As much as modernization has taken over our lives, some old traditional methods of doing things still seem like the best option. A root cellar is much more effective in increasing the lifespan of some foods than a refrigerator. Since the ground’s natural cooling temperature is 55 degrees, you can store root plants like potatoes and onions as well as fermented vegetables in a root cellar for optimal freshness. The key is to create an environment with high humidity and low temperatures…perhaps you could get away with storing your foods in your basement if conditions are right. If you’re wondering how to make a root cellar on the cheap, ThisWesternLife.com has you covered—you can build a root cellar right from your old refrigerator or freezer by stripping it and burying it in the ground.

To get started, you will need to remove all the working parts off a refrigerator/freezer so you are left with only the empty cabinet (and no Freon). On the backside of the unit, drill some holes to allow airflow. Then, cover the holes with netting to prevent insects from finding their way to your stored food. Drill a hole at the top and bottom of your old appliance for air to escape to the surface—allowing proper ventilation and stable temperatures throughout the seasons. You then install pipes at both ends of the refrigerator or freezer, making them long enough to be above ground. Next comes the digging…dig a deep hole, and lay down bricks to set the refrigerator on to promote air circulation. Fill in the dirt around your buried refrigerator and add a board around it. If you have small children, it’s a good idea to add some sort of latch/lock to your refrigerator door for extra safety precaution.

Overall, ThisWesternLife.com shares that some of their produce froze during the winter, and during summer, the temperatures rose above 55 degrees. As suggested, perhaps a halogen light bulb or Thermo Cube (temperature controlled device) could help during the winter, and some sort of reflective material placed on the surface during summer to expel heat.

How to Build a Root Cellar Out of an Old Refrigerator