Root crops, such as carrots or turnips, should be placed in this type of root cellar later in the fall.
Root cellars have been used for centuries to store harvested fruits and vegetables. Kept at a constant cool temperature, the dark and humidity of underground storage worked as a precursor to the modern refrigerator, keeping foods fresh for weeks or months. Enjoying a new popularity, root cellars can range from expensive, such as digging a room below ground, to inexpensive and easy methods, such as creating a small version with a simple wooden barrel or metal garbage can.
Instructions
1. Choose an area of the yard that is well-drained and not subjected to standing water; vegetables will rot quickly if surrounded by constant moisture.
2. Measure the circumference and length of the garbage can or barrel. Mark an area on the ground that is approximately three inches wider than the garbage can with the spray paint.
3. Dig a hole for the garbage can or barrel with a shovel. Remove enough dirt that the storage container will slide easily into the hole. Dig deep enough to allow all but the top four inches of the container to be in the hole.
4. Create a trench or ditch around the top of the storage container by mounding some of the removed dirt around the protruding garbage can or barrel. Pack the dirt tightly and layer more on top of it, so that the resulting mound is several inches higher than the container lip. Create a valley on either side of the container by constructing a shorter dirt wall several inches away from the initial mound; this allows water to bypass the container and be diverted elsewhere in the yard.
5. Place the desired vegetables and/or fruits in polyethylene bags, cutting small slits in each for ventilation; place the vegetables and/or fruits in the storage container. Cover the container with a lid, making sure it is sealed tightly to avoid any water run-off.
6. Cover the lid with 6 to 12 inches of mulch or straw for insulation. Place the plastic tarp over the organic covering to assist in water run-off. The cover also will help keep the container's temperature cool.
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