Storing roots in the cellar

[terrace max]

Does anybody keep their roots (swede & turnips in my case) in their cellar?

I'm trying it this year because I wanted to clear the beds for something else... and after (only) 4 weeks it's so far, so good. I'm just getting a bit of mould around what's left of the stalks but nowt much.

Any tips to keep stuff going all winter? My cellar is 6'6" below ground level and dark, cool and dampish...

[terrace max]

[sandersj89]

I store beetroot in a shed, OK after about a month so far.

I have also stored carrots, parsnips and swede for a couple of months in large pots covered with dry compost. Make sure the roots are not touching and build up layers and they have been fine for a few months.

Jerry

[Jill]

Used to keep my spuds and onions down in the cellar but have just spent thousands converting it to a sitting room so will have to find a new storage place.

[chriszog]

Fantastic Blog Jerry how did you set it up. Or should I be asking this somewhere else

[allotmanye]

Only things to keep in cellars is wine and cellaree. ;D

must ask the housing association to dig me one.

[sandersj89]

Fantastic Blog Jerry how did you set it up. Or should I be asking this somewhere else

Thank you.

I started the blog this spring when I took on a second plot. It nis all run from this site:

http://www.blogger.com/start

After a bit of fiddling around it does not take long to get going.

Jerry

[blight]

hi terrace max,
that´s  how farmers used to store some of their garden produce where I come from.
(apart from the stuff that was stored in clamps).
we had section of the cellar for storing carrots, celeriac, winter radish, beetroot,
horseradish...
moist sand was piled  - let´s say a foot high- and the vegetables buried in the sand,
to prevent drying out. if your cellar is moist enough you might not have to do even that.
swedes and parsnips were not grown but will keep wqually well like this.

[supersprout]

hey terrace max, I got this amazing guide to root cellaring a few months ago:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0882667033/qid=1129830005/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_10_1/202-0411622-2192660
Tells you about what needs damp storage, dry storage, what does best in cool and what needs a bit warmer, and even how to build your own (eek). I enjoyed it a lot and feel confident putting sacks of root veg in the vault below my flat (cold and damp). No problem with beet, carrot, spuds ... so far so good ... ;D Not worked my way up to cabbages, chicory and apples, but give it time! Have fun with your cellar. Cheaper than a freezer and better for de planet too :P

[terrace max]

Thank you for those responses - maybe with my cellar stocked up I might be self-sufficient in veg through the winter too...?

[tim]

Haven't tried roots, but our Bramleys keep down there until May.Must be good?

Ours is 14'x14' and still has the mullion windows that overlooked the road - now blocked in.

[Robert_Brenchley]

I wouldn't try keeping veg stored like that due to rats. It's OK if you don't have that problem.