed; otherwise it could collapse and destroy everything within. You can use plywood sheets and 12 rebar to build its basic shape before covering it with plastic sheeting and more rebar for additional support.
Make sure that your root cellar includes stairs. It’s easy to forget how far underground root cellars go; without stairs you may have difficulty entering and exiting them during cold or rainy weather conditions.
Root cellars can be an effective way to save money and eat healthier, but be careful not to overbuild one as too large a cellar may make it hard to regulate temperature and humidity levels within. Furthermore, opening and closing it multiple times each day could cause temperature fluctuations which shorten storage life for your vegetables or fruit. It would be prudent to hire a local professional who can design your cellar according to safety standards for maximum savings and sustainability.