Are You an Urban Farmer Or a Backyard Gardener? A Root Cellar Kit Can Keep Your Harvest Fresh into Winter
Root cellar storage conditions should be between 32-40 degrees F (0-4 degrees C), and 80-90% humidity for optimal fruit and vegetable storage conditions. A properly maintained root cellar can extend storage life up to six months for fresh seasonal produce that might otherwise go spoiled before consumption.
Root cellars are typically built underground, below the frost line. At this depth, the ground remains cool but does not freeze; thus ensuring food stored does not spoil and remains edible throughout winter. Temperature and humidity levels are controlled using vents; which remain closed in summer but open slightly in autumn, winter, and spring to allow in fresh outdoor air for cooling purposes.
When building or selecting the location for a root cellar, multiple factors must be taken into account: climate, ventilation and drainage. Ideally, it should be situated either on a hillside or below frost line to take advantage of natural insulation provided by earth’s properties; proper ventilation must also be ensured in order to bring in cool air from outside while venting stale air out; this helps avoid mold and mildew growth in your cellar.
Building a basement root cellar within an existing home is another viable solution, although this requires more work and materials than digging down into the earth. Insulation should be added on both walls and ceiling, using either foam or concrete block insulation as required; ventilation can still be managed using intake vents on one wall with exhaust vents on another; additional steps might also be needed – intake and exhaust vents need to be placed strategically around both homes to achieve adequate air circulation.
An ideal location for a root cellar is in the northeast corner of your house, as this spot receives most sunlight during the day and offers coolest air. Masonry blocks, brick or stone should be used when building it and interior walls should be insulated with faced foam insulation or concrete block insulation for insulation purposes. Adding windows allows access to fresh air outside.
If a root cellar is to be built outside an existing home, a hillside or berm can be constructed as its location. Although these types of structures require more work and materials than basement cellars, they’re still more cost-effective than aboveground ones, plus can serve additional functions throughout the year. Additionally, hillside cellars can double up as extra storage.