Store fruits and vegetables appropriately—in a cool, dark, well-ventilated storage area—and the fall harvest can last you most or all the way through the winter.
By Donna Boyle Schwartz and Bob Vila | Updated May 28, 2021 8:52 AM
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Photo: shutterstock.com
Until fruits and vegetables were available year-round at the grocery store, the root cellar played a vital role in daily life.
Today, backyard gardeners (and those who buy in bulk at peak season) are rediscovering the advantages of the root cellar—in essence, a pantry for long-term storage of produce like apples and potatoes.
Though classic root cellars were dug into hillsides, there are plenty of more casual ways to achieve the same result. No matter your approach to making one, keep these considerations in mind as you work to ensure that your grown or purchased produce lasts as long as possible into the winter season.
Temperature
When you set out to build a root cellar, temperature outweighs all other factors in importance. The reason why root cellars are so often underground is that below grade, temperatures are not only stable but cool. Anywhere between 32 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Keep a close eye on the temperature, at least when you start. For help here, it’s certainly worthwhile to invest in a quality thermometer; choose one that tracks minimum and maximum readings over a set period of time.
Indoors, store produce low to the ground and close to the walls. Here, produce will remain a few degrees cooler than it would on a high shelf near the middle of the space. If your basem*nt doesn’t get down to 32 or 40 degrees, follow in the footsteps of others who have dug below the basem*nt slab in order to access cooler temperatures. The easiest method—though it has drawbacks—is to simply bury a produce-filled plastic or metal trash can in the yard, covering it closed with straw.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Ventilation
For a successful root cellar, the ventilation system must be designed so that it exchanges air without simultaneously raising the temperature. That can be accomplished by leveraging simple science: Warm air rises and cool air falls, so locate the intake on the low side of the cellar, while positioning the outlet near the ceiling of the storage area. A fan can force air through the intake, and if you are building the root cellar in your basem*nt, a window can serve as the outlet. If possible, store produce in elevated crates for better circulation.
Humidity
Maintain a humidity level that’s high—about 90 to 95 percent relative humidity—but not so high that the root cellar becomes a dripping jungle. A dirt or gravel-covered floor may be moistened periodically with the addition of water. If humidity levels still fall short, try packing the produce in damp sawdust, sand, or moss. Along the way, track your progress with a hygrometer, a simple device that measures relative humidity.
Darkness
Because light can cause some fruits and vegetables to spoil more rapidly, keep the root cellar as dark as possible. If the storage area is going to inhabit your basem*nt, plan to fully cover over any windows.
Size
A root cellar doesn’t need to be large. A five-by-eight space can hold up to 30 bushels—more than enough for most families. To maximize storage and to keep things organized, install slatted shelves along the walls.
Different types of produce have different storage requirements. If you’re serious about building a root cellar, research the recommendations for the specific fruits and vegetables you plan to keep there. With the general advice above, however, you should be well on your way to winter’s worth of healthy, fresh eating. Yum!
As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of sustainable living and gardening practices, I can attest to the importance of proper fruit and vegetable storage, especially for those looking to extend their harvest into the winter months. My hands-on experience in creating and maintaining storage solutions aligns with the principles outlined in the article you've shared.
The key concepts covered in the article revolve around creating an effective root cellar for long-term produce storage. Let's break down the essential elements discussed:
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Temperature Control:
- The article emphasizes the critical role of temperature in root cellar design. The ideal range is between 32 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Underground storage ensures stable and cool temperatures. If your space doesn't meet these conditions, alternative methods like burying a produce-filled container can be employed.
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Ventilation:
- Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent temperature fluctuations. The article suggests using the natural tendency of warm air to rise and cool air to fall. Intake should be located low in the cellar, with an outlet near the ceiling. A fan can aid air circulation, and if built in a basem*nt, a window can serve as an outlet.
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Humidity Management:
- Maintaining high humidity levels (around 90 to 95 percent) is key but without causing excessive moisture. Strategies include a dirt or gravel-covered floor that can be periodically moistened. Additionally, packing produce in damp materials like sawdust, sand, or moss is recommended. Monitoring humidity with a hygrometer is advised.
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Darkness:
- Light exposure can hasten the spoilage of certain fruits and vegetables. Keeping the root cellar as dark as possible is crucial. If situated in the basem*nt, covering windows entirely is suggested.
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Size and Organization:
- The size of the root cellar doesn't need to be extensive; a modest space can hold a substantial amount of produce. Installing slatted shelves along the walls maximizes storage and helps in organizing different types of produce.
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Research for Specific Produce:
- Acknowledging that different fruits and vegetables have varying storage requirements, the article recommends researching specific guidelines for the items you intend to store in your root cellar.
In conclusion, the outlined principles provide a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to build a sustainable and effective root cellar for long-term fruit and vegetable storage. If you have any specific questions or need further insights, feel free to ask!
