Root cellars provide an effective and economical means of storing winter vegetables. Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, parsnips, turnips, rutabagas and beets thrive in such dark spaces, making root cellars an invaluable storage solution.
Root cellars provide valuable support for backyard gardeners and homesteaders by keeping produce fresher longer while attenuating spoilage due to microbes that grow underground. Root cellars may also serve as valuable tools against mold growth in soil; their main use being as burial pits but many also opt for other options such as buckets, barrels or even trash cans as storage solutions.
An essential factor in successful vegetable storage in a garbage can root cellar is having a tight-fitting lid and sufficient insulation. To start off, select a well-draining location in the garden for your cellar, dig a hole larger than your garbage can and ensure it sits several inches above soil level, then line this new hole with layers of straw or hay to provide insulation against moisture intrusion.
Once the hay or straw is installed, place the trash can into its hole and fill it with produce. Finally, cover its top with a waterproof plastic cover to protect from potential water intrusion or pest invasion and periodically check its lid for signs of intrusion or pest infiltration; any gaps should be sealed using soil, sand or bricks in order to stop further entry.
To increase stability and prevent frost formation, stack bricks or blocks in the corner of your can hole to raise it higher than its surroundings – this step may prove especially important in regions that experience heavy snowfall or frequent freezing.
In order to preserve a cool, humid atmosphere necessary for successful root cellar storage, your garbage can root cellar should be covered with a waterproof plastic cover purchased from most hardware stores or online. Secure this to the lid using sturdy rocks or bricks and regularly inspect for gaps or cracks that might allow pests or moisture into your cellar – any problems should be repaired quickly to avoid worsening of conditions in storage.