Sunday, May 3, 2009

Root Cellars - A Natural Method of Cold Storage

Root Cellaring is a method of using earth's natural cool temperature to store your perishable fruits and vegetables. It is an energy saving way to keep your produce fresh.

There are many ways that root cellars have been built. There are ones that are dug into the ground and have access through a hatchway, ones that are dug into a hillside and other ones that are build above ground.

A root cellar that is accessed through a hatchway are usually a large hole dug into the ground like a house basement, then four walls and a ceiling are constructed. In constructing the ceiling there is an access hole left to install a hatchway door and ladder. In a root cellar the floors are left is there natural state. Some of these types of root cellars even have a shed like building built over the hatchway door.

The type of root cellars that are constructed into a hillside are basically the same construction method of the hatchway type. The only difference being is that there is an insulated doorway in the front for access into the cellar.

An above ground type of cold storage can be built many different ways. They are basically a well insulated shed or garage type building. They can be built of wood, block or even stone.

The major factor in any style of root cellar is the humidity. Depending on where you live the humidity level will need to be monitored and either adjusted up or down. This can easily be done with an exhaust fan or by adding water to the cellar with wet towels or pans of water.

A environment friendly and healthy way of gardening. Organic Gardening is away of gardening in harmony with nature. Growing a healthy and productive crop in a way that is healthier for both you and the environment.

John Yazo

http://www.organicheirloomgardening.com

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