Root Cellars Vegetable Storage

At a glance..

Root cellars offer gardeners a method for storing produce through the winter or for holding produce until there is time for canning and freezing. This resource talks about building root cellars and more.

The details..

In Alaska, where cold temperatures prevail throughout the year, root cellars are a popular method of storing vegetables. The Vegetable Storage: Root Cellar guide offers gardeners and consumers an effective way to preserve high-quality locally-grown produce during winters or until there is time for canning and freezing. To keep stored fruits and vegetables fresh while maintaining their nutritional value, it's essential to meet specific storage conditions such as temperature range between 32F-40F.

'Harvesting late-maturing varieties that have grown fully matured into fall' is one key tip provided in this guide by Michele Hebert - Extension Faculty Agriculture & Horticulture at University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service. The author also recommends using insulation on walls and ceilings along with thermostats to maintain optimum storage temperatures inside the cellar.

The second most important requirement after temperature control is moisture regulation which varies depending upon vegetable type; some require high humidity levels (80%-95% relative humidity) like beets, kohlrabi etc., whereas others prefer dry conditions like cucubits(squash family), onions etc.. Ventilation helps regulate both these factors effectively while controlling mold growth caused due to excess moisture content in air.

This comprehensive guide also provides tips on harvesting techniques followed by grouping harvested produce based on its storage requirements into four categories namely 'cold & very moist', 'cold & moist', 'cool & dry' and 'warm & dry'. It further explains how each category requires specific packing materials including sawdust,sand or peat moss along with perforated plastic bags for thin-skinned veggies like carrots,potatoes,tomatoes,onions etc.