How to Make a Root Cellar Under the Ground
A root cellar is a cool, humid spot for storing root vegetables such as potatoes. Root cellars are commonly built in basements, but an underground root cellar on the outside of the home is much easier to construct. The soil around a buried food receptacle will provide the insulation that will keep the food from spoiling. A plastic sheet will keep out the water. Once the root cellar is constructed you can store your crops over the winter. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Metal garbage can
- Shovel
- 2 by 4 piece of lumber
- Straw
- Soil
- Plastic sheet
Instructions
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1
Select a location for the root cellar. It should be shaded, cool and well-drained. Do not select a spot that collects standing water.
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2
Measure the height and width of a metal garbage can. Dig a hole in the selected location that is 2 inches wider than your measurements and 1 inch shorter. Use a 2 by 4 piece of lumber to pack down the soil at the bottom of the hole so it is solid.
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3
Lower the trash can into place. The top 1 inch will be above the soil.
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4
Put the lid on the garbage can. Cover the can with a 12 inch layer of straw.
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5
Cover the straw with a 3 inch layer of soil. Place a plastic sheet over the underground root cellar to keep out rainwater.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also use mulch instead of straw to insulate the top of the root cellar. The mulch can be pine needles, shredded leaves, or bark chips.
If you are unsure of the temperature of the root cellar, you can keep a thermometer tucked between the soil and the trash can. The temperature should stay between 32 and 40 degrees F.
Do not place an underground root cellar near a big tree because the roots may heave it out of the ground.
