Root cellars are a great way to store produce for an extended period of time. The benefits of having one include saving money on groceries and reducing waste. However, creating a root cellar can be expensive. In this article, we will explore 13 inexpensive ideas for creating a root cellar while still keeping it cool.
1. Utilize Your Basement
If you have a basement, it’s the perfect spot to create a root cellar without spending any extra money. Basements are naturally cooler than the rest of the house and can easily maintain the temperature that is ideal for keeping your produce fresh.
2. Bury Trash Cans
Using trash cans is an easy and inexpensive way to make a root cellar in your backyard or garden. Dig a hole large enough to bury the trash cans, then place your produce inside and cover them with soil.
3. Use Old Refrigerators
Old refrigerators can be repurposed as root cellars. If you have one that no longer works or plan on replacing it, you can use it to store your produce by adjusting the temperature control.
4. Utilize Straw Bales
Straw bales provide an excellent insulation material for keeping root cellars cool. They can be used to line walls or placed around trash cans used as makeshift cellars.
5. Create an Underground Root Cellar
Creating an underground root cellar may sound expensive, but there are affordable options available online or at home improvement stores that allow easy construction of an underground cellar using plastic barrels or flower pots.
6. Use Shaded Areas Outside
If you don’t have enough space inside your home or garden for a root cellar, consider using shaded areas outside such as under trees or covered patios.
7. Repurpose Old Chest Freezers
Old chest freezers can also be repurposed into makeshift root cellars by adjusting the temperature control and adding some shelving if needed.
8. Use A Cooler
If you have a cooler or icebox, it can be used as a small root cellar to store a few produce items such as vegetables or fruits.
9. Build a Small Shed
Build an inexpensive shed in your garden or backyard with some insulation and shelving to create a cool and dry environment for storing produce.
10. Utilize The Garage
If you have an attached garage, it can be used as a makeshift root cellar by ensuring that it is well-insulated and using shelves to keep your produce organized.
11. Use An Old Shipping Container
Old shipping containers can be repurposed into large root cellars by adding insulation and shelving inside.
12. Create an External Ventilation System
An external ventilation system can be created by installing pipes that allow fresh air into the root cellar, which helps maintain cool temperatures.
13. Use A Wine Cooler
A wine cooler provides an excellent temperature-controlled environment for storing small amounts of produce such as fruits and vegetables.
Conclusion:
Creating a root cellar doesn’t have to break the bank; there are affordable options available that will still keep your produce fresh for longer periods of time without costing too much money. Consider utilizing these 13 inexpensive ideas when creating your own budget-friendly root cellar.