How to Make a Root Cellar Above Ground

Anyone who is interested in storing fruits and vegetables for the long term may be wondering how to make a root cellar above ground. Root cellars are very popular among people who are interested in storing crops that they have grown. Fortunately, there are a variety of different root cellars that can be built to accommodate different needs and tastes. For those who want to build a structure for their produce without having to do a lot of the digging that is associated with building a root cellar, there is the option of building one above ground.

Those who are considering building a root cellar above the ground need to learn how this process works.

Building a root cellar above the ground is done a bit differently then those that are built below the ground.

• One of the main differences that is very noticeable when building such a root cellar is the difference in the foundation.
• Root cellars that are made above ground do not have the earth foundation that the traditional root cellars have.
• Root cellars that are constructed above ground are usually made from a wooden frame similar to a little cabin or house.
• The floor of the root cellar consists of the earth that the foundation is built upon, but it is oftentimes lined with rocks for additional support and to provide insulation.
• The wooden frame is then usually covered with sod, which acts as an additional insulating method.

Those looking for more details on how to make a root cellar above ground can use the internet to find plans and diagrams. For instance, plans and pictures can be found at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension website.

Materials Needed to Make an Above Ground Root Cellar

When building a root cellar above ground, it will be necessary to obtain specific materials. Most people make their above ground root cellar from wood and, if you go this route, it is best to choose wood that is capable of withstanding all types of temperatures and different elements. Failure to use wood that is properly treated may result in the frame becoming warped; this could very well damage the frame and require that it be fixed at a later time.

As noted above, in many instances, the floor of an above ground cellar can be made from the earth that the frame stands upon. However, some people prefer to purchase concrete and build a floor that is a bit more stable. If you do decide you want to have a concrete floor, it is sometimes recommended that you use dirt on the concrete floor for cushioning and such.

Finally, it will be necessary to purchase materials to make a door that is also insulated to ensure that the level of humidity is properly maintained.

Benefits of an Above Ground Root Cellar

For those who are wondering why they should be interested in how to make a root cellar above ground, it should be noted that there are a number of different benefits to choosing this type of cellar. For starters, there is no digging when building this type of root cellar. The foundation can also be reinforced if you want to make the cellar sturdier. Likewise, for those who may be concerned about soil issues in their area, this is a perfect alternative. Above ground root cellars make a great option for those who are looking for a very convenient way to store their crops and other goods.