Off-Grid FOOD STORAGE - DIY Basement ROOT CELLAR BUILD

Most of us have been thinking about all of the shortages and food insecurity going on recently. Many people grew vegetables in their own garden this year, and that's awesome! But then, what about when winter comes? There's freezing and canning, but you only have so much room in your freezer and so much time to can (plus there's a canning lid shortage too). AND those things rely on electricity. How about a way to store FRESH vegetables all winter long - that doesn't even require electricity?! We're talkin total off-grid here. And it can be done in your own basement. With some pretty basic carpentry skills you can build a root cellar (or cold cellar) in your own basement, and it'll solve all of your problems. Just kidding. But, it will make so you can eat fresh vegetables all winter long. Boom.

[MrCjswim]

I feel for you. I often have to do stuff on my own. Having an extra hand would have made the world of difference.

[katebloodworth]

Best storage room for food I have seen, just have to add a secret access door. Thanks.

[katrinastubbs]

This is a video I just watched. Just sharing: How I Store ROOT VEGETABLES (that last through the winter!) | Market Garden | Grow GREAT carrots! - YouTube

[i.w.y.]

Hey Cody, you are doing a good job with the videos. I think your oldest boy is close to the age you were the time you rode with me in your dads truck when we went to Indiana and Jeremy, Matt, & I helped your dad with chicken cages. Do you happen to remember that? Ivan Yoder

[danmiller]

I have thought about doing this myself but when someone made the comment “Yiu can buy a hell of a lot of vegetables for what you spend in materials”. Not to mention your time is I had no argument to offer. I’m curious as to why people do this then? I’m not trying to be snarky or rude. I genuinely thought that was a statement worth thinking about. I would love people’s thoughts.

[masternater]

great video. thank you for sharing. now that the winter is ending and spring is here *fingers crossed*, how did your in-home cellar do? did you have problems with bugs? mold/rot on your stored foods? other unforeseen issues?

[ExploreAroundUsOfficial]

What was your estimated cost to build this? Just seeing roughly what I’d need to set aside to tackle a project like this. Thanks!! Love your guys’ videos! God bless!

[wereachhomestead]

Question! I live in the Bahamas where our coldest temps could be 55-58 rarely and our highest temperature maybe 98 with a 100% humidity. Root cellars that I see on YouTube are all in cold climates but I feel I can do a space like this and it would still be 15-20 degrees cooler then my garage for my long term storage items and produce. For the most part I can grow all year long and have 3-4 plantings per year. Having said that I don’t want to run a cool bot device as our electric costs are high and it would likely be too much for our solar system. So….. are these vent pipes necessary in our climate? We are digging 5’ into rock under our living room as we live on an incline. Shaded by the above floor. Five feet into the earth. Concrete floor. Wood/hardi board walls with 4” insulation on walls and ceilings. Just don’t understand what to do about venting. Pipes? Window? Fans? Etc. not sure how to reduce humidity either but I have to figure it out. We spent about $20, 000 on long term food storage over a 3-4 year period and it needs to be in a cooler place. Along with canning items, fresh produce and supplies. What do you think?

[rickershomesteadahobbyfarm]

I saw something that said that the warm air vents should be flush with the ceiling or water will start building up around them. Have you had any issues with that?

[andrudrsq]

So, why finish out the walls and ceiling after all the insulation. Aesthetics?

[Fizbini]

hows the long term going? are u still happy with the material choices and is the insulation r rating high enough?

[anlowman]

As someone who is going to be making one in the future, how much should I budget to spend on this/what was your total cost?

[deborahgnegy]

Any issues with bugs entering through the pipe?

[Pajake]

Question, why styrofoam insulation? Would any insulation be fine

[scottbecker]

Is tgere a reason you chose matal over mold resistant drywall?

[TheAardar]

what's name of that tool you used to make a hole in the sill?