Root Cellars - A Natural Method of Cold Storage

Root Cellaring is a method of using earth's naturaldoor.
cool temperature to store your perishable fruits andThe type of root cellars that are constructed into a
vegetables. It is an energy saving way to keep yourhillside are basically the same construction method of
produce fresh.the hatchway type. The only difference being is that
There are many ways that root cellars have beenthere is an insulated doorway in the front for access
built. There are ones that are dug into the groundinto the cellar.
and have access through a hatchway, ones that areAn above ground type of cold storage can be built
dug into a hillside and other ones that are build abovemany different ways. They are basically a well
ground.insulated shed or garage type building. They can be
A root cellar that is accessed through a hatchwaybuilt of wood, block or even stone.
are usually a large hole dug into the ground like aThe major factor in any style of root cellar is the
house basement, then four walls and a ceiling arehumidity. Depending on where you live the humidity
constructed. In constructing the ceiling there is anlevel will need to be monitored and either adjusted up
access hole left to install a hatchway door and ladder.or down. This can easily be done with an exhaust fan
In a root cellar the floors are left is there naturalor by adding water to the cellar with wet towels or
state. Some of these types of root cellars evenpans of water.
have a shed like building built over the hatchway