by Ellie Gabel
Root cellars are critical in emergencies, delivering a reliable method for preserving fresh food without electricity. Whether a particular area is prone to power outages, natural disasters or supply chain disruptions, these structures provide access to nutritious produce for months.
What Is a Root Cellar?
As a form of food storage, root cellars have a history dating back to before the invention of electricity and refrigeration. Built underground, in basements or into hillsides, they can keep harvests cool during the summer months and warm enough in the winter to prevent freezing.
Renewed interest in root cellars has stemmed from a rise in homesteading, climate change and global instability. Grocery prices are also increasing — the Consumer Price Index for grocery store and supermarket prices increased by 2.7% in August 2025 compared to August 2024. These inflated prices and higher utility costs nationwide have prompted many to seek electricity-free food storage options for homegrown or bulk-purchased fruits and vegetables.
Key Considerations Before Building
Before breaking ground to build a root cellar, assess the site’s conditions. The soil should be well-drained to avoid mold growth and spoilage. Location also impacts the cellar’s success, as north-facing or shaded areas allow temperatures to remain consistently cool.
A root cellar must maintain a temperature range of 32° to 40° Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 85% to 95%. This type of environment will slow ethylene gas production and crop ripening, while high humidity prevents moisture loss from the interior.
Air circulation is another important consideration when planning a root cellar. Natural airflow regulates temperature and humidity, removes ethylene gas, and prevents excess wetness. The best approach to ventilation is creating an intake and outlet on opposite sides of the cellar and leaving space between shelving and the walls.
It’s also important to verify with the local municipality regarding building codes and regulations, as cellars may require permits.
How to Build a Root Cellar
The easiest way to build a root cellar is to bury a barrel or garbage can in the ground. Some people also use a large septic tank for additional space. An 8-foot by 8-foot cellar provides adequate food storage for the average person and requires simple maintenance. Ultimately, it depends on the project’s budget.
Building requires several tools and materials, including an excavator or shovel, a drill, protective gear, a thermometer, and a hygrometer. Concrete, plywood, rebar, insulation, shelving and crates are other essential supplies.
Using an established structure, such as a basement, saves time and money on excavation and construction. Those building a root cellar outdoors may want to start digging using rented equipment or a shovel for small-scale containers. Next, insulate the walls using cinder blocks, sandbags or tires to create a barrier between the cellar and the soil. Creating ventilation using a window or mesh screen is the last step.
Best Practices for Using and Maintaining a Root Cellar
Specific produce fares better in a root cellar than others. Lettuce and leafy greens won’t last as long as hardier vegetables, like winter squash and potatoes. Carrots, cabbage, beets, pumpkins and russetted apples are also ideal options. Stored food will last several months under the right conditions. However, it’s also important to account for the ideal storage temperature of each type of produce.
It can be useful to maintain different storage options, such as crates, boxes and baskets made of natural materials. Plastic crates also work as long as they have plenty of holes to promote air circulation and moisture evaporation — the same goes for storage bags. Likewise, wooden shelves are best because they conduct less heat than metal.
Inspect the contents of the root cellar regularly to check for items that have begun to rot or show signs of mold. Monitor the temperature and humidity levels and clean the interiors seasonally to prevent bacterial growth and pests.
Modern Innovations and Resources
Modern materials, such as insulated concrete forms, advanced sealants and vapor barriers, are ideal for temperature and humidity control. They also reduce the time and effort required for upkeep. Digital thermometers and wireless humidity sensors can also be used for precise, real-time monitoring, enabling the immediate identification and resolution of any issues that arise.
Online resources, such as government agency websites and university extension programs, provide current information and science-backed advice. Community forums and social media platforms are other places to find support, tips and problem-solving techniques.
Root Cellars as a Resilient Food Storage Solution
Preppers seeking long-term, low-tech storage solutions should opt for a traditional root cellar with modern amenities. These straightforward containers safeguard food supplies for months without electricity, making them an excellent investment in food security and sustainability.
Check out 9 other ways to prep your home in this article.
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
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