If you’re interested in building resilience and being prepared for anything, a root cellar is a valuable addition to your home. Long before we had refrigerators, people used root cellars to keep food fresh through the seasons. Today, with our dependency on electricity and supermarkets, we often forget just how reliable these simple, natural storage spaces can be.
A root cellar lets you keep food fresh for months without power, reducing waste and saving money, and it brings a bit of peace of mind knowing you’ve got resources close at hand. Let’s walk through how to build a root cellar and the best ways to store food naturally, so you can enjoy fresh produce all year round.
1. Choose the Best Location for Your Root Cellar
Finding the right spot is key for an effective root cellar. Look for an area that stays cool year-round, ideally below ground and away from direct sunlight. Basements, hillside locations, or even a trench dug into the earth can all work well. The goal is to leverage the earth’s natural insulating properties for a consistently cool temperature.
2. Understand Temperature and Humidity Requirements
The perfect root cellar should ideally stay between 32°F and 40°F, with a humidity level around 85-95%. High humidity prevents food from drying out, while the low temperature slows spoilage. Consider investing in a thermometer and hygrometer to keep an eye on these levels so you know when adjustments are needed.
3. Decide on the Type of Root Cellar to Build
There are several types of root cellars, including pit cellars, hillside cellars, and above-ground insulated rooms. Each type has its own advantages, so choose based on your climate, space, and needs. In colder regions, a below-ground root cellar might work best, while milder climates can support outdoor above-ground models.
4. Plan for Proper Ventilation
Ventilation is crucial to prevent mold, control humidity, and regulate the temperature. Most root cellars use a system of intake and exhaust pipes to keep fresh air circulating. Place one pipe near the floor for cool air intake and another near the ceiling for warm air exhaust to maintain proper airflow.
5. Dig the Foundation and Walls
Once you’ve chosen your spot and plan, it’s time to start digging! A shovel or small excavator can help you dig out the foundation to your desired depth. For most root cellars, you’ll need to go at least 8-10 feet below ground to benefit from the earth’s natural coolness. Remember to shore up the walls if needed to prevent collapsing.
6. Insulate the Structure for Temperature Stability
Proper insulation will keep your root cellar at a consistent temperature, even in hot summer or freezing winter conditions. Many builders use straw bales, earth, or concrete with insulation. Choose materials that suit your climate and budget to keep out heat in the summer and hold warmth in the winter.
7. Choose Durable Flooring
Floors in root cellars should be easy to clean and provide good drainage. Packed earth or gravel works well for ground floors, as it naturally absorbs moisture and maintains humidity levels. If you’re using an above-ground cellar, concrete or brick flooring can offer durability and ease of maintenance.
8. Build Sturdy Shelving for Easy Organization
Strong, stable shelving will make organizing and accessing your stored food much easier. Use materials that resist moisture, like treated wood or metal, to prevent mold and rot. Arrange shelves to allow for airflow around stored food, and keep heavier items like root vegetables on lower shelves for easy access.
9. Install a Door That Keeps Out Heat and Pests
The door to your root cellar should be well-insulated and tightly sealed to keep out pests, light, and warm air. Thick wood or insulated doors work well, and adding a latch or lock can help ensure the door remains tightly shut. Check for drafts and add weather stripping if necessary.
10. Add Proper Lighting for Safety and Convenience
Since root cellars are often dark, good lighting is essential for safety and ease of use. Battery-powered LED lights or solar-powered lights are effective for root cellars without electricity. This way, you can navigate and organize your space without relying on flashlights.
11. Stock Your Root Cellar with the Right Produce
Root cellars work best for hardy produce like potatoes, carrots, apples, and onions that thrive in cool, damp environments. Avoid storing fruits and vegetables that give off ethylene gas, like apples and pears, near sensitive items like potatoes, as it speeds up spoilage.
12. Rotate Your Stock to Maintain Freshness
Organizing your root cellar by “first in, first out” helps keep food fresh. Rotate your stock regularly, using older produce first and storing new items behind it. Check on your stored food every couple of weeks to catch any spoilage early and remove any damaged produce.
13. Use Natural Pest Control Methods
Pests can find their way into root cellars if precautions aren’t taken. Avoid using harsh chemicals; instead, try diatomaceous earth along entry points or set up natural deterrents like bay leaves, which repel rodents and insects. Keeping food in bins and covering shelves can help too.
14. Monitor and Adjust Humidity Levels as Needed
Humidity can fluctuate, especially with seasonal changes. If it’s too dry, placing a bucket of water in the cellar can help increase humidity. If it’s too damp, adding charcoal or ventilating more frequently can lower humidity levels to help prevent mold growth.
15. Regularly Inspect Your Root Cellar for Maintenance
Root cellars need occasional upkeep to remain effective. Inspect for cracks in walls, water seepage, or pests every few months. Clean out old produce, refresh pest deterrents, and check ventilation pipes to keep your root cellar in optimal condition.
