Root Cellar Part 1: Excavation

https://youtu.be/rzAW8zdMl6k

For many years, we have been toying with the idea of constructing a root cellar, a project that has lingered in our minds as we contemplated the benefits it could bring. Root cellars are designed to maintain a cool, moist environment, which is essential for preserving the freshness of fruits and vegetables for an extended period, typically ranging from three to six months. They serve as an excellent storage solution, keeping produce in optimal condition while also providing the necessary cool temperatures for canned goods, ensuring that they retain their quality without the risk of freezing. The unique insulation provided by the surrounding dirt of the structure plays a crucial role in maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the year, regardless of the external weather conditions. Although we recognized the potential advantages of having a root cellar for storing our produce and canning supplies, we felt a sense of intimidation about embarking on such a significant project. However, after much deliberation and planning, we have finally decided that it is time to bring this idea to fruition. The initial step in our root cellar construction journey was the excavation process, which marks the beginning of an exciting and educational project.

After careful consideration, we determined that our root cellar would measure 10 feet by 16 feet. This size was chosen based on the dimensions of the shelving units we plan to install inside, as well as allowing ample space for an aisle down the center for easy access. We took great care in selecting a location for the root cellar that would allow the door to face north. This orientation is particularly advantageous because, living in the northern hemisphere, it provides the most shade throughout the day, helping to keep the interior cool. Recognizing that the door is a critical point for temperature control, we are mindful that it lacks the insulating benefits of the surrounding dirt, making it a potential weak point in our efforts to maintain a stable, cool environment inside the cellar. Given our hot summer climate, this consideration is especially important to us. Additionally, we are fortunate to have a large walnut tree situated to the south of our chosen location, which will provide further shade and assistance in keeping the root cellar cool.

Once we settled on the ideal location for our root cellar, we proceeded to mark the outline where our structure would be built. We began by delineating the 10-foot by 16-foot rectangle on the ground, ensuring that we had a clear visual guide for the excavation process. To accommodate backfill with gravel and to create a buffer between the cut edge and our markers, we added an additional 8 inches to each side of the marked rectangle. This extra space is essential for ensuring that the structure is well-supported and that the backfill can be properly managed.

Following the marking of our excavation area, we proceeded to install a rigid construction string at a height of 6 inches above our highest point. Using a line level, we carefully leveled the string to all other markers, ensuring accuracy in our measurements. Given that our chosen site is located on a slight hill, the back of the excavation site required the string to be approximately 18 inches off the ground. This string served as a crucial reference point for measuring the distance to the ground, allowing us to maintain precision throughout the excavation process.

Roots in our excavation: A true root cellar.

As we began the digging process, we anticipated that we might encounter some roots from nearby plants. While the task of digging by hand might seem overwhelming at first, we reminded ourselves that progress can be made one  shovel-full at a time, and eventually, we would achieve the desired width and depth for our root cellar. Patience and persistence are key when it comes to such manual labor.

Initially, our plan was to dig down to a depth of 3 feet, allowing for an additional 6 inches for backfill and the concrete slab. However, as we progressed, we realized that we needed to go down another 6 inches to reach a total depth of 4 feet below the surface. To achieve this, we  measure up to the string, aiming for a total of 4 feet 6 inches to account for the distance up to the string, ensuring we adhered to our original specifications.

In our efforts to create a sturdy foundation for the walls, we ended up digging deeper along the perimeter of the excavation site. This required us to make the ditch an additional 6 inches deep and 12 inches wide, reinforcing the structure's integrity. (For a visual representation of this process, be sure to check out our  part 2 video.)

Additionally, we needed to cut away some dirt at the entrance to create a rudimentary staircase. This would serve as a practical access point until we are ready to pour the concrete steps. While we opted to use shovels for our digging, it is worth noting that using heavy equipment could expedite the process if desired. A key tip to remember is to keep the excavated dirt nearby but out of the way, as it will ultimately be used to mound over the structure at the conclusion of the building process, completing the transformation into Root Cellar.

This marks the completion of our first step in this exciting project.

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Root Cellar Project

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