Building root cellars that work is something everyone can do, even those who live in an apartment.
Root cellars work because they maintain cool temperatures, they are dark and they retain the right amount of humidity.
Root cellars do not need to be underground unless you wish them to be.
They can be above ground, built in a basement or even in a closet, attic or stairwell.
There is a variety of produce that stores well in root cellars, potatoes, carrots, squash, pumpkin, turnips, grapes, apples, pears and much more.
The trick is learning how to store food, what temperatures the food you wish to store needs to be stored at and how long the food will keep.
The answers to these questions vary just as the answers to how much food to put up vary.
The first step is to understand the four factors that affect food storage and then decide which type of root cellar you wish to build.
Building An In Ground Root Cellar
An in ground root cellar is going to require a lot of digging as well as some construction.
The easiest way to dig the hole is with a backhoe, but if you don’t have access to one, you can certainly use a shovel.
Then the hole must be lined with concrete blocks.
A roof must be made and covered, usually with soil or but sometimes with concrete.
Drainage under the floor and along the outer walls is necessary, especially if you lie in an area that gets a lot of rain.
For those who are comfortable with construction, an in ground root cellar is wonderful, but for those who are not, there are other options.
Closet, Attic And Stairwell Root Cellars
The key to successfully turning a closet, attic or stairwell into a root cellar is to choose a part of your house that is minimally heated or better yet, not heated at all.
Even an unused room in your home could be used.
While no major construction is necessary if you choose to use an area such as this, keep in mind that an area that borders an outer wall is best.
Also be sure to keep an eye on the produce you store, because one bad fruit or vegetable is sure to make your home quite stinky.
Root Cellar Ideal Temperature
The ideal food storage temperature for a root cellar depends on what you are storing in it.
In addition to having the ideal temperature range, it is also important to have the correct humidity to keep the food fresher longer.
Here are three temperature and humidity recommendations along with a list of the fruits and vegetables that do best under those specific conditions.
- Cool and moist: 32 to 40 degrees F with 90 to 95% humidity: Carrots, beets, parsnips, rutabagas, turnips, celery, Chinese cabbage, winter radishes, kohlrabi, leeks, collards, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
- Cool and moist: 32 to 40 degrees F with 85 to 90% humidity: potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, apples, grapes, oranges, pears and grapefruit.
- Cool and moist: 40 to 50 degrees F with 85 to 90% humidity: cucumbers, cantaloupe, watermelon and ripe tomatoes.
Be sure you are building root cellars that work before you store your produce in them by taking multiple temperature and humidity measurements.
Root Cellar Temperature Control
Root cellar temperature control is essential to the success of your root cellar.
The cooler temperatures found in a root cellar slow the release of ethylene gas as well as stop decomposition by stopping the growth of microorganism’s.
One way to control the temperature in a root cellar is to make sure it is well insulated, is located in an area that remains cool, such as underground and has adequate ventiliation.
Choosing to locate the root cellar on the north side of your property instead of on the south south also helps to keep it cooler.
Some people choose to locate their root cellars outside in a woody area to help keep sunlight off the root cellar itself and prevent the ground from being as hot as it might be in full sun.
Other people might choose to build a root cellar in their basement.
Using a double vent system with one vent on the floor to bring in fresh, cool air and one on the ceiling to allow hot, stale air and ethylene gas to escape also helps with temperature control.
Remember that proper humidity is also important to prevent the fruits and vegetables from shriveling.
Food Storage Ideas
Four Factors That Affect Food Storage
Understanding the four factors that affect food storage is essential for keeping your food safe, especially if you intend to store it long term.
Home Food Storage Solutions
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Home Food Storage Guidelines
Long term food storage is a great way to be prepared for an emergency. Check out these home food storage guidelines and be sure to print the handy chart!
Learn More About Your Home Food Preservation Options
Learn more about your home food preservation options incluing canning, freezing, dehydrating and a few others that are a little less known.
10 Home Food Storage Solutions That Will Inspire You
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Reusable Bakery Trays Make Great Produce Storage Trays
Bakery trays make great reusuable produce storage trays for root cellars or even for storing fruits or vegetables during the food preservation process.
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Learn what the best foods for a survival pantry are and how you can build your own effective emergency food supply.
Long Term Survival Food Supply Options
When it comes to long term survival food options, there are numerous reputable companies out there but you need to choose food you like.
Preserving Herbs For Winter Use eCourse
Do you love fresh herbs but wonder if there is an easy way to preserve them for the winter?
Do you seek other ways to use herbs other than just as a seasoning on food?
There are so many ways to preserve herbs for winter use – from various methods of drying them to freezing them, but it doesn’t end there.
Some of the best ways to preserve herbs in right in the foods you would normally incorporate herbs into – pre-made seasonings, teas, butter or oil.
Then this is the course for you!
What You Will Learn In This Course:
Hang herbs to dry
Use a hanging herb dryer
Dry herbs on a window screen dryer
Dry herbs in a dehydrator
Dry herbs in an oven
Dry herbs in a microwave
Freeze herbs whole
Make herb ice cubes
Add fresh herbs to freezer meals
Add herbs to canned sauces
Preserve herbs in vinegar
Preserve herbs in oil
Preserve herbs in butter
Preserve herbs in salt or sugar
Make pre-made seasonings
Make herbal tea
Make herb jelly (plus tips on how to use these)
