Can I Store Crops In Containers In A Root Cellar, Instead Of On Shelves?

“I’m building my first root cellar, but I’m limited on space for shelving. The containers are cheaper and easier to manage, so I’m wondering if I can just store crops right in the containers themselves without putting everything on separate shelves? Will things last as long or will I run into issues like mold or spoilage? I don’t want all my hard work preserving to go to waste! What’s the better option here?” Thanks, Rachel, Halifax, Canada.

Can I Store Crops In Containers In A Root Cellar, Instead Of On Shelves?

Great question, Rachel! You’re definitely not alone in considering containers as an easier solution for root cellar storage. After all, shelves can be a bit of a hassle to set up and often take up more space than we’d like. But there are some important things to think about before you go all-in with containers for your crops. Let’s go over it step by step and see what works best for your situation.

Why Shelves Are the Traditional Go-To

Now, traditionally, folks always stored their crops on shelves for a couple of reasons. Shelves keep things organized, allow for airflow, and make it easier to spot any signs of trouble right away. If a potato is starting to sprout or a carrot looks a bit mushy, you can spot it a lot quicker when everything is visible and spaced out on shelves.

Also, shelves help process humidity and temperature changes more evenly. Crops stored in open containers or baskets on shelves get that direct airflow, which is important for keeping things nice and dry. When crops are packed in dense containers, they run the risk of creating little pockets of excess moisture, and, well… that’s just asking for mold or rot.

But don’t worry, Rachel, containers can work too—it just depends on how you use them!

Using Containers: What You Need to Know

Okay, so let’s get into the nitty-gritty of using containers. The short answer? Yes, you can store crops in containers in a root cellar. But, as I mentioned, there are a few caveats to making it work well.

Choosing the Right Containers

First thing’s first—what type of containers do you plan on using? I know it’s tempting to just grab any old bucket or plastic storage bin you have lying around, but the material of the container does matter.

• Breathable Materials: You want your containers to “breathe.” This is why baskets made of wicker or materials like burlap or wood work better than sealed plastic bins. Plastic obviously traps moisture—exactly what you don’t want! This extra moisture leads to mold, rot, and mildew. Not good.
• Size of the Container: Smaller is usually better when it comes to containers for storing crops. Packing everything into a giant bin might seem easier upfront, but large containers trap pockets of moisture, and it’s harder for airflow to do its thing. Stick with smaller to medium-sized containers, even if you have to use several of them.

Personally, I’ve had great results using wooden crates. They let everything breathe, and they stack nicely in small spaces if needed. Plus, they just look rustic and pretty down in the cellar, don’t you think?

Airflow & Spacing: It’s More Important Than You’d Think

Even with containers, you need airflow. This means you’re going to have to make sure that your containers aren’t jam-packed too tightly with crops or shoved into every nook and cranny of your root cellar.

Here are a few key tips to keep airflow in mind:

• Don’t Overfill Containers: Give those veggies some breathing room. No need to pack them in like you’re trying to fit too many clothes in a suitcase! Spread things out a bit and keep the tops of your containers open as much as possible (or only loosely covered).
• Spacing Between Containers: Whether on shelves or placed directly on the floor, leave gaps between containers. You’re letting air flow between them, which keeps the temperature stable and prevents any unwanted humidity build-up.

What to Watch Out For

Now for the tricky part—potential problems when using containers instead of shelves.

• Mold: This one’s a biggie, and it happens more often than people think. If you notice one or more crops are looking fuzzy or starting to have that “off” smell, it’s likely that your containers aren’t allowing enough airflow, or there’s too much moisture getting trapped inside.
• Easier Spoilage: I’ll admit, I’ve lost a few batches of veggies by storing them too tightly in closed containers or without enough space between them. Spoilage is a sneaky little bugger. Sometimes it happens if even one crop has an unnoticed bruise or soft spot, and that can spread quickly to the others nearby.

So my advice here to you, Rachel, is—keep an eye on your crops. Even in our best set-ups, it’s a good idea to check them regularly to catch any signs of spoilage before it spreads.

Should You Choose Shelves or Containers? Pros and Cons

Ultimately, the choice between shelves and containers comes down to your space, your budget, and (let’s be honest) how much effort you want to put into managing it all!

If you’re a bit stretched for space like you are in Halifax, Rachel, then containers might be the way to go until you’re ready or able to install proper shelving. Just be mindful of airflow, moisture control, and regular crop inspection.

Alternative Methods: Combining Shelves and Containers

Now, hear me out—I don’t think you need to choose one or the other! Why not do a bit of a combination? That’s what I’ve ended up doing in my cellar because, honestly, it’s the best of both worlds.

For crops that need more air exposure like potatoes or onions, I keep those neatly spread out on shelves where they get good airflow. As for stuff like carrots, beets, or even some apples that can handle being packed slightly, I store those in taller bins or crates. Just make sure they’re properly sorted with no bad spots.

Troubleshooting Common Container Problems

If you do decide to take the container route exclusively, here are a few things you can do to tackle common problems:

• Humidity Control: Invest in a simple hygrometer (fancy word for a humidity gauge!) to monitor the moisture levels in your cellar. Ideal humidity for most crops is around 85%. If it’s too humid, crack open a door or try to improve ventilation.
• Check Weekly: Make a habit of quick inspections. Even a short window of high moisture can get things moldy faster than you’d think. This will also allow you to pull out any bad veggies before they can affect the rest.
• Don’t Stack Too High: If you’re stacking containers, keep it to a few layers. You want airflow between the layers, so if the top ones are too heavy, the bottom ones might trap air and moisture.

Final Thoughts…

Rachel, thanks again for your question—it’s such a common struggle for those of us new to, or tweaking, how we store our crops. Ultimately, either approach works, but with containers, you’ll need to pay closer attention to airflow and moisture control to make sure everything stays fresh through the winter. Play around with combining containers and shelving if you can. Your veggies will thank you!