Root, etc. Cellars

Things to keep in mind

• A little dirt never hurts Vegetables store better if they are not washed. In Mitchell Posin’s words, “Dirt helps.”
• Allow ventilation Air circulation is key. Use bins or baskets with holes. Place vegetables where the air moves.
• Handle with care When you pack your vegetables—particularly potatoes, sweet potatoes, and squash—place them gently into the bins or baskets. Bruising increases chances of rot.
• Store with care Store onions in mesh bags (or pantyhose) in your dark relatively dry warm basement. Around 50°F with 60 to 70 percent humidity.
• Placement matters Squash, pumpkins, carrots, beets, radishes, and cabbage all like a cold, humid environments. If you have a drafty bulkhead, this can serve as a great substitute for a more formal root cellar. Place the squash and pumpkins in the more interior area and carrots, beets, and radishes closer to the cold.
• Further information For more thorough advice see “Root Cellaring: Natural Cold Storage of Fruits & Vegetables” by Mike and Nancy Bubel.