Root cellars provide the ideal place for growing root vegetables, onions or potatoes-or even certain leafy greens and fruits-to remain fresh over time. In essence, they function like refrigerators but in an insulated and ventilated space designed specifically for this task.
Root cellars were traditionally found underground or in basements; however, more recently people have constructed them elsewhere, such as under their porch or even their garage. An ideal root cellar location should be close to home but well insulated and at least partially underground in order to keep its temperature consistent during wintertime.
Root cellars in basements may work well, but are less convenient than those under porches or garages, where doors open directly into the kitchen. Instead, digging a hole large enough for all of your equipment is required – an intensive task that pays off with year-round vegetable storage from your own garden or the farmers market.
Root cellar plans must include at least two vents that allow cold air to come in during fall, and warm air to escape during winter. They should be situated at opposite ends of the room to prevent one side becoming too warm, while simultaneously helping cool it more rapidly than expected. An exhaust fan may also help speed things along!
An essential element in creating the ideal root cellar environment is maintaining optimal humidity levels. You want the air to remain moist enough to prevent vegetables from drying out but not so humid that mold forms; for this purpose, make sure it has adequate ventilation by opening windows or using small exhaust fans.
Root vegetables like potatoes, beets and carrots should be stored in a refrigerator if temperatures are properly managed; however, the time-honored practice of keeping roots and bulbs stored in root cellars remains just as applicable today – especially given the rising cost of transportation of food products and its storage needs. Furthermore, these spaces make great places for keeping canned or pickled goods or perennial flower bulbs/rhizomes cold-storage safe at an economical cost without needing refrigeration.