Building Our Root Cellar: A Sustainable Storage Solution

At our North Texas farm, we are always looking for ways to enhance our sustainability practices and make the most of our harvests. One of our latest projects was the construction of a two-room root cellar, a vital addition that allows us to store our vegetables and preserve our harvest throughout the seasons. Additionally, it allows us to store seed plants for the next growing season. Onions, garlic, potatoes, and more will stay vital through the winter and replace the garden the following year. Designed and constructed by Tober, this root cellar is functional and reflects our commitment to using repurposed materials and sustainable building practices.

The root cellar’s location is perfect for easy accessibility from the main house, as it is built into the large hillside the main house stands on. Once all the buildings are complete, it will be a short walk from the house’s porch to the root cellar. Nestled into the hill, the root cellar interior is a cool 68 degrees, creating an ideal environment for storing vegetables. The external building provides light, work space, and a secondary greenhouse area for storing plants during winter or getting a jumpstart on seedlings for spring.

The first room of our root cellar is a sub-terrain space measuring 12 x 10 feet, ideally suited for keeping vegetables fresh and cool. Lined with cedar posts and ceilinged with oak posts sourced from our property, the interior provides a beautiful and natural aesthetic while also helping to regulate humidity and deter pests. Three walls are equipped with sturdy shelving, providing ample storage for our seasonal harvests and allowing us to easily organize and access our produce. Before enclosing the space with dirt, he installed a 5 mil poly liner to deter insects and maintain a consistent temperature within the cellar.

To enhance its functionality, Tober designed it with a door that allows us to close it off from the exterior room, ensuring that the temperature remains stable regardless of outside conditions. This feature is particularly valuable during the hot Texas summers, helping us preserve the freshness of our produce for longer periods.

The second room of the root cellar is an external building, approximately 8 x 10 feet, constructed with metal siding and featuring clear Lexan roofing. This design not only adds a unique touch to our farm but also serves as a secondary greenhouse space, allowing us to extend our growing season further. The clear roofing lets in natural light, providing an excellent environment for starting seedlings and nurturing plants before they transition to the garden.

Although the interior pictures don’t show it here, Tober incorporated workstations along the sides of the exterior room, providing a convenient area for preparing and processing our harvests 9see video below). Underneath the workstation, we have storage for tools and supplies, keeping the space organized and efficient. The floor throughout the root cellar is made of earth, enhancing the natural feel of the space and contributing to its cooling properties.

One of the most rewarding aspects of building our root cellar was Tober’s commitment to using repurposed materials. He creatively utilized leftover items from previous projects, including corrugated old barn metal for the exterior and Lexan panels from our first greenhouse build. The polyvinyl fencing removed from the original house’s yard and reclaimed cedar fencing used for shelves further exemplify our dedication to sustainability and ecological mindfulness. Some may not like the look of the old metal, but we both enjoy the patina of time and love repurposing something that would otherwise harm the earth for years just lying in a stack or pile. Once the grass grows back on and around the buildings, the completed root cellar will blend with the rustic charm of our homestead. Additionally, the oak and cedar posts used in the root cellar came from our property, allowing the legacy of the trees to continue with a resourceful, new purpose.

In conclusion, our root cellar is more than just a storage space; it represents our values of sustainability, creativity, and self-sufficiency. With careful planning and thoughtful design, Tober has created a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution for preserving our harvests. We look forward to reaping the benefits of our hard work and sharing the fruits of our labor with our community!

Feel free to reach out with any questions. you can click the button below or go to the pricing link on the top right menu. We hope you have enjoyed this project.