I need tips and ideas for root cellars!

[iwantosavemoney]

i would say the easyest way to build a root cellar would be a big water tank and put it in the ground im looking to buy one soon to try it out ad see how well it will work out sure if it will sweat tho

the cheap guy

[MrsNewAmericaNow]

@iwantosavemoney The earthship method seems like a good way. The project is put on hold until next spring. If I was going to use a prefab container I would go with a metal shipping cargo container. It would provide more walking and storage space than a round water tank. Thanks for the comment!

[IronRangeSurvival]

Drain-field for water drainage around it, and support for at least 3ft of dirt cover for NBC, is something I would do.

If your going to build it, build it for security/safety needs too. imo.

Building in the ground is no joke, you don't want a collapse, during construction, or a couple of yrs down the road.

[centervilletn]

my work uses lots of floral foam for casts/molds....im thinking maybe i should use them to insulate a root celler..i can get 30 or 40 lbs of ice a day for free...

[BR98133]

The only part I know about is digging. Once you get six feet down it is good to have (at least plywood) sheets and cross supports, until you get the permenant walls. You don't want sides to collaps while you are in up to your neck. Sorry I don't know more. Thanks for sharing!

[billjacobson1967]

I also have an insulated room in my basement that works well for us. If you are digging one make sure it has good drainage and build lots of HEAVY DUTY shelves. Canned goods get very heavy.

[ceadeses]

Do you have a basement? Mine is a separate room in my basement about 12'x 12' which I insulated to keep the wood stove from heating it up. I also have access to a basement window on the outside wall which I use to regulate the temp. It works great and only cost me two walls and some insulation!

[chuck200453]

I used 2" lumber on the outside of 2x6 walls. It was covered with plastic and had a 10" foam roof. Be sure to have lots of drainage! I only had two vents in the roof and it should have been more. It worked well for 12 years but the moisture from normal movement (frost) the roof fell in this winter. Almost all the food was useable. Now I need to see if I should do all the work again.

I used the wood walls because they were fir and they were used and free. Be sure to use very good drains and vents

[HedgeLiving]

I have three root cellars. One big thing is while dirt is great for regulating moisture, some kind of fencing or grates needs to be put down or critters will dig through the dirt and eat the stores.  Protecting stores from the earth isn't as important for me but protecting them from the critters that borrow through the ground can be difficult. What all do you want to know?

[GoatHollow]

NO!... I'll do quick response

[MrsNewAmericaNow]

@GoatHollow I'm still waiting ; ).....lol. If the rain doesn't stop we'll never get it dug.

[stayingawake20]

Hey there, AGF put out a vid on root cellars, but don't know if that'll be much help... I have no experience with them myself.. I'm navel lint!!! LOL

[MrsNewAmericaNow]

@stayingawake20 haha...I looked over his video and searched for different styles but didn't see anything close to what I'm thinking of for a root cellar. Well if anything we will learn from trail and error....lol.