Root Cellar Construction

root cellar construction

Root cellars provide homesteaders with an ideal storage solution for fruits, vegetables and meats that stay fresh longer. Basements, garages or sheds often serve this function; however actual root cellars are best as their design provides optimal conditions for keeping foods at an ideal storage environment.

Traditional root cellars are built by burrowing them deep underground. To begin the construction of one, excavation of the site must occur first – this step involves clearing away any roots or rocks present as well as levelling its bottom to ensure an even surface. A site situated at an incline should make digging easier while water drainage will improve.

Once the hole has been dug, the walls must be prepared. Insulation materials like hay, straw, sawdust or foam insulation boards should be used to line both walls and ceiling of your cellar to maintain an even temperature throughout. Venting should also be included in your design to allow controlled amounts of cold air in during autumn, winter and spring weather while permitting hot air out during warmer periods.

Ventilation can help with food preservation as well. By maintaining moist air in the cellar and preventing mold or mildew growth, ventilation should be installed as part of cellar construction plans – adding 4-inch PVC exhaust pipes will be beneficial in this regard.

Another option for creating a root cellar is using a modified cooler as one. These coolers can be purchased online or from home improvement stores and offer an affordable solution if there is no suitable spot in which to dig a hole for traditional root cellar. Plus, using this solution means not having to go outside in cold or rain to retrieve their food supply!

An alternative approach is constructing an earthbag root cellar. This type of root cellar can be built quickly and cheaply; plans for construction can be found in several books, such as “Build Your Own Underground Root Cellar,” published by Phyllis Hobson in 1983 and still in print today. This book provides complete instructions for creating this type of root cellar – available online sources at approximately $5 price point it makes an excellent resource for beginning gardeners or homesteaders who wish to preserve food themselves.


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