How to Make a Root Cellar From a Garbage Can

You can store your garden fresh fruit and vegetable harvest underground in your own homemade garbage can root cellar. Produce that is in good condition and prepared for storage can last for several months in the cold conditions of a root cellar. Many homes do not have root cellars or any kind of underground storage access. Multiple galvanized garbage can root cellars can be set up on a small amount of land to hold larger quantities and varieties of produce. Does this Spark an idea?

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Shovel
Galvanized metal garbage can with tight fitting lid
Straw bale
Large waterproof tarp
4 heavy rocks or bricks

Instructions

- 1
  
  Choose a site that usually stays dry and has good drainage in which to bury the garbage can root cellar.
- 2
  
  Dig a hole in the ground wide and deep enough to fit all but the top four inches of the garbage can.
- 3
  
  Place the produce into the garbage can. Secure the tight fitting lid and lower the can into the hole.
- 4
  
  Build up a 6-inch mound of dirt to make a runoff circle about a foot away from the edge of the garbage can. Use the shovel to tap the mound and pack it together firmly.
- 5
  
  Break up the straw bail and spread the straw to completely cover the interior of the dirt mound and garbage can lid.
- 6
  
  Cover the straw with a large waterproof canvas or plastic tarp and weight each corner down with a heavy rock or brick.

Comments

Josey Jul 29, 2011
Simple yet to the point! Every one should do this.
Lisa Tener Hoskins Mar 03, 2011
Does this need to be vented?
Lisa Tener Hoskins Mar 03, 2011
Does this need to be vented?

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