Can I use a refrigerator as a cellar?

[thechickenchick]

I have potatoes and onions from our garden. They could last us through the winter if I can find a place to keep them. We don't have a cellar or basement to use for cold storage. We do have an extra refrigerator.

If we adjust the temp could that work?

If so what temp do you suggest?

Has anyone ever tried this?

Any other ideas?

Thanks!

 

[Sillystunt]

Quote:
Can you can or freeze them?

 

[ODS-n-ENS FARM]

I am curious if anyone has tried this. Myunderstanding is they need a cool dark place.

 

[thechickenchick]

I will freeze them if there is no other way. I don't know how to can,

. There is an adult ed class coming up on Canning. I plan to attend that. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

I think perhaps the humidity would be to high.

 

[thechickenchick]

Quote:
Yes mine too. That's why I thought if I could get the temp right, it may work.

 

[journey11]

I don't think you want it completely airtight. They might mold. Correct humitidy is important too, and potatoes like it cool and dry.

Also, don't store potatoes and onions anywhere near each other. Onions will need lots of air flow. They give off a gas that will cause your potatoes to spoil very quickly.

Something you might try is to dig a deep pit in your yard, below the frost line. Line with sawdust or straw, put in your potatoes, cover with more sawdust, then cover with a cold frame or boards weighted down with a rock. The earth will stay the perfect temp. This works for any root vegetables, beets, carrots, etc.

 

[ODS-n-ENS FARM]

Here is a link for building a root cellar in your house.

http://www.organicgardening.com/feature/0,7518,s1-5-19-173,00.html

It talks about venting, can you vent the refidge?

http://waltonfeed.com/old/old/cellar4.html

 

[thechickenchick]

Quote:
Wow! I didn't know that about storing them close to each other. Thank you!

 

[thechickenchick]

Quote:
Great idea. Thanks and I appreciate the link. I am off to check it out!