The Root Cellar Revival

Before refrigerators, our grandparents used root cellars to store the autumn harvest for months. You can replicate this environment in a cool basement or garage using the sand storage method.

The Requirements

Root vegetables (carrots, beets, potatoes, turnips) need high humidity (to prevent shriveling) and cool temperatures (32-40°F) to prevent rotting and sprouting.

The Sand Box Method

Take a large plastic tote or wooden crate. Place a 2-inch layer of damp (not wet!) play sand at the bottom. Lay out a single layer of unwashed root vegetables, making sure they do not touch each other. Cover them with another layer of damp sand, and repeat until the box is full.

Why it Works

The damp sand maintains the perfect high-humidity environment, while keeping the vegetables separated prevents a single rotting root from ruining the entire batch. Store the box in the coolest part of your basement!