🥔 Root Cellaring for Year-Round Food Storage – One-Day Intensive Workshop
Hosted by Vine and Fig Tree Homestead
Course Overview
This immersive full-day workshop teaches participants how to build, organize, and maintain a root cellar for long-term food storage. Designed for homesteaders, gardeners, and sustainability enthusiasts, it covers root cellar design, temperature and humidity management, produce selection, preservation techniques, and food safety. Hands-on demonstrations and planning exercises ensure participants leave ready to apply what they learn.
• Target Audience: Homesteaders, gardeners, and sustainability-minded individuals
• Duration: 1 day (8 hours, including breaks)
• Format: Classroom learning, design demonstrations, and hands-on activities
Schedule & Content Outline
9:00–9:30 AM : Welcome & Orientation
Introductions, workshop goals, and overview of food storage principles.
Discussion: Understand workshop objectives and the purpose of root cellaring for self-sufficiency.
9:30–10:30 AM - Session 1: The Science of Root Cellaring
Principles of temperature, humidity, and airflow; how natural storage preserves food quality.
Lecture + Demo: Understand the environmental factors that make root cellaring effective.
10:30–11:30 AM - Session 2: Root Cellar Design & Construction
Site selection, insulation, ventilation, materials, and layout planning for new or adapted spaces (basement, outdoor, hillside).
Demo + Discussion Design a functional root cellar layout suitable for your climate and space.
11:30–12:30 PM - Session 3: Storage Planning & Produce Selection
Identifying best crops for cellaring (potatoes, carrots, apples, beets, squash, etc.);
sorting, curing, and prepping produce.
Hands-On + Demo Select and prepare produce for optimal long-term storage.
12:30–1:15 PM Lunch Break
Seasonal food preservation discussion.
Discussion: Share homestead storage strategies and sustainability ideas.
1:15–2:15 PM - Session 4: Monitoring Conditions
Tools for measuring humidity and temperature;
Adjusting airflow;
Mold prevention and shelf-life tracking.
Demo + Practice: Maintain stable cellar conditions for safe food preservation.
2:15–3:30 PM - Session 5: Hands-On Workshop
Building simple storage bins, racks, and crates using natural materials;
labeling and organizing methods.
Hands-On: Construct and organize an efficient root cellar setup.
3:30–4:30 PM - Session 6: Troubleshooting & Maintenance
Common issues (condensation, rodents, spoilage) and practical fixes;
safety and hygiene.
Discussion + DemoIdentify and solve typical root cellar problems effectively.
4:30–5:00 PM - Wrap-Up & Recap
Resource sharing, participant Q&A,
Discussion: Demonstrate understanding of root cellar operation and maintenance.
Sustainability Integration
This workshop emphasizes low-energy, zero-waste food storage methods and includes:
Building with reclaimed and natural materials.
Using cellar conditions to reduce food waste and refrigeration needs.
Integrating root cellars into sustainable food systems.
Materials Provided
Printed guides and sample cellar design templates
Humidity and temperature charts
Demonstration produce and storage containers
Access to follow-up video tutorials and design plans
Participants Should Bring
Notebook and pen
Measuring tape (optional)
Closed-toe shoes and work gloves
Water bottle
Recommended Reading & Resources
Root Cellaring: Natural Cold Storage of Fruits and Vegetables — Mike & Nancy Bubel
The Resilient Gardener — Carol Deppe
NC Cooperative Extension food storage guides
YouTube and homestead blogs curated by the instructor
Post-Workshop Support
Access to private online group for cellar design feedback and troubleshooting
Monthly virtual Q&A on seasonal adjustments and storage efficiency
Vine and Fig Tree Homestead Workshop Series
Promoting Sustainable Living, Self-Reliance, and Community Learning.