Root cellars provide an ideal way to store vegetables, fruits and other food over an extended period. Their natural cooling system and increased air moisture level help extend storage life of produce; in turn, this slows ripening and inhibits microorganism growth that could shorten shelf life of certain items. They’re an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to electric refrigerators – which often come at significant expense and inefficiency in operation.
Root cellars should ideally be built underground; however, if digging is prohibited on your property or you simply prefer an easier solution, above-ground models are also possible. Some people even bury old chest freezers or refrigerators into the ground at minimal expense while continuing to function normally.
No matter whether it is underground or above-ground, your cellar needs a strong foundation. Masonry walls that are at least 4 feet deep will help the cooler ground temperatures circulate through, keeping your produce cold and safe throughout the year. Furthermore, make sure it is insulated to protect both winter and summer temperatures; insulation could include anything from an easily applied layer of straw to underground berm or earthbag construction techniques.
Choose a dry and partially shaded site for your root cellar. Dig a hole that’s as deep as your refrigerator or chest freezer plus some additional room, filling it in with rock or concrete to support and insulate, then building a retaining wall around your root cellar to add stability and protect it from the elements.
Notification should be taken of your need to regularly enter your root cellar to check its temperature and humidity levels, remove spoiled or overripe food items, and check storage life of vegetables. Opening it unnecessarily could disturb its cool temperature and high humidity levels and shorten storage life of vegetables stored there. It is also wise to store foods like pears, apples and tomatoes separately from others because their high amounts of ethylene gas could prematurely ripen other items stored there.
Maintaining a root cellar may seem straightforward, but it’s essential that you monitor its condition for best results. Some produce needs a higher humidity level than others, so misting may become necessary from time to time to keep everything at the ideal humidity levels. Cucumbers and squash family members in particular could even develop mold if stored too dryly in storage conditions.
If you’re new to building your own root cellar, there are a number of books available as resources for guidance. “Build Your Own Underground Root Cellar” by Phyllis Hobson was published in 1983 and remains an incredibly popular title on the topic, covering everything from what vegetables and fruits can be stored safely inside one to construction requirements and annual maintenance needs as well as which veggies should be stored when. Stewart and Shannon Stonger’s “The Doable Off-Grid Homestead” also offers great guidance.