How Do I Monitor Temperature And Humidity In A Root Cellar?

“Hi there! I’ve been using a root cellar on my property here in Ontario for a few years now. It works okay overall, but I really struggle with keeping the temperature and humidity at a consistent level. I’ve been eyeballing it up until now, but I figure I need to get better at monitoring these things if I want my food to last longer. I’d love some advice on how to actually monitor and control temperature and humidity, as well as any insider tips or tricks. I’m also curious about whether I should make any adjustments depending on the season.

Thanks for your help!” Linda, Toronto, Canada.

How Do I Monitor Temperature and Humidity in a Root Cellar?

Hey Linda! First of all, it sounds like you’re doing awesome already by running a root cellar for a few years. Most folks don’t know much about root cellars these days, so the fact that you’re maintaining one is a win! Now, I get what you’re saying about struggling with temperature and humidity control — it’s the kind of thing you have to keep a close watch on, especially for long-term storage. Let’s go over some practical ways to monitor both temperature and humidity in your cellar, and I’ll throw in a few tips on making seasonal tweaks.

Why Do Temperature and Humidity Matter?

Before we dive into the meat of it, let’s quickly talk about why you even need to monitor these things so closely. Temperature affects how quickly your food will spoil. Think too high, and you’ll end up with rotten veggies; too low, and things might freeze or dry out. On the other hand, humidity controls moisture levels, which can make or break your storage game. Too much humidity leads to mold and rot, but too little can cause your food to dry up and shrivel, losing all their flavor and texture.

The sweet spot for most root vegetables tends to be around 32°F to 40°F (0°C to 4°C), and humidity between 85% to 95%. Of course, those numbers can shift a bit based on what you’re storing, but later on, I’ll break out a handy list of optimal ranges for different foods.

Getting the Right Tools to Monitor Temperature and Humidity

Alright Linda, the first big step is getting yourself some tools to easily keep an eye on things. Honestly, eyeballing it only goes so far, so investing in a couple of small gadgets saves you the guesswork.

Thermometer: Your Trusted Temperature Checker

You’re going to want a reasonably accurate thermometer placed in your root cellar, preferably one that can display minimum and maximum temperatures. Some even come with wireless sensors, which means you can check the temp from the comfort of your couch! It’s handy if you live in a climate that swings rapidly from one extreme to another between seasons (hi, fellow Canadians!) because you won’t have to trudge out there every day.

Place the thermometer in a central area of the cellar, not directly near the floor or ceiling, as temperatures tend to differ there. Mid-range height is where your stored goods will be, and that’s the temp you care about most.

Hygrometer: Your Humidity Hero

Now, a hygrometer is going to be your best friend for humidity monitoring. Like with the thermometer, there are basic versions and fancy wireless ones. But even the basic one gives you a much better idea than guessing based on the feel of the air. Place it similarly to the thermometer, somewhere central, and not in direct sunlight or against a wall, if you can avoid it.

Some of the newer gadgets actually combine the functionalities of a thermometer and hygrometer, so you might want to look at those if you enjoy minimizing clutter.

Adjusting Temperature and Humidity

Once you’ve got your gadgets in place, it’s time to figure out how to make adjustments when needed. The truth is, root cellars are old-fashioned, and very few are perfectly insulated, so keeping these variables steady can be tricky, especially in places with wild temperature swings—like our lovely Ontario!

Dealing with Temperature Control

• Maintaining Cold: If the temperature is creeping too high, especially during late spring or summer stretches, ventilation is your first go-to. Most root cellars have vent holes or openings; if yours doesn’t, you might want to add them — just an upper and lower vent can help the hot air escape and let cooler air in. At night, when the outdoor temperatures drop, open up the vents; during the day, keep them closed.
• Preventing Freezing: On the other end of the spectrum, if your cellar dips too low in winter, you may need to insulate better, perhaps by adding straw bales or even packing in snow around the outside to create a “thermal blanket.” Keep in mind, frost kills quicker than heat, so ensuring you don’t freeze out those spuds is key.

Humidity Hacks

Humidity, Linda, is a whole different beast. It’s all about finding balance!

• Too Dry? I would suggest putting out some water! Literally. I had this exact issue last fall. My cellar got a bit too dry and things started shriveling up, so I set out buckets of water. The evaporation helped bring the humidity back up in no time. Some people even resort to using damp burlap sacks hung around the cellar for a similar effect. You might need to refill the water every so often, but it’s a simple fix.
• Too Humid? If moisture levels skyrocket, you’ll risk mold and mildew, so be sure to increase ventilation when things get too damp. You can also use a dehumidifier if things are getting out of hand and the climate allows it. Another trick is spreading out extra straw on the floor to soak up excess moisture — this is an old farmer’s trick that works surprisingly well. Just replace the straw regularly as it gets damp.

Seasonal Adjustments

You mentioned wanting tips on seasonal changes, so let’s touch on that. In general, root cellars are pretty self-regulating, but the outside weather definitely plays a part. Winter can be too freezing, while warm seasons might mess with that consistent coolness you’re after.

Winter Tips

In colder months, if you notice that temperatures are falling too low, step into action with a bit more insulation. Lining walls with hay bales or even old blankets helps keep the cold out, while still allowing the airflow your veggies need. Also, during particularly cold stretches, you can leave some piles of snow around the outside of the cellar to serve as insulation.

Summer Tips

When summer rolls around, high heat and humidity can lead to major spoilage issues. I recommend keeping those cellar doors and vents open during the coolest parts of the night to allow cooler air to come in. You can also plant some shrubs or trees around the cellar entrance if you’re battling heat — they’ll naturally create shade, which keeps things cooler without you having to make any major modifications.

Common Root Cellar Troubleshooting

Let’s face it, not everyone has an ideal cellar setup, and even the best can have occasional hiccups. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to handle them:

• Condensation: Ever feel like your root cellar is getting a bit drippy? That condensation likely means your temperature is fluctuating too much. Try increasing your ventilation, install a fan, or even adjust where your vents are located to keep things nice and steady.
• Mold: Mold happens when the air stays overly humid for too long. You might spot fuzzy patches on walls or containers. Increase airflow immediately and, if necessary, add a fan to increase circulation. Also, move out any moldy food ASAP before it spreads.
• Pests: Oh man, Linda, pests are just about the worst. Mice, insects—they all love a cozy root cellar. Check for cracks or small openings and seal them up. If you’re like me and prefer natural deterrents, spreading mint plants or lavender around can help keep mice at bay.

Different Foods, Different Needs

Different types of produce have their own needs, so let’s break down a few common ones you might be storing and the conditions they prefer:

Final Thoughts…

Linda, you’ve got a great head start with your root cellar, and with a few tweaks here and there—especially with temperature and humidity monitoring—you’ll be even more successful. Consistency is key when you’re storing food for the long haul. Keep those tools handy to monitor what’s happening, adjust when the seasons start to shift, and you should see a world of difference in the longevity of your veggies. Thanks for asking such a great question, and I hope these tips help keep your cellar running smoothly for years to come!