Root Cellar Design

A number of factors should be taken into consideration in root cellar design. If you like to grow vegetables and other crops and want to be able to store your crops through various seasons, then a root cellar may be the perfect storage solution for you. The best thing about designing your own root cellar is that you have the ability to choose the type of materials you desire to build it. Given that there are a number of ways in which a root cellar can be made, the following factors must be considered when designing and constructing a root cellar, because root cellars are used to store perishable produce.

Considering Your Root Cellar Design

When considering your root cellar design, you must decide how you want to build the cellar since there are different options:

• Some may want to build a root cellar that is attached to their homes while others may decide on having a root cellar that stands alone.
• Likewise, there is the option of building a root cellar from natural items such as earth and rocks, with a wooden frame, or with a number of man-made items such as old freezers.

Depending on which method you decide on, there are a variety of materials you can use. Likewise, in order to make sure the root cellar is properly constructed, it is highly recommended you obtain a root cellar plan. A (detailed plan –link to Root Cellar Plans) will provide you with a base from which to work when constructing a root cellar.

Elements of Design

In order for a root cellar construction to be successful, it is necessary for individuals to note a few elements of root cellar design.

One of the most important factors to consider when building a root cellar is temperature. The root cellar has to be a specific temperature for the produce to remain fresh. In fact, the cooler the root cellar the better. To make sure the root cellar is cool, it is recommended you utilize materials that will help keep the temperature low. For this reason, many people decide to build their root cellars under the ground; keeping it enclosed in the earth is a great way to make sure it stays the right temperature.

Another factor to be considered is humidity. The amount of humidity needed within the root cellar will vary based on the types of produce you intend on storing. Some vegetables require low humidity while others require high humidity. Those who want a root cellar that has a high level of humidity will find it is advantageous to line the floor of the root cellar with dirt.

Making a Root Cellar User-Friendly

There are also a number of ways you can make a root cellar user-friendly. It is very important for you to be able to both store your produce efficiently and also be able to access the root cellar as needed. If possible, it is recommended you install a 100 watt incandescent light bulb. This not only provides light when accessing the cellar, but also prevents the produce from freezing in cold weather as heat is emitted from the light bulb. The installation of a humidity gauge and a thermometer can also be very helpful to ensure the produce placed in the root cellar is being stored at the correct temperature.