Root cellars are for keeping food supplies at a low temperature and steady humidity. They keep food from freezing during the winter and keep food cool during the summer months to prevent spoilage. An earthly-friendly, root cellar is the natural choice for the homesteader, whether or not you’re, “on the grid” There are several types of root cellar and different ways in which to construct one. There’s the Hatch Cellar, Hillside Cellar and the Above Ground Cellar.
The Hatch Cellar usually consists of a large hole dug into the ground then lined with rocks. The floor is left in its innate state, just plain dirt. Beams and plywood sheets are securely laid over the hole, with a hatch door incorporated into the ceiling/floor, along with the installation of a ladder for safe and easy access. A shed is then built over the top of the cellar, to provide maximum shelter for the storage.
The Hillside Cellar is dug out of a hillside, lined with rocks, and then a plywood ceiling is attached to overhead support beams. This type of storage Cellar has a regular insulted door to walk through.
An above Ground type of cold storage can be built in many different ways. They are basically a well insulated shed/garage type building. They can be built of wood, block or even stone.
The major factor in any style of root cellar is the humidity. Depending on where you live the humidity level will need to be monitored and either adjusted up or down. This can easily be done with an exhaust fan or by adding water to the root cellar storage with wet towels or pans of water.
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