How deep underground should a root cellar be?

How deep underground should a root cellar be?

On average, a root cellar should be 10′ (3m) deep. However, in certain locations where the soil is dry, or sandy, it may be necessary to dig deeper, since this is where the temperature is a stable 32º to 40ºF (0° to 4.5°C).

Do root cellars work in the South?

Root cellars can work in the South but people often have problems with high daytime temperatures and a shallow water table. However, due to the long southern growing season and alternative storage methods, root cellars are typically not needed anyway.

What can you store in a root cellar?

A basement root cellar is when you find a dark, cool, yet dry corner of your basement and apply shelving to the walls. This is a great place to store fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and canned goods alike. This style of root cellar is convenient because it’s right beneath your feet inside your home.

Why did our ancestors build a root cellar?

Our ancestors built root cellars to keep their produce fresh without refrigeration. These days you may want to consider making a modern root cellar, as it is still a viable option to store large harvests, saves you electricity, and some types can even double as a storm shelter. But do you know how they work?

How can I get air into my root cellar?

This may be accomplished by relying on basic physics: Warm air rises and chilly air falls, so place the intake near the floor of the storage space and the outlet near the ceiling. A window could function as the outlet for a root cellar in your basement, and a fan can provide air to the intake.

What should the temperature be in a root cellar?

Regardless of which type of root cellar you add to your home, these key elements will determine your success: temperature, humidity, ventilation, and darkness. To work properly, a root cellar should stay between 32 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.