A root cellar is the Amish fridge. 2-4°C in winter, 10-12°C in summer. Humidity 85-95%.
Layout Rules
Apples separate from everything. They release ethylene — speeds potato and carrot spoilage. In a separate corner or section. Potatoes: in crates, no light (they'll green — solanine, poisonous). Layer with dry sawdust. Carrots, beets: in box with damp sand — won't dry out. Cabbage: hang upside down by stem.
Ventilation
Two openings: intake low (cold air is heavier), exhaust high. No ventilation — mold and rot. Too much — dries out.
Monitoring
Check weekly. One rotten apple spoils the crate in a week. Remove rot immediately. Don't wash before storing — just brush off soil.
What Not to Store
Tomatoes (too moist — rot). Cucumbers (freeze at 2°C). Bananas (tropical — not for cellars). Bread (mold in humidity).