Root vegetables become sweeter when exposed to light frost.
You can store roots in the winter without a root cellar. Root crops, like carrots, parsnips, beets, potatoes and onions, are well-suited for storing. Potatoes and onions, in particular, are not best when frozen, so an alternative method for storing is better. Roots can be stored indoors, underground, left in the ground to winter and even in an above-ground mound lined with straw and layered with sand.
Instructions
1. Harvest mature, good-quality root vegetables as late in the season as possible. According to the University of Georgia, it is best to delay harvesting root vegetables as long as possible. Avoid cutting or bruising the vegetables. Carefully wash the vegetables to remove all the soil. Allow the vegetables to completely dry before storing to prevent rotting. Cut the tops off the vegetables 1/2 inch above the crown. Remove both the tops and tap roots from rutabagas. It is not necessary to remove the tap roots from other vegetables. Harvest, clean and trim only mature sweet potatoes before the vines are exposed to frost, then cure at 80 degrees to 85 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 days before storing.
2. Construct an outdoor pit by burying a barrel in a semihorizontal position in the soil, or bury an ice chest in the soil. Place the roots layered with sand in the chest or barrel and close the lid loosely, leaving enough space for adequate ventilation to take place. Cover the barrel or chest with 1 to 3 feet of straw held in place with a layer of soil. A thicker straw layer is necessary in areas with colder winter temperatures. Alternatively, dig a pit in an area where water and rodents are not a problem. Line it with straw and soil then layer the roots and clean sand until the pit is full. Cover the pit with a thick layer of straw held in place with soil.
3. Construct a storage mound in a dry area of the garden. Dig a trench around the storage area for water drainage. Place a layer of straw or shredded newspaper down, then a layer of the roots. Place another layer of stray, newspaper or sand over the roots. Continue adding layers to form a cone shape. Place 8 inches of straw over the entire mound. Place a straw spike or flue at the top in the center for ventilation.
4. Layer roots with sand in a storage crate that provides adequate ventilation. Place the storage crate in the coldest area in the garage. Root vegetables will survive a little frost, but do not allow them to freeze completely. Do not use this method if the garage is too cold during the winter months.
5. Leave the roots in the ground to winter. Build up soil over the tops of any exposed roots and cover with a thick layer of mulch to protect them from freezing. Cover the crops with a waterproof covering to prevent water from reaching the soil and freezing. Dig up the roots as needed through the winter.
