He Buries A Garbage Can In The Backyard For This Brilliant Reason. I"m Totally Trying This!

I’ve been interested in DIYing a backyard root cellar for some time now.

Why?

1. Root cellars use the earth as natural, free insulation. This means lower energy costs for me and the environment at once. For instance, in the winter, my root cellar would prevent my food stores from freezing; in summer, the root cellar would keep my garden-fresh foods cool and prevent spoiling. 

2. Root cellars equal instant storage. I have big dreams for tiny living, which means space-saving storage is always on my mind. I love the idea of having a mini fridge inside for basics and a big backyard root cellar for excess. I could pick fresh foods from the garden and store them away so easily! 

3. DIYing leads to self-sufficiency. Plain and simple. 

4. They’ve been used for adequate food storage (and protection from critters) for thousands of years!

5. With food prices rising and production rapidly changing, it just makes sense to secure one’s own food. This is one way to do it. 

So what’s the next step? Inspiration. 

Here you go: 15 root cellars to get you DIYing your way to a more sustainable and self-sufficient life: 

1. Dan’s Garden Root Cellar

Every root cellar is different. Some are made with mortar, some stone, others are wood-crafted. This one’s entry is framed in wood and is rather hobbit-hole like, making entry easy. Here, Dan stores potatoes, carrots, and many other home-grown vegetables over the winter months. 

2. Upcycled Freezer Root Cellar

Sometimes, self-sufficiency is easier than you think. If you have an old freezer, you basically have a new root cellar. Simply strip the unit of anything unnecessary (like the motor and shelves), dig out a big enough hole to support the freezer, put some gravel around it, add ventilation and a thermometer, and re-insulate with the earth around it. 

3. Big Box Root Cellar

This is the root cellar for me. It’s easy to DIY, efficient, and not too big. After all, it’s important to match the style and size of the cellar with your individual needs. For this one, simply drill a few ventilation holes in the box and dig a hole large enough to fit the box. Use straw inside the box as further protective insulation. Check out #7 for a similar idea!

4. Hole In A Hill Root Cellar

Don’t you just love the idea of working with nature to create the perfect root cellar for your property? If you do, this is the design for you!