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A root cellar is an age-old method of storing fruits, vegetables, and other perishable goods, allowing homesteaders and gardeners to enjoy their harvest year-round. Root cellars maintain a stable temperature and humidity, creating ideal conditions for preserving the freshness and quality of your produce. Building a root cellar does not have to be expensive or complicated.

In this article, we will explore DIY low-cost root cellar ideas that you can implement to store your harvest for year-round freshness.

The Basement Root Cellar

If you have a basement, you’re already halfway to having a root cellar. With a few modifications, you can create a storage space that mimics the cool, humid environment of a traditional root cellar.

How It Works:

Basement root cellars work by using the natural insulation of your home and the earth to maintain a stable temperature, typically between 32°F and 40°F (0°C to 4°C). Humidity is also crucial, ideally remaining around 85-95%. All you need is a corner of your basement that can be partitioned off to create this environment.

Steps to Build:

• Choose a cool corner, preferably on the north side of your house, which receives less direct sunlight.
• Ventilation is key. You can install two vents—one near the ceiling and one at the floor level—to promote airflow. This will prevent mold and maintain the necessary temperature.
• Insulate the space, if needed, using foam board or even straw bales.
• Store your produce in crates, bins, or on shelves, allowing air to circulate around them.

Pros:

1. Convenient and Easy to Access: Located in your home, making it quick and simple to reach stored produce.
2. Utilizes Existing Space: Makes use of the basement, eliminating the need for additional construction.
3. Less Vulnerable to External Weather: Protected from outdoor temperature fluctuations and severe weather.

Cons:

• Moisture Risk: Can potentially cause moisture damage to other areas of your basement if not managed properly.
• May Require Modifications: Ventilation and insulation might need to be added to maintain proper conditions.

Buried Trash Can or Barrel Root Cellar

For those who need an even simpler and less expensive option, the trash can root cellar is a great solution. While it may not store as much produce as other options, it’s perfect for those with smaller harvests or limited space.

How It Works:

This method uses a metal or heavy-duty plastic trash can as the storage container, buried partially or fully underground. The earth helps maintain a cool, consistent temperature, and a layer of straw or leaves can provide additional insulation.

Materials:

• Large, heavy-duty plastic can or barrel with a tight-fitting lid
• Gravel or small rocks
• Perforated PVC pipe (optional)
• Shovel
• Straw or hay (optional)

InstSteps to Build:

• Choose a location with well-draining soil. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate most of the trash can, leaving the lid exposed above ground.
• Place a few inches of sand or gravel at the bottom of the hole for added drainage.
• Fill the trash can with your produce, layering it with straw, sawdust, or dry leaves to keep it insulated.
• Place the trash can lid on top, and then cover the entire lid with a thick layer of straw, leaves, or even a tarp to protect it from the elements.

Pros:

1. Inexpensive and Easy to Build: A budget-friendly option requiring minimal materials and effort.
2. No Extensive Digging or Construction: Simple to install without the need for heavy excavation.
3. Quick Build: Can be constructed rapidly with basic tools.

Cons:

1. Vulnerable to Pests: Requires proper sealing to protect against rodents and other pests.
2. Limited Storage Capacity: Best suited for smaller harvests due to its size constraints.
3. Inconvenient Access in Winter: Frozen ground can make access difficult during cold months.

Earthbag Root Cellar

An earthbag root cellar is an eco-friendly and affordable option for those seeking a more substantial storage solution. This method involves using earth-filled bags to create a dome-shaped structure that naturally regulates temperature and humidity.

Materials:

• Polypropylene bags or long sandbags
• Soil or a mixture of clay, sand, and gravel
• Shovel
• Tamping tool
• Barbed wire (optional)
• Door and frame
• Roofing material (e.g., corrugated metal, tarp)

Instructions:

1. Choose a well-drained, partially shaded location for your root cellar. Consider digging a few feet into the ground to take advantage of the earth’s natural insulation.
2. Mark out the desired shape and size of your root cellar, allowing for enough space to accommodate your door and storage needs.
3. Fill the polypropylene bags or sandbags with soil or a mixture of clay, sand, and gravel. Tamp down the contents to create a solid, compact bag.
4. Lay the bags in a circular or oval pattern, creating the first layer of your root cellar walls. If desired, add a layer of barbed wire between each course of bags to improve stability.
5. Continue building up the walls with additional layers of bags, staggering the joints like bricks for added strength. As you build, gradually curve the walls inward to create a dome shape.
6. Install a door and frame, ensuring a tight seal to maintain the proper temperature and humidity within the root cellar.
7. Cover the dome with a layer of soil for insulation and top with a waterproof roofing material such as corrugated metal or a tarp.

Pros:

1. Eco-Friendly: Uses natural materials like earth and sand, with a low carbon footprint.
2. Cost-Effective: Affordable, with inexpensive or free materials.
3. Durable: Long-lasting, strong, and resistant to weather and natural forces.
4. Natural Insulation: Regulates temperature and humidity for ideal storage conditions.
5. Customizable: Flexible design options for different sizes and shapes.
6. Energy-Efficient: No electricity needed, relying on natural temperature regulation.

Cons:

1. Labor-Intensive: Requires significant manual labor to build.
2. Time-Consuming: Construction can take weeks or months.
3. Skill Needed: Proper techniques are required for structural integrity.
4. Moisture Issues: Risk of water seepage if not properly waterproofed.
5. Permitting: May need permits and adherence to building codes.
6. Pest Control: Requires care to prevent rodents and pests from entering.

Converted Old Refrigerator or Freezer Root Cellar

An old refrigerator or chest freezer can be repurposed into a compact and efficient root cellar. This method is not only budget-friendly but also an excellent way to recycle an old appliance.

Materials:

• Old refrigerator or chest freezer (ensure it is CFC-free)
• Shovel
• Gravel or small rocks
• Cinder blocks or bricks (optional)
• Straw or hay (optional)
• Hinges and latch (for chest freezer conversion)

Instructions:

1. Choose a well-drained, partially shaded location for your root cellar.
2. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the refrigerator or chest freezer, leaving about 4-6 inches above ground level. If desired, you can also build a small retaining wall using cinder blocks or bricks around the hole for added stability and insulation.
3. Place a layer of gravel or small rocks at the bottom of the hole for drainage.
4. Carefully lower the refrigerator or chest freezer into the hole, ensuring it is level and stable.
5. Fill the gap around the appliance with soil, packing it tightly to provide insulation and stability.
6. If you’re using a chest freezer, you may need to replace the original hinges and latch with more robust hardware to ensure a tight seal.
7. Place your harvested fruits and vegetables inside the refrigerator or chest freezer, using straw or hay to separate layers and prevent bruising.
8. Close the door tightly to maintain the proper temperature and humidity within the root cellar. Add a layer of straw or hay on top for extra insulation, if desired.

Pros:

1. Budget-Friendly: Low-cost, using an old appliance.
2. Eco-Friendly: Recycles and repurposes an old fridge or freezer.
3. Compact: Ideal for small-scale storage.
4. Easy to Install: Minimal construction needed.
5. Rodent-Proof: Airtight, naturally sealed from pests.

Cons:

1. Limited Storage: Space is restricted by appliance size.
2. Needs Ventilation: Airflow must be added to prevent moisture.
3. Rust Risk: Metal parts may rust over time if not waterproofed.
4. Difficult Installation: Burying the appliance can be labor-intensive.
5. Inconvenient Access: Hard to open in frozen or wet conditions.

Ideal temperature and humidity levels for common crops stored in a root cellar

Tips for Maximizing Your Root Cellar

• Monitor Temperature & Humidity: Use a thermometer and hygrometer to regularly check your root cellar’s conditions. If humidity levels are too low, you can place a damp towel or pan of water inside.
• Harvest Carefully: Only store undamaged, mature produce in your root cellar. Bruised or cut vegetables can spoil more quickly and affect others.
• Rotate Stock: Use the oldest produce first to prevent spoilage, and check regularly for signs of decay.

With these low-cost DIY root cellar options, you can easily store your garden’s harvest for months and enjoy fresh produce year-round without the need for expensive refrigeration or energy-hogging appliances. Whether you opt for a basement setup, an earth berm structure, or the humble trash can, there’s a solution that can fit your space, budget, and storage needs.