Root cellar doors serve as the entranceway into an underground storage area where fruit, vegetables and other foodstuffs can be stored during winter for later consumption in spring. Root cellaring used to be popular among many people living off-grid and homesteaders seeking greater self-sufficiency; today this practice has gained momentum among gardeners, homesteaders and anyone interested in sustainable living practices.
Root cellars typically are dug either horizontally into a hillside or vertically into the earth to store items below their freezing point, often lined with concrete or cinder blocks for insulation and designed with enough standing room to allow storage of various items at different depths depending on their storage needs. They allow cold air to descend while warm air rises, keeping items with similar temperature requirements closer together.
To build a root cellar in your home, select an ideal location and plan its construction. A basement is often an ideal location, although an outdoor cellar-like space or even unfinished part of a garage may work just as well. Insulation should also be provided so cool air does not escape while warm air does not enter; additionally, drainage systems will need to be put into place so water seepage can be managed and your soil doesn’t become oversaturated.
Your basement should also feature a ventilation system to bring in cold, outside air while exhausting stale, moldy air out – this will prevent mold growth as well as provide illumination so items can be located easily. Additionally, lighting in your cellar will aid with this task as well.
Root cellar walls must be strong enough to withstand moisture and cold temperatures, and bricks, concrete or cinder blocks are cost-effective ways of meeting this criteria. Footers should be installed underneath each footer so as to secure their position over time; at least 8 feet (2.4 meters) high walls provide plenty of storage space and enable standing upright inside your cellar.
Those new to root cellaring may benefit from hiring a professional to construct their cellar for them. As this is an involved project, professional expertise will ensure it goes as smoothly as possible. A pro can also help determine the ideal size and configuration of your cellar so as to provide enough room for all of the foods you wish to store; taking into account weather conditions in your area as well as any other factors which might influence how long food stays fresh in storage. It may be worth making the investment;