Root Cellar

[nebraskasparks]

Anyone have any good spots on the net for a root cellar? I've read the book "Root Cellaring" by Mike and Nancy Bubel and it is excellent, but was wondering if anyone had a site on building/construction the cellars.

I'm looking at a 15 x 30 cellar because of our organic operation.
Along those lines I was quoted 1500 bucks to dig this space to a depth of about 11 feet. Sounded kind of high considering what I can rent a backhoe for and hire somebody for the day. Any ideas if this rate is in line?

 

[Tony_S]

Well, I was planning on posting a few links, but the list gets pretty long pretty quick, so just typing "Root Cellar" into a Google search brings back quite a bit of reading....and photos......and videos.
I skimmed through a few of them and there are at least some tips on best practices and pitfalls to avoid.
No idea on the backhoe rates, but it does sound like a lot.

 

[Duffster]

Anyone have any good spots on the net for a root cellar? I've read the book "Root Cellaring" by Mike and Nancy Bubel and it is excellent, but was wondering if anyone had a site on building/construction the cellars.

I'm looking at a 15 x 30 cellar because of our organic operation.
Along those lines I was quoted 1500 bucks to dig this space to a depth of about 11 feet. Sounded kind of high considering what I can rent a backhoe for and hire somebody for the day. Any ideas if this rate is in line?

That price is outrageous. For that I will come and do it for you. For comparison I just had a basement dug for $300.

 

[schmism]

you can dig the hole cheep but what are you going to put in it? concrete box?

ive considered burying a shipping container

box culvert sections?

 

[Tony_S]

you can dig the hole cheep but what are you going to put in it? concrete box?

ive considered burying a shipping container

box culvert sections?

How about this? :laughing: Bet that thing gets pretty warm inside.
I think the shipping container would be a bit safer/ stronger.

 

[nebraskasparks]

I actually thought about burying a shipping container but a friend of mine did it and it sweats bad on him despite having over three feet of earth over it and vents.
I'll probably go with gravel and footing being poured...still up for debate whether I put posts and wood in or concrete walls...still doing the homework.

 

[hilld]

How about this? :laughing: Bet that thing gets pretty warm inside.
I think the shipping container would be a bit safer/ stronger.

That looks like a giant speed bump.

 

[dmccarty]

Check out this PDF file on wood foundations.

http://newstore.southernpine.com/images/ref400.pdf

It covers what would be needed for a basement or crawl space structure. The roof to support dirt is NOT covered. <pun intended> :laughing:

I guess if one could figure out the weight of the soil then the roof structure could be correctly designed and built.

We would like to have a root cellar. The kids would like chickens. I suppose I could build a root cellar per the document. Put fill back up to the cellar walls and for a roof build a chicken house on top. :laughing: Two birds with one stone.

Later,
Dan

 

[nebraskasparks]

Thanks Dan...looks feasible...just have to figure the load and stress overhead.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

How about this? :laughing: Bet that thing gets pretty warm inside.
I think the shipping container would be a bit safer/ stronger.

That's called a red-neck root cellar!!! :laughing::laughing::laughing: