How to Build a Root Cellar Into a Hillside

Root cellars are essential tools for self-sufficient gardeners and anyone who needs to store food for extended periods. Their cool temperatures and high humidity levels help preserve foods by delaying their ripening, decomposition, evaporation loss as well as slowing the growth of microorganisms that cause rot – something particularly helpful in dry climates where air becomes quickly saturated with water vapor.

Building a root cellar into a hillside allows you to take advantage of natural insulation and control temperature and humidity more effectively, but this project should be undertaken with professional assistance. A concrete basement foundation is the easiest method, but you could also use an underground well or convert a buried septic tank. Or you could reuse an oversized precast culvert or shipping container as a root cellar. Regardless of the method you select, be sure to insulate both roof and walls as well as insulation under the soil depending on latitude/location.

Insulate both your vent and door so you can access food without subjecting it to extreme cold, or allowing in outside temperatures. Also ensure the area beneath your root cellar is free from running water or sewage pipes, in order to maintain an ideal temperature setting. Finally, add both an exhaust system and vent for proper temperature regulation: fresh air can come in during cooler seasons while old air should leave during hotter periods.

Make sure your root cellar is an accessible, safe space away from any buildings near it, so you can use it during power outages without fearing pests damaging food supplies.

Stock your root cellar as late in the season as possible, and check its contents frequently for signs of spoilage. It is especially important to monitor fruits that produce ethylene gas – such as pears and apples – which can speed up spoiling processes in other vegetables; in this instance it would be wise to separate these fruits from those you intend on keeping fresher, and perhaps wrap them to contain their ethylene emissions.

If space is at a premium, an old metal garbage can or barrel buried in the ground makes an effective root cellar. Simply dig a hole larger than your container and line it with straw and leaves before covering its top with a wooden lid to keep out water and allow air ventilation. Alternatively, converting an existing septic tank will also work; remembering to get one that provides more headroom than an equivalent 1,000-gallon one would provide enough headroom inside your cellar.


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