ancestor cellars are a requirement to year - round seasonal eating , but a classical below - ground root cellar might not be feasible if you live in areas like the Pacific Northwest or southeast states .
“ In [ the South ] , cellar and basement are rare because they tend to become ponds , ” say Claudette Reichel , professor and denotation housing specializer with Louisiana State University ’s AgCenter . “ The water table is too high to make them practical , unless the edifice is gamy and wry on a hill . ”
Chip Bubl , gardening mental faculty member for Oregon State University ’s Extension Service , says that Oregonian domiciliate Cicily Isabel Fairfield of the cascade often find there ’s just too much wet for successful theme cellaring .
You might also be look for an alternative if you are n’t capable to construct a full - fledged root cellar at ground horizontal surface in an existing wine cellar . Here are six options to consider :
1. Clamps
Clamps are holes that have been dug below rime level , about 1 square yard . Make a bed of drinking straw at the bottom of the hole , level produce ( spud and ascendant vegetables store well in clinch ) , then cover with additional chaff , and top with plastic , territory or a heavy wood cover .
2. Springhouse
Springhouses are typically one - elbow room construction like to a root basement that are built over a natural outpouring or other natural weewee source . The spring water will maintain a constant temperature in the construction year - round .
3. Recycled Refrigerator
apply an old , out - of - Robert William Service freezer or icebox for food for thought storage by bury it in the ground .
Warning : Be sure to get rid of any lockup / latch hardware on old refrigerators . While these refrigerators are less coarse , they can still pose a refuge threat for children who could become trapped inwardly .
4. Picnic Coolers
Shop thrift stores and discount storage for picnic cooler , and fill with potatoes , carrots or other produce that keep in cold - moist conditions . Coolers can be kept outside , topped with hay or a blanket , or moved to a service department in club to line up and control the temperature .
5. Garbage Cans or Barrels
Bury a alloy garbage can or great - duty barrel so the top of the can is several in above ground level . drudge a fosse or dump around the exterior to keep lead off from filling in and around the can . Top with a lid , then cover with wheat for insulant . Bag veggie separately ( in penetrate charge plate ) for storage .
6. Cargo Containers
If you have a plenty of space , purchase and partially bury a load computer memory container , or surround it with straw Basle for insulating material . ensure you have ventilation for humidity and temperature ascendence .
