Last Updated on April 11, 2024 by Veronica Sparks
Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to build a basement root cellar and understand why you need one. If you’re a home gardener or simply want to store your produce efficiently, a building a basement root cellar is a practical prepping project that can be a game-changer. Read on and discover the benefits of having a root cellar as well as the DIY steps for building three types of cellars. Let’s dig in!
Benefits of a Basement Root Cellar
A dream for those who love to preserve their food and avoid wasting their harvest, basement root cellar offers a plethora of benefits. Here are a few!
1. Extended Shelf Life
One of the primary advantages is the significantly extended shelf life of your fruits and vegetables. Root cellars provide a cool and consistent environment, keeping your produce fresh for months.
Related Article: Proper Produce Storage: How to Keep Fruits and Vegetables Fresh Longer
2. Cost-Efficiency
Save money by buying in bulk during harvest season when prices are low. You can store large quantities of food, reducing your grocery bills throughout the year.
3. Reduced Food Waste
With a root cellar, you can say goodbye to food waste. Produce stays crisp and edible for an extended period, reducing the need to discard spoiled items.
4. Sustainability
Embrace a more sustainable lifestyle by reducing your reliance on refrigeration and commercial storage methods, which consume energy and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Related Article: Is Homesteading Worth It? Cost, Savings, and Earnings Study
5. Homegrown Flavor
Enjoy the taste of homegrown produce year-round. Your fruits and vegetables will retain their original flavors and nutritional value.
Crops to Store in Your Cellar
| Crop | Storage Tips |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | Keep them in a dark, cool, and well-ventilated area. |
| Carrots | Remove the green tops and store in slightly damp sand. |
| Apples | Store in perforated plastic bags to maintain humidity. |
| Onions | Hang them in mesh bags or braid and suspend from the ceiling. |
| Cabbage | Store whole heads in a cool and humid environment. |
| Beets | Trim the leaves, leaving an inch of the stem, and store in sand. |
| Squash | Keep in a dry, well-ventilated area at around 50°F (10°C). |
Related Article: How to Grow Potatoes: A Comprehensive Guide
Ideal Basement Location for Your Root Cellar
Choosing the right location within your basement is crucial for the effectiveness of your root cellar. Consider these factors:
- Temperature: Aim for a temperature range of 32°F to 40°F (0°C to 4.4°C) for optimal storage conditions.
- Humidity: Maintain high humidity levels, ideally around 90%, to prevent your produce from drying out.
- Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of ethylene gas, which can lead to spoilage.
- Darkness: Keep the cellar dark to discourage rapid riping and sprouting in root vegetables.
With these factors in mind, it’s ideal to choose an exterior corner of your basement with a window. It’s also best to pick a location with a high soil height on the other side of the walls and a place with northern exposure. These conditions will ensure the space is kept cool enough.
How to Build and Operate an Effective Basement Root Cellar
Now, let’s delve into the step-by-step process of building and operating a basement root cellar.
- Choose the Location: Identify the most suitable spot in your basement based on temperature and humidity control.
- Prepare the Space: Clean and insulate the chosen area. Use materials like foam board insulation to maintain a stable temperature.
- Install Ventilation: You’ll need a ventilation system with adjustable vents to regulate airflow and humidity.
- Add Shelving: Build sturdy, adjustable shelves to maximize storage space and organize your produce.
- Monitor Conditions Closely: Invest in a thermometer and hygrometer to keep a close eye on temperature and humidity levels.
- Stocking Your Root Cellar: Begin storing your produce, following the specific tips mentioned earlier.
Want Something More Traditional? Build an Outdoor Cellar!
If you tend to have a big garden harvest, you may need a bit more space than the corner of your basement can accommodate. If this is the cawse, consider building an outdoor root cellar. These cellars are detached from your home and built into the ground for insulation and temperature control.
Here’s how to go about building an outdoor cellar:
- Excavation: Dig a hole in your backyard, ensuring it’s deep enough to reach a consistently cool temperature.
- Constructing Walls: Build walls using concrete blocks or wood to create the cellar structure.
- Insulation: Insulate the walls and ceiling to maintain the desired temperature.
- Ventilation: Install vents and a door to regulate airflow.
- Shelving: Add shelves for organized storage.
Need a Simpler Solution? Meet the Trash Can Root Cellar!
For those with a smaller harvest who are looking for a budget-friendly option, a trash can root cellar is a great choice. Here’s how to make this simple but effective crop storage contraption:
- Gather Supplies: You’ll need a large metal trash can (a new one, of course, to avoid bacteria and mold) with a lid, straw or hay, a shovel, and a tarp or other waterproof cover
- Dig a Hole: Pick a location that has well draining soil and doesn’t often have pooling water. Then, dig a hole roughly the size of the trash can — just large enough for the top of the can to stick out of the ground a few inches.
- Layering: Create layers of crops and straw, starting with straw at the bottom.
- Cover and Store: Place the lid on the trash can and bury it partially in the ground in a shady spot. Secure the waterproof covering over the trash can to keep the produce protected from moisture.
Ready to Store Your Harvest the Traditional Way?
Building a basement root cellar is a rewarding fall DIY project that offers long-term benefits. It’s a sustainable way to store your homegrown produce, reduce food waste, and enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year. Whether you opt for an indoor or outdoor cellar or a simple trash can solution, the effort is well worth it.
FAQs: DIY Root Cellar Solutions
What’s the ideal temperature for a basement root cellar?
Aim for a temperature range of 32°F to 40°F (0°C to 4.4°C) to ensure your produce stays fresh.
How do I maintain humidity in my root cellar?
Maintain high humidity levels (around 90%) by using damp sand, water trays, or a humidifier.
Can I store fruits and vegetables together in a root cellar?
It’s best to separate fruits and vegetables to prevent ethylene gas from affecting your produce.
How deep should an outdoor root cellar be?
Dig the hole at least 4-6 feet deep to ensure a consistently cool temperature.
Is a trash can root cellar effective for long-term storage?
While it’s a simpler solution, it’s best for short-term storage. Consider other food preservation methods for longer storage periods.
How often should I check the temperature and humidity in my root cellar?
Monitor daily initially to ensure the conditions are right off the bat, and then reduce to weekly checks to ensure consistent optimal conditions.