How to easily make your own root cellar

 In The Self-Sufficient Backyard, We will show you how we made different root cellars and how you can easily add whichever you want to your homestead. 

From full sized, and under the house root cellars to small barrel or trash can root cellars, there’s surely something here for you. 

Creating a root cellar can be a cost-effective and efficient way to store fruits, vegetables, and other perishable items at a cool and consistent temperature, extending their shelf life. Here's a glimpse of simple guide to building your own root cellar:

  • Choose the Location: Look for a suitable location for your root cellar. It should be in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight, and on the north side of your house if possible. The north side tends to receive less sunlight and maintains a more constant temperature.

  • Digging the Root Cellar: Decide whether you want an underground root cellar or an above-ground cellar. Underground cellars provide better insulation, but they require more digging. If you choose an underground option, start digging a hole in the chosen location. The depth can vary based on your needs and climate but generally, a depth of 4-8 feet is recommended. Make sure the walls are sturdy and secure.

  • Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential to prevent the build-up of excess moisture, which can lead to mold and spoilage. Install vents or small windows with screens to allow for air circulation. Position the vents or windows at the top and bottom of the root cellar to create a natural airflow.

  • Insulation: If you've chosen an underground cellar, the surrounding earth will provide natural insulation. For above-ground cellars, consider insulating the walls with materials like straw bales or foam board insulation to maintain a more constant temperature.

  • Temperature and Humidity Control: Use a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor the temperature and humidity levels inside the root cellar. Aim for temperatures between 32-40°F (0-4°C) and humidity levels around 85-95% for most fruits and vegetables.

Remember, the design and setup of your root cellar may vary depending on your location, climate, and the amount of produce you plan to store. Always prioritize safety and ensure that the structure is stable and secure before use. If you're uncertain about the design or construction, consider seeking advice from a professional or experienced builder.

To get more details information, you can get The Self-Sufficient Backyard book. With the guidance from the book, you will know how to manage and maintain your own root cellar. 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mia: (Peering over the fence) Hi, Alex! Your backyard looks amazing! How did you manage to make it so self-sufficient ? Alex: Hi, Mia! Thanks for the compliment. It's been a journey, but it's definitely doable. Want me to share some tips? Mia: Absolutely! I've been thinking about starting a garden, but I'm not sure where to begin. Alex: No worries, I'm happy to help! First things first, you should focus on composting. It's the backbone of a self-sufficient garden . Gather kitchen scraps, yard waste, and even some cardboard or paper, then let them decompose into nutrient-rich compost. Mia: That sounds doable. I'll start a compost bin right away. What's next? Alex: Great! Compost will boost your soil health, but you also need to choose the right plants. Opt for native species that are well-suited to your climate. They require less water and maintenance, which is perfect for a self-sufficient backyard. Mia: That makes sense. I'll look up native plants f...
Read more

3 facts of having The Self-Sufficient Backyard book!

These are the facts of having The Self Sufficient Backyard book. And I guarantee that you will get moreeee benefits from this useful book! This is just some of it.. You need to experience yourself to get better impression. 1. You don’t need too much land either You don’t need too much land either. Our program makes a small backyard go a loooong way. People living in suburbia should know that we made this program thinking about them too. The quarter acre illustration is down sizable to whatever size your backyard is. Of course, you will not be able to be self-sufficient on 200 square feet, but you can surely use them to their full potential with our program. 2. You don’t need money either For the last 40 years we’ve been living the old ways of our grandparents, but without sacrificing any of the modern comforts of today. We’re out in the boonies, but we have internet access, satellite TV, modern composting toilet, a sewer system, and … we are NOT rich… so we did this with very little m...
Read more

Glimpse of what you'll find in The Self-Sufficient Backyard

Image
First thing you’ll find out is that all you need to be self sufficient in terms of food are just 1,020 square feet of land per person, if you follow the methods we developed. That’s less than 10% of our entire ¼ acre parcel you can see in our sketch. We developed this plan on quarter of an acre for a family of 4 to be totally self-sufficient, and have goods to sell and sustain a healthy profit year round. But we created it in such a way that it is easy to downsize if you have less land or fewer family members.  Then we go into minute details for each section.  One of the topic that you will discover in The Self-Sufficient Backyard is  How to Get Pressurized HOT Water with This Simple Off The Grid System We’ll show you a simple and ingenious solution that you can apply in your house to have pressurized hot water.  This system heats the water whenever we cook or heat the house, so we don't pay extra to get hot water and neither should you. Another interesting topic tha...
Read more