Vegetable pit: metal, concrete, plastic. Insulating a pit for storing vegetables with your own hands Vegetable pit what

You will always need a vegetable pit in the garage, because you need to store food. There is basically enough here comfortable spot.

And you don’t need to think about how to insulate a vegetable pit in the garage, because it is located below ground level and here there will be the most optimal temperature. Today we will tell you how to build a vegetable pit in the garage according to all the rules and provide for everything.

You can also look at photos and videos on this topic and understand what is being done and how.

Vegetable pit: manufacturing features

Construction of a vegetable pit in the garage begins with a choice right place, at which level groundwater will be correspondingly lower than the expected hole, because this important condition. If there is no such place, then you will need to think about waterproofing (see).

After all, garages, as a rule, do not have large area and there won't be much choice locally. All the work will be done with your own hands and therefore everything must be done efficiently and correctly.

Attention: The price of the structure will depend on direct costs. Therefore, it is better when groundwater is located as far away as possible.

So:

As soon as the water issue is resolved, you can begin to dig a pit, which naturally must have the required dimensions, a trench is made in it for the foundation, after which crushed stone is added. All this needs to be compacted and concreted.
Now you need to lay out the walls one and a half bricks thick, coating them with hot bitumen. Here we need to make high-quality masonry. Remember that there will be a machine on the ceiling of the pit and it should not be carried out.
If you wish, you can simply concrete the ceiling, as many owners often do.

Attention: As soon as you start installing the ceiling, you must not forget that you need to leave room for a crawl space, ventilation holes, so be extremely careful. You should also remember about positioning the car. The wheelset should run as far away from the hatch as possible.

The masonry in this version is done on cement mortar. To do this, for example for M300, it is necessary to provide a ratio of sand and cement of 3/1.
When laying bricks, you need to pay attention to the dressing. The seam should not match. Otherwise, the structure will not last long.
After laying the walls, let them dry completely. And after that we proceed to making the ceiling. For this we need a channel and fittings. Let’s also not forget about the shalevka. It will be needed for formwork.
We cut the shalevka into a size equal to the width of the pit. Preferably without a gap.
We lay it out on a flat surface and knock it into a shield.
Now we will need to make supports. Any logs are best for this.
We put up a shield and support it with logs. We did it wooden ceiling in the hole.
Now we cut the channel and reinforcement into right size. This is done using a grinder and a cutting wheel.
We place a channel around the perimeter of the pit and weld it together.

Attention: Vegetable pit The garage must have an entrance. It is made in the form of a hatch. Therefore, think about the dimensions in advance and prepare edged board. It will be needed for the entrance equipment.

After making the frame from the channel, we need to make a frame for the hatch. It is made from the 50th corner. You will then have a recess of 50 mm. This is just right for a plank hatch.

We place reinforcement on the channel trim. After this, we install the frame for the hatch and weld the entire assembly.

Now we make concrete. Just mix the solution with crushed stone. It should not be thick, all the pores should be filled and there should be no air pockets in the ceiling.

Fill the grate and leave it all dry for a couple of days. After this, a screed is made along the upper part.

If you have a harsh winter. Then it’s worth insulating the ceiling of the pit. The top just needs to be covered with foam or mineral wool. Then the cold will definitely not penetrate.

Ventilation and its features

It is best to create either a supply or exhaust ventilation, as these options are great for that. It is necessary to use special pipes that must have the required diameter.

You will need to install valves on the pipes, they are needed to regulate the air flow, and it is important to note that you will need to close the upper end of the inlet with a mesh, so mice, rats and other rodents will not enter the pit, so this condition is also the most important.

I would like to add that as for the upper end of the hood, it needs to be equipped with an umbrella, it will protect the room from precipitation, and as for the space between the covers, know that it is usually insulated with materials such as polystyrene foam or sawdust.

Here you decide for yourself what to do; in any case, when carrying out such work, you will know for sure that you are doing everything efficiently and effectively. And over time, you will be able to decide on the choice of insulation; the main thing you need to remember is that you must take care of the cold and think about good ventilation, because only then will your reserves please you in excellent condition.

Waterproofing If the groundwater level is high in the place where you want to build a hole, then in any case, you will need to create a circular drainage system, remember this. To enhance waterproofing, the walls of the cellar can be laid with two layers of slate.
Thermal insulation If you would like to know about ideal insulation of cellar walls (see), then it is best to carry out such work on both sides, i.e. with external and internal. But here external insulation is not always possible, because the hole may appear after the object has already been built, which means that it will only be necessary to carry out internal insulation, the work can be done with one or another tile insulation that is resistant to high humidity.
Floor arrangement You must place crushed stone and sand at the bottom of the pit; the cushion you receive must be filled with hot bitumen, or any similar material.
Installing a hood in an inspection hole

If there is no vegetable pit, but you regularly repair your car, then ventilation in the inspection pit is necessary; it, in turn, can be either natural or forced (see), there are no special restrictions here. All this must be taken into account during the construction of the garage.

Attention: If, inspection hole is used constantly, then know that its ventilation must be a prerequisite. To do this you can set it to winter period time, a small fan, you can also install a special hood system.

Conclusion

As a rule, many men want to use the garage for all their needs, not only for repairing their car, but also for storing vegetables and pickles; this room also plays the role of a workshop (see). This means that you definitely need to think about creating a hood in the garage, ventilating the vegetable pit, thus eliminating dampness and cold, providing the room with only fresh air.

You now know how to make a vegetable pit in the garage and the instructions will help you with this. The most important thing here is to do everything efficiently. Then the car will be safe and the food will not spoil.

At the end of the gardening period, the task arises long-term storage vitamin preparations. It’s easy to get a suitable place to place your harvest by equipping a vegetable pit - it can be placed under the house, in the basement, garage, and even under the loggia. Your supplies will remain fresh for a long time, without the need for any energy consumption. It is quite possible to set up such a storage for vegetables yourself, and you can use the most simple tools and materials.

Fruit and vegetable products grown by yourself or purchased for the winter will need to be stored somewhere. No refrigerator can accommodate several boxes of onions and carrots or bags of potatoes. It is possible to make your life easier by arranging a convenient cellar for storing vegetables - in a similar way you can organize storage space in natural conditions, with a certain microclimate. In such storage, the crop will remain fresh for a long time.

The most convenient to use is the so-called underground - a vegetable pit in the house or garage, because it will not take up extra bed on the site, besides, using such a storage for vitamin preparations, including in the cold, will be much more convenient than a cellar on the street.

Site selection and subsequent planning

First, you will need to decide on the location where you plan to build a vegetable pit. Traditionally, it is installed under a storage room in a private house or under garden house. For residents apartment buildings It is possible to organize a convenient storage space by equipping a vegetable pit in the garage.

It is important to note that despite the apparent simplicity of the design, simply digging a pit is not enough to arrange this type of cellar. If you are interested in information on how to make a vegetable pit, you need to take into account the following information.

When planning construction, it is necessary to take into account a number of points:

In order not to damage an electrical cable or pipe accidentally lying in the ground, you will need to make sure that there are no utility lines laid in this location. From this point of view, it is more convenient to equip a hole in the basement or garage;
it is necessary to determine the characteristics of the soil - it is important to collect information about the level of groundwater at the planned construction site (for this you may need to seek help from a specialist). In order for the structure to be sufficiently durable, it is necessary to select a place with a groundwater level below the bottom of the planned storage facility - at least half a meter. If they are located close enough, ignore this problem it’s not worth it - in this case you will need to equip a reliable waterproofing system (otherwise you can end up with a vegetable pit that is regularly flooded with water). Such arrangement will entail tangible financial and labor costs, and water can still find a loophole and eventually seep inside;
in the vegetable storehouse you will need to ensure suitable temperature and humidity conditions. So that the fruits do not wrinkle or dry out, a humidity of 85-95% is optimal, as well as temperature regime slightly above zero (2 to 5°C). Storage under these conditions will protect products from spoilage and allow them to retain maximum useful substances. A thermometer placed there will help you monitor the temperature in the vegetable pit;
to ensure influx fresh air in the storage facility, it is necessary to equip it with ventilation - bring the supply and exhaust pipes outside;
In addition, to prevent vegetables from sprouting during storage, the room must be kept dark.

How to build a vegetable pit with your own hands

Having decided on the most suitable place for a vegetable storage, you will need to select a suitable project. You can build a vegetable pit in the garage with your own hands next to inspection hole, separating them with a partition. According to personal preferences and financial capabilities, wood can be used to build a vegetable pit, concrete plates or brick. Metal is less suitable, since in such a cellar it will be quite difficult to establish a suitable temperature regime.

Next, you will need to draw a diagram of the structure of the future vegetable storage in order to calculate the amount necessary materials. After this, you can begin to carry out work. It is not difficult to build such a vegetable pit with your own hands.

In this case, you will need to plan and arrange:

Reliable waterproofing - in the case when groundwater lies close to the level of the bottom of the vegetable pit, it will be necessary to organize a circular drainage system. If there are additional foundation walls, they must also be waterproofed. For example, the walls of a vegetable storage can be made of two layers of slate with a layer of bitumen.
Insulation - walls and ceilings are usually built from brick or concrete blocks. At first glance, this material seems impenetrable - however, concrete includes many microcracks through which moisture can penetrate into the vegetable pit. Wet slabs freeze in cold weather, so insulation will be required. To insulate a vegetable pit, you can use the following materials:

heated bitumen, applied in two layers, will help insulate the vegetable pit and create reliable waterproofing of the ceiling;
glass wool - after preliminary installation of vapor and waterproofing, using of this material it is easy to properly insulate the walls and ceiling (then the glass wool surface should be covered with slate or clapboard);
wooden blocks (joists) or insulation boards (for example, penoplex) - they should be secured with a drill using self-tapping screws, and then the cracks and joints should be treated with polyurethane foam;
solution based on a mixture of sawdust and cement at a ratio of 1:8. This mixture should be applied to the walls, as well as the ceiling of the vegetable pit, in a layer of 15-20 cm. After waiting for the insulating coating to dry completely, after a few days it should be plastered;
heat-insulating paint - a 1 mm layer of it will create insulation for a vegetable pit, similar to the installation mineral wool 5 cm thick.

Ventilation providing a suitable microclimate in the storage. The simplest option is to place two pipes in different corners of the vegetable pit, which will provide supply and exhaust ventilation to the room. For this, asbestos-cement or plastic pipes with a diameter of 0.1-0.15 m. The supply pipe should be placed in such a way that it starts at a height of 0.2 m from the floor surface, and at the same time rises from the outside above the ceiling of the vegetable pit (also 0.2 m). The exhaust pipe should be led into the underground room under the ceiling and brought out above the roof as high as possible (at least 0.5 m above the roof of the storage room or garage). By installing valves at the ends of the pipes, it will be possible in the future to regulate the power of the air flow. To prevent pests from entering, cover the air ducts with fine mesh metal mesh. To protect against precipitation, special umbrella caps should be secured over the outer ends of the pipes.

Stages of work

The sequence of actions for the construction and arrangement of a vegetable pit may look like this:

first you need to dig a pit with dimensions exceeding the planned ones by 0.5 m. The depth of the pit for storing vegetables is usually from 1.8 (optimally - at least 2.5) to 3 m. Next, you should dig a trench under the foundation;
to equip the base of a vegetable pit, it is necessary to level the bottom of the pit and lay a layer of cushion broken bricks and crushed stone, or crushed stone and sand (10 and 5 cm, respectively). Each layer should be compacted thoroughly;
the prepared base will need to be filled with heated bitumen. Next you will need to install metal fittings and perform concrete screed. In addition, the base of the vegetable pit can be filled with concrete, having previously installed a layer below hydro insulating material(For example, polyethylene film). Such a base will protect the storage from moisture penetration. Sometimes the floor of the vegetable pit is covered with wooden boards;

Next you need to build walls. To do this you can post brickwork a brick or half a brick thick, or build concrete walls. In this case, the following must be taken into account - in order for the walls of the vegetable storage to effectively resist the lateral pressure characteristic of an earthen pit, the concrete should be bound with steel reinforcement rods;
Next you will need to coat the walls with hot bitumen. In addition, you can insulate them by installing a layer of suitable thermal insulation material. After this you can start finishing walls - you will need to reinforce them with mounting mesh and plaster them;

the ceiling of the pit can be made of bricks laid on boards - or you will need to build concrete floors, preparing the formwork, installing a frame of reinforcement into it and filling it with concrete. The ceiling should be provided with openings for ventilation openings, as well as space for drainage equipment, and a stop for the lid should be installed. It is recommended to place the hole in the middle of the ceiling - in this case, there will be more space in the hole for arranging racks and shelves along the walls;
Next, you need to insulate the ceiling by coating it with bitumen and laying a suitable thermal insulation material(for example, foam plastic, slag or expanded clay).

To arrange a vegetable pit, you can build shelves from boards or install plastic racks, and also place boxes stacked on top of each other in it.

Metal vegetable pit

In the presence of high level underground water on the site, you can equip a vegetable pit made of metal. To do this, it is best to use a ready-made container - for example, purchase part of a tank. In addition, you can use a piece gas pipe with a diameter of 1.8 m (its design provides a waterproofing layer - you just need to weld the ends, and the container for equipping a place for storing vegetables will be ready). Next, you should dig a pit of a suitable size. Having placed the prepared container in it, drainage drains should be installed vertically on the sides of it. PVC pipes with a diameter of at least 0.2 m, and fill the space with a sand-gravel mixture. This measure will prevent the container from moving under the influence of groundwater.

If in the future drainage pipes water will appear and will need to be pumped out using a pump. When arranging a metal vegetable pit Special attention needs to be given supply and exhaust ventilation- otherwise, condensation will accumulate at the bottom, which can have a detrimental effect on the condition of the vegetables placed in it for storage. The pipes should be equipped with dampers and welded, placing them under the ceiling of the container, so that the exhaust pipe rises above it by 3 m, and the supply pipe by 1 m. By placing a container with salt in such a hole, you can significantly reduce the humidity of the air inside. The ceiling of such a storage facility will need to be insulated.

Vegetable pit - photo

Vegetable pit - video

Very often, devices called vegetable pits are used to store vegetables in winter. This option is an alternative to a cellar or basement.

This method of storing vegetables is most popular among summer residents. Primarily due to the fact that it does not require much time for arrangement and does not take up much space and at the same time completely copes with its purpose. But, it should be remembered that failure to comply with the basic rules can negate all the work. The most important role ventilation plays in the vegetable pit. If this factor is not observed, then excessive moisture, mold and dampness will appear in the vegetable pit. All this contributes to the spread of rot on vegetables.

Possible types of ventilation

To create the necessary microclimate in a vegetable pit, it is necessary to take into account all factors and properly arrange ventilation. There are several types of ventilation that are quite acceptable in this situation:

The principle of the ventilation system

When correct selection ventilation systems in the vegetable pit ensure the prevention of all negative consequences. In this case, the main role is played by the pipe, which ensures full access of air. It must meet the necessary parameters so as not to reduce the volume of air flow. Air supply installation is reliable way getting rid of the formation of condensation and the accumulation of toxic substances.

Maintaining a stable microclimate inside the pit can only be ensured by natural circulation air.

The optimal solution for ventilation of a vegetable pit is to install systems for air supply and exhaust. The plan is implemented in the following ways:

The first method of ventilation involves placing a pipe in the middle of the structure. In this case warm air, accumulating in required quantity, begins to rise and go out, thereby making room for cold air. In this way, natural air circulation is ensured, which provides a microclimate suitable for storing vegetables. If condensation is observed, it is recommended to lengthen the pipe or, as a last resort, install a low-power fan at the outlet of the pipe.
The second method considers the arrangement of natural air exchange in a pit for vegetables. This is a fairly popular method because it is inexpensive and based on correct placement two pipes designed for air intake and exhaust. The essence of this system is to provide conditions that lead to certain temperature differences inside and outside the container. This is especially true in the cold season. But even here it is necessary to pay attention to ensure that the hood does not become clogged, for example, during snowfall or frost formation. Problems can also arise at any other time of the year. Establishing constant temperature- the ventilation process may simply stop.

Vegetable pit ventilation options

We draw attention to the fact that for the ventilation to function fully, it is necessary to maintain the ratio between the diametrical cross-section of the pipe for air supply and exhaust.

The exhaust hole is always taken with a smaller diameter than for air intake.

We draw attention to the fact that to ensure complete air exchange, the device for air intake and exhaust must be installed diagonally.

Priorities for natural ventilation

Ventilating a vegetable pit is a troublesome process, but there is a way to make it easier. For this purpose, it is necessary to equip a hole in the wall of the structure, the size of which does not exceed the dimensions of the brick. It is better to protect this hole with a mesh so that the container is protected from foreign objects and various insects getting into it.

When installing a pit for storing vegetables yourself, it is very important not to forget about the basic regulatory rules that should be strictly observed when installing a hood.

The tips below will help ensure its durability and reliability:

It should be taken into account that the calculation of ventilation in a vegetable pit is ensured in compliance with the standard: for 1 m² it is necessary to use a pipe with a diametrical cross-section of 25 cm.
Ideally, the diameter of the pipe for air supply should be slightly larger than for exhaust.
Above ground level, the outlet pipe must be at a certain height, as this significantly affects the intensity of air flow into the structure. To achieve maximum results, it should be installed at a distance of 80 cm above the surface.
Use a device that enhances the efficiency of air exchange. This device promotes the process of rarefaction of air in the inside of the pipe, which also has a positive effect on air exchange.

To ensure proper air exchange, it is necessary to install inner part pipe intended for air intake, at a level of 40 - 45 cm from the floor. The exhaust pipe is installed so that its inner edge begins directly below the ceiling of the pit.

Technology for arranging a vegetable pit

Answering the question of how to properly arrange ventilation in a vegetable pit, we come to the question of arranging the structure itself. Let's consider the technology of installing a vegetable pit on outdoors, not in the basement.

Outdoor pit

In this case, you should adhere to the following plan:

preparing a pit of the required dimensions;
arrangement of walls, floors, ceilings;
the product of wall waterproofing and insulation process.

When carrying out work, be sure to pay attention to the groundwater level. If there are any, it is recommended to carry out reliable waterproofing and install a drainage system.

You should also take care of insulation. As insulation material you can use polystyrene foam tiles.

Please note that such a detail as installing a valve on the pipe will not hurt. With its help, you can competently regulate the inflow and outflow of air.

Will not superfluous installation on the exhaust pipe of an umbrella-cap, which will protect the structure from precipitation.

Results

Let's try to determine the positive and negative aspects of each type of ventilation. The more common type among consumers is ventilation equipped in a natural way. Primarily due to the low cost. But, despite this, forced hood is increasingly coming into its own. It is able to cope with its task even without the help of auxiliary fans. Be that as it may, the presence of ventilation is more beneficial than its absence.

Get a rich harvest of vegetables own dacha– it’s great if there is a place to save it. To accommodate harvested you can make a vegetable pit.

The simplest storage for vegetables at your own dacha is made without the use of expensive materials, and you will need the simplest tools.

Choosing a site for construction

The place for the vegetable pit must be chosen correctly

To make your vegetable pit serve you well for a long time, you need to choose the right place for it.

What to consider when choosing:

Builder's advice: Before starting work on arranging a vegetable storage facility, it is recommended to complete at least its simplest design. A pre-drawn plan will make it much easier to navigate while doing the work.

Basic requirements for construction technology

There are several key requirements for a vegetable pit

Let's consider the basic requirements for the technology of constructing a vegetable pit:

Selection of dimensions

When completing a project, it is necessary to indicate in it the dimensions of the future pit. Its depth should ideally be approximately 2-2.2 meters, width - 1.5. It will be quite comfortable to be in, and the temperature can be easily maintained at +5 degrees.

This is optimal for storing vegetables - they will not spoil and retain maximum nutrients. Humidity must be maintained at 90% - vegetables will not wrinkle and dry out.

Waterproofing

If the groundwater level fluctuates at 1-1.5 meters from the surface, and it is difficult to choose another place for the hole, you can try to install a drainage system. In some cases, it may also be necessary to provide good waterproofing.

Of course, this will result in some costs, both in terms of finances and labor. But if you neglect this stage, you should prepare for the fact that sooner or later the water will find a loophole and penetrate inside.

Take note: even if the walls of the pit are flooded concrete mixture, additional waterproofing must be provided.

Bottom device

Sand and crushed stone are laid at the bottom, then bitumen or other similar material. Flooring best arranged in the form reinforced concrete slab. If it is impossible to provide this option, strong boards are laid on the base.

Important to remember: ventilation must be provided in the pit.

Ventilation

Most simple option is the construction of natural ventilation, for which two pipes are used, placing them on different heights from the floor surface in the garage. One pipe is a supply pipe, the other is an exhaust pipe, and their outer ends should be brought out as high as possible.

This ensures constant influx fresh air. This helps keep vegetables in edible condition longer.

Materials and tools

To build a vegetable pit you need a set of certain materials and tools

To complete the work you will need the following tools and materials:

shovels;
buckets for lifting the earth up;
container for mixing the solution;
fasteners (nails or screws);
hammer or screwdriver;
floor boards and covers;
crushed stone;
sand;
cement;
metal corner;
insulating material.

Stages of building a vegetable pit with your own hands

To begin, check the project prepared in advance and dig a pit in accordance with the dimensions indicated in it. The simplest option is to make a hole in the ground with sides 1.2x1.4 m, depth 2 m. The work should not be done alone, but with an assistant.
When the pit is ready, it is necessary to strengthen the walls as best as possible. No matter how convenient the composition of the soil is for work, over time the earth may crumble and your cellar will be filled up.
Therefore, you should make the bottom of concrete as carefully as possible, and place metal carcass. The best material is a metal corner - it is used to make a frame around the entire perimeter of the structure.
A barrier is installed between the frame and the wall of the future cellar, which protects against crumbling earth. It is a fine-mesh mesh.
A frame is placed on top of the frame, the task of which is to hold the lid. It can be made from boards on which thermal insulation material is strengthened. The lid should fit as tightly as possible to the frame - this way the cold will not get inside the pit.

Features of the device in the garage

Installing a vegetable pit in the garage requires additional conditions

For example, when strip foundation work will be carried out differently than with slab. Best option– plan a place to place the cellar during the construction of the garage. Then it will be possible to leave a reinforced hole in the base for the subsequent arrangement of the pit.

What to consider when building a pit in the garage:

The floor level in the garage where the pit is being constructed should be 30 cm higher than the foundation.
Make sure that when manipulating the integrity of the foundation, no harm will be caused to the building itself.
You should not choose large dimensions for the pit - a depth of 1.7 m and sides of 2 m each is sufficient. The stages of arrangement are almost no different from the construction of a vegetable pit in an open space.

Take into account: When making a vegetable pit inside the garage, you need to take into account the method of arranging its base.

Before starting work, try to draw up as many detailed plan works This will make it easier for you to complete each of the stages; in addition, when compiling, you can consult with knowledgeable people and change the plan according to their comments.

If you carefully and carefully follow the technology, you can independently build a good structure at your dacha that will allow you to preserve your harvest for quite a long time and will last for many years.

IN video instructions you can see how to make a vegetable pit in conditions of close groundwater:

The vegetable pit is the most in a practical way long-term storage of crops. Such a pit or cellar is a special place for storing food, which can be arranged on summer cottage, in the basement of a residential building, in the garage or even under the loggia. Its main advantage is the complete absence of energy costs - the freshness of your vegetables and fruits will be maintained naturally. From the article you will learn how to build a vegetable storage facility with your own hands and how to use its space most efficiently.

Preparation for work

At first, building a cellar with your own hands may seem extremely challenging task, but even a novice builder can handle it. The most difficult step will be the choice suitable place. Previously, it was believed that a cellar could only be located under a house or on a summer cottage. But in reality, it can be organized even in the garage. Therefore, apartment owners should not refuse to store their crops.

Before you start building a vegetable pit, you need to consider the following questions:

Checking the availability of utilities. If you are going to build a cellar within the city, make sure that you will not affect electrical cables, pipeline and gas pipeline. In this regard, it is much better to make a hole in an already ready premises- garage or cellar.
Soil study. Most often, you will need the help of a specialist to carry out this stage. It will help establish soil characteristics and groundwater levels. You cannot ignore these factors, as otherwise you risk getting a regularly flooded vegetable pit. Ideally, groundwater should lie well below the intended bottom of the storage facility, otherwise you will need a complex waterproofing system. This will entail large financial and time costs. Majority professional builders They believe that even waterproofing will not help - sooner or later water will still seep into the hole.
Project development. Before starting construction, it is worth spending time calculating the area of the future storage facility and creating a drawing. This will reduce possible shortcomings and greatly simplify your work.

Many people believe that a cellar and a pit for storing vegetables are interchangeable concepts. This statement is true, however, the cellar is still a more complex structure, which it is not always possible to build with your own hands. A mini-vegetable storage can be made in the basement or garage. The only condition is that the selected room is dry and airtight.

An example of a design for a vegetable pit.

Construction stages

Digging a hole for storing vegetables is not too difficult. It is much more difficult to equip it correctly. When you need to take into account the issues of arranging the floor and walls, organizing hydro- and thermal insulation, as well as ensuring ventilation.

If you equip a pit on open area, and not in a finished basement or garage, first dig a pit of the required size.

Arrangement of floors, walls and ceilings

10 cm of crushed stone and 15 cm of sand are placed at the bottom of the pit. Each layer must be compacted thoroughly. After preparation, the layers must be filled with bitumen or another substance with similar properties. Ideally, fill the slab from reinforced concrete, having previously laid a layer of waterproofing material. If this option is not possible, you can cover the floor with wooden boards.

Then you need to tackle the walls and ceiling. Alternatively, you can lay the walls out of brick. In this case, it is better to lay out the ceiling of the pit with a vault, laying bricks on templates made of boards. You can also make a concrete floor. To do this you need to prepare wooden formwork and lay the reinforcement cage inside.

When working with the ceiling, you need to leave room for a crawl space. It is best to make it in the middle of the ceiling. In this case, you will have enough space to place shelving. A stop for the lid should be installed in place of the hole.

When the ceiling is ready, it is necessary to insulate it. To do this, coat it with bitumen and insulate it using the existing insulating material (foam, expanded clay or slag).

Waterproofing

High-quality waterproofing is required condition for long-term storage of crops. This issue should be taken especially seriously if the groundwater level in the area is high enough. In this case, you will have to build a circular drainage system.

Thermal insulation

Natural vegetable products do not tolerate sudden temperature changes. Sudden warming can lead to rot and disease, and frost will cause severe flavor changes. For this reason, you must ensure that your storage unit is maintained at a suitable temperature at all times. This is easiest to do with proper thermal insulation.

It is better to insulate the walls on both sides - external and internal. But often the vegetable pit goes to the owner of an already built one, so its external insulation is impossible. Then all that remains is to insulate it interior walls. This work can be done with your own hands using any slab insulation. Don't forget to make sure it is moisture resistant. Experts believe that best choice will become polystyrene foam.

Providing ventilation

Constant air circulation will help maintain the storage correct microclimate. That's why the final stage construction should be the organization of a balanced ventilation system.

An option for installing ventilation in a vegetable pit located in the garage.

The simplest option that you can build with your own hands is natural ventilation using two pipes. One of them will be a supply, and the other an exhaust. They need to be placed at different heights in opposite corners of the cellar. You can use any pipes that you have, but for a vegetable pit, plastic or asbestos-cement pipes with a diameter of 10-15 cm are better suited. The supply pipe should start 20 cm from the floor and go out at a height of about 20 cm above the level of the cellar lid. The exhaust system should start right at the ceiling and extend as high as possible above the roof of the room.

Valves should be installed on the pipes to regulate the air flow. To protect the storage from pests, the end of the supply air duct is covered with a fine metal mesh. To protect against precipitation, the upper end of the exhaust pipe is placed under a special umbrella cap.

The difference in temperature and pressure will ensure a constant flow of fresh air into the room.

Separately, it should be said about the need for high-quality ventilation of the pit located in the garage. Exhaust gases from the vehicle must be removed in a timely manner and not reach food products.

Installation of shelving

Due to the fact that the area of the pit is often small, you should approach the organization of its space wisely. Experience shows that a shelving system is perfect for storing crops and products.

Taking into account the peculiarities of the microclimate of the cellar, some homeowners purposefully make shelving from wood. In this case, preference should be given to pine, since due to its special properties it will protect products from pests and rot. Some owners prefer plastic or metal, but this does not solve the problem of condensation. Once formed on the shelves, it will not be absorbed, but will fall directly onto your supplies.

Instead of shelving, you can use regular boxes stacked on top of each other.

Most often it is not possible to find ready-made furniture, perfectly fitting into the dimensions of the pit. There are two possible solutions. Firstly, you can make the shelves yourself or order them according to individual sketches. Secondly, you can abandon the idea of racks and prefer drawers. They can be filled with food and stacked on top of each other. This way they won't take up much space.

Thus, a pit for storing crops is a building that you can build with your own hands. The main conditions for successful food storage are dryness, constant air circulation and the absence of sudden temperature changes. If you choose suitable premises and use the advice in this article, you can be sure that your fruits and vegetables will remain fresh and tasty for a long time.