Have you ever considered what individuals did prior to refrigeration? Have you ever paused to consider what life would be like without refrigeration, even though I’ve already discussed it on how to survive without it?
Root cellars were one of the solutions.
They are still alive and well, which is great news.
So today I’ll show you a variety of root cellar options. You might get some ideas here if you’re considering going off-grid. Maybe this will be of use to you for additional food storage if you aren’t interested in giving up your refrigerator.
Without any further discussion, here they are:
1. DIY In-Ground Root Cellar
This is a lovely traditional in-ground root cellar. I appreciate how well- disguised it is, thus it doesn’t stick out on your property. Your root vegetables and canned goods will have plenty of room in this root cellar.
However, since it is in the ground, it can also offer significant storm protection. This is a terrific root cellar for any home.
2. Earthbags Root Cellar
Another excellent in-ground DIY root cellar. These walls are made of earthbags rather than cinder blocks, which saves money. You may make your own sandbags, which are identical to purchased earthbags, or you may buy them.
Look at the pictures that come with the set of instructions and materials list, rather than the fact that the materials are highly inexpensive. They’re incredibly intricate, and they make me want to design one myself.
3. Build-it Cellar
I think these ideas are great. They not only walk you through the project step-by-step, but they do so in a lot of pictures.
The basement is quite large, and that’s noteworthy. You have unlimited space to store your food and there is also sufficient room to move around. These plans are ideal for a small construction project if you’re up to it!
4. The Multi-Purpose Root Cellar
This is a fantastic initiative. It serves as both a root cellar and a storm shelter above ground. I like how they used so many different materials to make it operate.
The fact that they wanted it sealed was another huge bonus for this endeavor. No snakes, mice, or spiders are allowed. So if you don’t like creepy, slithery, crawly things, then this root cellar may be a fantastic addition to your home.
5. The Low-Cost Earth Bag Building
This multi-purpose structure houses the root cellar. It could also be used as a root cellar, storm shelter, or storage structure. You may not need to get a permit for your home because of its smaller size.
The materials used in this structure, however, are extremely cost-effective. It’s really lovely and one-of-a-kind, with its particular form. So if you’re trying for a unique and inexpensive way to build a root cellar, this may be the perfect option for you.
6. Earth Bag Dome
Earthbags are used to construct this, as well. Since they’re fashioned by simply filling a bag with sand and other soil, earthbags are excellent construction materials. Like bricks, they’re stacked together.
As a result, this building is both cost-effective and interesting. It makes a excellent root cellar alternative.
7. The Green Roof Root Cellar
This is a one-of-a-kind and stunning root cellar. They erected a green roof and constructed it out of wood. It is supported into the ground, which keeps your veggies fresh and chilly all year.
The green roof, however, sets this apart from all other root cellars. How a modular green roof was built is detailed in the article’s author. It’s a really cool concept that would appeal to a large number of people.
8. Four DIY Root Cellar Options
Here are four easy root cellar projects for you to try. They include things like turning a barrel into a root cellar and placing a trash can in the ground and covering it with hay bales.
These concepts are clearly rather cost-effective. They’re also simple to make, so even folks without carpentry abilities may make one for themselves. As a result, these concepts may be right for you if you’re looking for an inexpensive and basic root cellar.
9. The Backyard Cellars
There are two terrific ways to create a backyard root cellar on this site. One of the possibilities was the same as before. They dig a hole in the ground and deposit the pail. Next, place a rock on top of the hole to keep it secure while covering it with a bale of straw or a piece of wood.
However, there is another option that has not yet been considered. To use as a root cellar, it’s utilizing an antique freezer that’s been placed in the ground. The concepts are simple to build and cost-effective. As a result, this website is guaranteed to not let you down if you’re looking for one that meets those requirements.
10. The Common Ground Root Cellars
These root cellars appear to be quite diverse, yet they all have something in common. They can both keep your food safe all year.
How do they function, then? The other is a cinder-block foundation for a traditional root cellar. The other is a less conventional kind of root cellar. It’s a subterranean barrel filled with straw that allows you to store your veggies in the ideal way.
11. Amy’s Dream Root Cellar
This is one of the most stunning root cellars I’ve ever seen. It has a charming, rustic appeal that would suit well with any farm or homestead. It’s no surprise that it’s dubbed “Amy’s dream root cellar.” Owning one like this would be a dream come true for me.
That, however, is even better: it doesn’t have to remain a dream. She provides you with the blueprints for a stunning root cellar that you may customize to your liking. As a result, if you want a serene looking root cellar, here’s the product for you.
12. The 7-Step Root Cellar
Do you think creating your own root cellar is beyond your abilities? Yes, I totally get how you feel. This, however, is a good place to start. They break down the process of constructing your root cellar into seven steps, with illustrations.
I have to admit that this root cellar is well-built. Since it is built with cinder block walls, it seems to be quite stable. The design also features a dome-shaped roof, which adds a unique touch. That might be the root cellar of your dreams if you’re looking for sturdy and unique.
13. The Organic Garden Blanket
A root cellar in this shape is uncommon. Let’s say you don’t have the resources to construct a huge cinder block-walled walk-in root cellar. So what happens next?
14. The Rustic Root Cellar
Beautiful and rustic, this root cellar is a must-see. I appreciate this essay because it covers all of the key components of a successful and safe root cellar.
They do, however, provide instructions on how to construct this charming basement. With its wooden door and stone facade, it’s absolutely gorgeous. It would be a wonderful addition to your home.
15. The Modern Root Cellar
Please understand that this basement is unique and lovely when I tell you it is. Like with the previous in-ground cinder block root cellars, they start by constructing it.
The fact that they add beautiful décor to finish it off makes this one so unique. Instead, think again about having a fundamental entrance. A spiral staircase leads to a sliding glass door on the ground.
16. ‘Thinking Outside Of The Box’ Root Cellar
One of my favorite root cellar articles is this one. I like the photographs that go with this article.
Yet, I appreciate how they provide several options for your root cellar body. There are so many different options. As a result, this page breaks the whole procedure down and makes it look like a much less difficult job.
17. The Simple Root Cellar
Yet another obvious idea is the root cellar. You just dig a hole in the ground and throw all of your trash in there. After that, you build a wooden hinged door to cover the crater.
As a result, this root cellar design might be appropriate for you if you’re looking for a strong and cheap option. The look of the structure, as well as the simplicity with which it can be built, are two things I appreciate.
18. The Mini Root Cellar
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert carpenter, this article is a great resource for anyone looking to construct a root cellar. In summary, if you’re looking for a compact root cellar that may be constructed using a specific resource, this might be it.
19. The A-Frame Root Cellar
The root cellar is one-of-a-kind. However, do not get sidetracked by the stunning hobbit home that stands behind it when you initially see it. The root cellar is not unattractive, despite the fact that the house is a masterpiece.
So, if you’re looking for a robust root cellar, this would definitely be the one for you. I adore the way they utilized straw for insulation, as well as how it is a more long-term construction. Yet, it requires considerably more effort and preparation.
20. Hobbit Hole Cellar
Another budget-friendly but unusual rooting cellar idea is this one. They simply dig a trench and deposit the meal inside.
After that, they cover the hole with mulch and other organic debris for insulation and put a wooden door over it. I’m not sure how easy it would be to get into, but if you need a root cellar on a budget, I’m sure it would work.
21. School Bus Root Cellar
This is a unique alternative in the form of a root cellar. Don’t just let your vehicle (or, in this case, a school bus) sit around your property if you have one. No, dig a huge hole and deposit it there.
You’ll also gain a huge root cellar to stock with groceries once you do. I have no choice but to hand it over to them. It’s a little quirky, but it’ll work and save you money. It’s a good way to use something that’s been put out of action.
22. A Boat Cellar
The school bus root cellar is comparable to this one. In general, they recreated an ancient boat to put back into service.
Dig a hole and put it in the ground if you have an old boat stored on your land. Then you’ve got a fantastic root cellar by filling it with groceries.
23. Deck Root Cellar
Convenience is the operative word here. Several of these root cellars are really unusual and cost-effective, as I discussed before. However, not all of them are convenient.
So, since it is constructed inside the deck from your backdoor, this one is definitely convenient. Place a hole in the back deck, insulate it, and store your harvest for the winter if you have one. Maybe you can find an existing deck box and install it yourself, since the original post is no longer available.
24. Shipping Container Root Cellar
This idea is a great idea, times 2. Why? Because it doubles as a root cellar and a storm shelter. If you live in a part of the country where you need a storm shelter then this might certainly pique your interest.
So all they did was build a large shipping container into a hole they dug into the hill. It seems to be well-ventilated, so it would obviously need proper ventilation.
25. Ground Fridge Cellar
Another great idea for a root cellar is this one. You obtain a Ground Fridge, which is an item. It’s a simple insert that keeps your food cool.
As a result, if you’re looking for a less complex root cellar, check out one of these. I appreciate how quickly it gets going. It makes a difficult task seem less difficult.
So, in case you’re interested, there are 25 self-contained root cellars.