32-40°F
The magic range. A basement corner, a buried barrel, or a dug-in space against a north wall all work.
Store months of food with nothing but the earth's cool — the original, energy-free fridge.
A root cellar keeps potatoes, carrots, apples, onions and squash for months using nothing but the earth's cool, stable temperature. No electricity, no running cost — the original refrigerator.
The magic range. A basement corner, a buried barrel, or a dug-in space against a north wall all work.
Most roots want high humidity to not shrivel. A dirt floor or a pan of water helps; onions/squash prefer drier.
Light greens potatoes and sprouts onions. Keep it dark and ventilated to clear ethylene gas.
No basement? A buried tote, a cooler in the ground, or an unheated garage corner stores a surprising amount.
Growing food only pays off if it keeps. The book that ties root cellaring to growing, water and power is The Self-Sufficient Backyard.
Garden beds, rainwater sizing, pantry days-of-supply and the weekly rhythm — free spreadsheet, straight to your inbox.