My first question would be, do you have enough insulation between your house and root cellar? Maybe your house is keeping your root cellar too warm.

As far as keeping long term, I don't. My market ends in October and doesn't start back until April/May.

There are a few books I would recommend you read, maybe from the library, Stocking Up and RootCellaring are 2 that come to mind instantly. I use my Stocking Up (I have 3 editions) for alot of my questions.

Good luck

Marla

Thanks, Marla. I've read a whole bunch of books and articles, including Stocking Up. I've done the best I can given the construction of my house, I think.. I have the two-pipe system with blast gates and lots of insulation and everything. I'm pretty sure it's the spring under the house that's keeping it too warm. I do not think it got below about 42F in there all winter :(

You might be able to open a window or door a crack, but I'm not sure of that. If I can find my 'Root cellaring' book, I'll see what they say. Where abouts are you?

Marla

Can you leave them in the ground?

I may try that again. I did once before but they began to regrow during an early thaw and weren't that good after that. I think I've decided to use an extra fridge for part of the harvest (since the ones I had in my home fridge lasted fine through February) and try leaving some in the ground, covered with straw, as well. That way I have a couple options...

You may want to search the Orchards Forum. I'm looking for a way to store apples ad found a thread about using a freezer with a temperate regulator. I don't have a root cellar. Hope this helps:

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/fruit/msg0907524227438.html

Thanks, that's really interesting!