Buzz
Although many of us won’t relocate to a farm to embrace homesteading, adopting small aspects of this lifestyle can help you save money, cultivate more of your own produce, and foster self-reliance. I once believed root cellars, common in older homes, were impractical in urban settings. However, I’ve discovered that a root cellar is more about the idea than the location—and you can easily set one up in your home.
Even if you don’t grow your own vegetables, a root cellar can still be beneficial. It enables you to purchase seasonal produce at lower prices and store it for times when it’s scarce or more costly in stores.
Damp versus dry root cellars
One of the most intriguing aspects of root cellars is the necessity for two distinct spaces: one with high moisture levels and another with low humidity. Root vegetables, which grow underground, thrive in environments that mimic their natural habitat—cold, damp, and dark.
On the other hand, garlic, sweet potatoes, and squash prefer dry conditions with good airflow. This is where your dry cellar comes into play.
Setting up a dry root cellar
During winter, your home likely already resembles a dry root cellar. With heaters running, there’s often a corner or closet that stays cool and slightly drafty. A garage, outbuilding, or even a basement can serve this purpose. As long as the temperature stays between 50-60°F and humidity remains around 60-70%, your vegetables will thrive in milk crates. Regular weekly checks are recommended, especially since you’ll likely be using them frequently.
Setting up a damp root cellar
The biggest challenge with a damp root cellar is maintaining conditions that prevent mold growth. This is why basements or outbuildings are ideal. However, you can also use a sectioned-off area in your garage or even an old refrigerator. Aim to keep the temperature between 32-40°F and humidity near 100%. A clever solution I came across was by Meg Cowden, author of Plant, Grow, Harvest, Repeat, who designed a space in her garage with an external vent. This setup leverages Minnesota’s cold air to maintain the right temperature while keeping the rest of the garage dry.
Many people use wire racks or easy-to-clean shelving for their root cellars. (Avoid wood due to moisture.) Instead of placing vegetables directly on the racks, store them in bins or crates filled with sawdust, shredded newspaper, or sand. The goal is to mimic their natural growing environment. Keep the medium slightly moist but not wet, and layer the vegetables within it. This method can extend the shelf life of your produce by several months.
Regularly check on your stored vegetables like carrots and cabbage. If you’ve gone through the effort of setting up a root cellar, you’ll likely be using these supplies frequently for meals.
Monitoring and maintaining optimal conditions
Fortunately, modern technology offers smart tools to help monitor and adjust root cellar conditions. Start with a reliable thermometer and hygrometer, though many on the market are inconsistent. I’ve had success with the Smartbot hub, which tracks both temperature and humidity. Another option is the Meross device, which has also proven effective. You’ll need one for each root cellar. These tools can automate humidifiers, dehumidifiers, fans, or air conditioning, or simply alert you when adjustments are needed. You can even set weekly reminders to inspect your root cellar. For advanced setups, connect a humidifier to a water source, like a washing machine hose or spigot.
