How to Build a Root Cellar

Many people want to have a spare place where they can place additional food items, which might make them wonder how to build a root cellar. Root cellars have been used throughout history to effectively store a variety of different food products. People who are interested in gardening and growing their own organic fruits and vegetables would benefit greatly from owning a root cellar.

There are different ways in which a root cellar can be built. There are root cellars built underground and then there are the types built above ground. Those wondering how to build a root cellar have a number of factors to consider when erecting their root cellar.

• It is highly recommended that you take the time to make a diagram or sketch of your root cellar to be able to have something to follow in regards to the construction.
• For those who are unsure how they should begin the process of building a root cellar, the Internet is a wonderful resource. Many plans can be found on the Internet, including details about root cellar building at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension website.

Considerations When Building a Root Cellar

For those wondering how to build a root cellar, there are a couple of key considerations to think about. The first is the type:

• There is the hatch cellar, the hillside cellar, and the above ground cellar. The hatch cellar is the most common and is made by digging a hole in the ground.
• The hillside cellar is built on the side of a hillside.
• The above ground cellar is traditionally made from a wooden frame and covered in sod.

You should consider both where your lot is and what you need from your root cellar before making a decision on which of these three options is best for you.

Because root cellars are used for the storage of produce, it is important to build it in a fashion that will accommodate the amount of produce you actually have. It should be large enough to hold a good supply of produce and the average size of a root cellar usually runs about 8x12 feet. Also, when building a root cellar, it is a good idea to install shelves so it's possible to keep foods organized.

Ensuring the Proper Construction

When considering building a root cellar, it is very important to make sure certain features are included so the root cellar serves its purpose fully.

• Because you will be storing produce, it is necessary that the root cellar maintains a certain moisture level to ensure the freshness of the produce.
• It is very important a root cellar be humid enough to properly preserve the produce in all types of weather.
• You can take steps to make sure your root cellar has proper humidity by using pans of water or damp towels.
• Depending on the area in which you live and the time of the year, the amount of humidity used will vary. Thus, it may be necessary to adjust the amount of humidity on occasion to ensure the produce placed in the root cellar is being properly preserved.

While there are a number of ways in which people can store their crops, a root cellar has always been a preferred method for many people. Anyone who wants an official place where they can store all of the fruits and vegetable and other crops they have grown should be interested in building their own root cellar.