Once your root cellar is ready, think about which methods will work well for you: What suits your available space and the crops you plan to store? To find out if your crops will store well with the technique you have in mind, check the cropby-crop guide on the following pages.
A list of produce that I’ve had the best experience with for keeping in cold storage follows. If you don’t see a fruit or vegetable listed, it probably isn’t a good keeper in these conditions. Generally, you shouldn’t waste valuable produce or energy on items that will mostly have unsatisfactory outcomes. Therefore, start small the first year and keep notes on successes and failures for the next year.
STORING FRUITS
Many fruits don’t store well in cold storage for long periods of time. Apples and pears are among the few fruits that can be stored in cold storage for up to six months, depending on the cultivar. So, choose long-keeping cultivars if you’re planning to store many of them.
Partition off a section of your root cellar for fruits or at least make sure they’re in separate containers, away from vegetables. Never store fruits with potatoes, turnips or cabbage. Apples and pears release a gas that causes potatoes to sprout, while turnips and cabbage can give out odors that might be absorbed by other produce.
APPLES. Depending on the cultivar, apples will keep for two to six months if stored at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Apples are among the best-keeping fruits, especially cultivars such as Granny Smith that can last up to six months. Stayman Winesap and Rome Beauty are the next best.
Normal storage ranges from four to six months with these cultivars. You can keep Jonathan, McIntosh and Delicious (red or yellow) for shorter periods.
This story is from the September - October 2023 edition of Hobby Farms.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September - October 2023 edition of Hobby Farms.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Meet Li Schmidt
At Cultural Roots Nursery, in Winters, California, Li Schmidt grows more than 100 Asian-heritage vegetables, herbs, fruit and trees on 1⁄4 acre.
A DUCK FOR ALL Seasons
Care for ducks throughout the year with this seasonal guide.
Turkeys for the Home Table
Raise your own birds for a tastier and healthier holiday meal.
FLERD is the Word
Explore the benefits and barriers of multispecies pasturing.
raise STRONGER CHICKENS
Look around your kitchen, and you'll likely find some natural poultry supplements.
Winter's Last Stand
Early warm weather followed by a late frost can easily ruin an orchard harvest.
FOWL FACTS
Let's explore some random poultry facts ... from a possible bird brain!
Pumpkins & Gourds
Tyler Swafford’s enthusiasm for raising pumpkins and gourds is contagious. The lifelong farmer, himself the descendent of a lifelong farmer, makes his home on Dayton Mountain overlooking Tennessee’s Sequatchie Valley.
Climate-Resilient Crops
Farmers operating large commercial outfits and smaller, hobby growers alike are facing new challenges season after season.
WHEN THE Queen Abdicates
Without a queen to rule, your hive can't survive.