Root cellars can be invaluable tools for anyone seeking to store fresh vegetables and fruit long-term, such as during times of shortages. In addition, root cellars are great ways to preserve homemade wine, beer and other alcoholic beverages for future consumption.
Before beginning construction of your root cellar, it is essential that you plan accordingly. First, select an ideal site that is both cool and dark. Next, mark out the footprint of your underground storage space; ensure it is deep enough for frost protection as well as being away from plumbing or electrical lines. Afterward, dig a hole roughly the size of the box your root cellar will sit inside to help prevent walls from shifting over time – you should dig all the way down to seasonal frost lines.
Once your basement walls have been excavated and insulated, it’s time to build your root cellar. Bricks, concrete or cinder blocks make excellent choices as walls; concrete is most durable in cold temperatures while still offering strength. Footers should also be installed to support walls while drains should be installed to collect rainwater in spring/summer rainstorms.
If your basement or cellar doesn’t provide enough space, there are still options for creating a root cellar, such as building one in the ground. Insulation should be added for protection against freezing temperatures as well as heating elements to maintain above-freezing temperatures in your root cellar area. You’ll also require thermometer and hygrometer monitoring tools so as to stay informed on both temperature and humidity levels in your area.
Be mindful when designing a root cellar that hot air rises while cooler air sinks; ensure that there are vents at both floors and ceiling to allow hot air out while cool air enters, plus consider installing one at the bottom to allow cool air to sink down into your space.
Once your roots, fruits, and vegetables have been stored in your root cellar, it’s essential that you monitor their progress closely to identify any that rot or spoil – these could easily spread disease to other crops! It’s also a good idea to separate out fruits that produce an excess of ethylene gas such as apples, peaches and tomatoes as these will ripen too quickly, leading other food items to spoil quickly – you could wrap these in newspaper as an added measure against potential gas production!