Root cellars can be an excellent way to store garden produce all year-round, and are also useful when shopping at bulk markets or groceries. They are simple, inexpensive and effective methods of food preservation; even if you can’t grow your own vegetables yourself they can help save you money at the grocery while keeping foods at their freshest!
Temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for storage. Cooler temperatures reduce mold growth and spoilage. Plants grow during the day and breathe at night; their respiration rate slows significantly in cooler temperatures. If food in your root cellar starts rotting prematurely, chances are high it’s too warm.
Whenever the temperature in your area drops dramatically, be sure to move food storage away from vents and exterior door of the cellar in order to decrease chances of freezing and prevent ice formation on vents. It would also be wise to cover your root cellar with plastic sheeting for protection in an area with heavy snowfall or rainy winters.
Many gardeners make use of old garbage cans as root cellars, although you could also purchase or build one specifically designed for this use. An ideal storage solution should be insulated and watertight so as to keep soil cold and dry for maximum efficiency; alternatively you could cover its bottom with layers of sand or dirt for further insulation purposes.
Root cellar designs vary, but all should be constructed either into the ground or a basement and should include insulation and vapor barrier to minimize moisture issues, with at least 4 feet thick walls that provide proper insulation, plus well-draining soil in between for drainage purposes. Since soil temperatures vary depending upon latitude and location, you may require consulting a hydrology map in order to accurately gauge underground temperatures in your region.
Root cellars provide more than cold storage; they also help protect food from insects and rodents. It is wise to store it out of reach of children and pets, and install a lock so no one tampers with your food supply. A root cellar should remain cool and dark – ideally it should not be exposed to direct sunlight or wind – for maximum effectiveness.
If you don’t already have a garden but want to experiment with root cellaring, consider turning a basement or outdoor space into one. Converting space under your porch into a root cellar is often easy and doesn’t require major construction; alternatively you could remodel a corner of your basement yourself for as little as $500 by using low-cost or recycled materials.