An alternative to building a root cellar is storing vegetables underground using a plastic storage box underneath a hole, mounded with leaves or sawdust.
If you need a makeshift root cellar dig a hole as an easy method for storing vegetables underground.
First I would like to say I have enjoyed getting a lot of ideas from MOTHER EARTH NEWS for years. Here's a good one I came up with. I have no place to build a root cellar where I live, but to keep my potatoes, carrots, cabbage and turnips in the winter I dig a hole at the end of my garden and put inside a plastic storage box with holes drilled in it. Then I mound leaves or sawdust over it — both work the same when it comes to storing vegetables underground. When the snow and cold comes I just dig into it and get out what I want. I got out my last turnips just the other day, and this is the middle of March!
C. Ashley
Orleans, IN
Whether you want to learn how to grow and raise your own food, build your own root cellar, or create a green dream home, come out and learn everything you need to know — and then some!
LEARN MORE
This is a wonderful idea. However, I live in south Louisiana and I wonder if this will work in my area?
This is a wonderful idea. However, I live in south Louisiana and I wonder if this will work in my area?