If you live in a multi-storey building, then storing vegetables in winter can cause some difficulties. A great place for potatoes, carrots, apples and zucchini will be boxes on the balcony. You can easily make one yourself by reading this article. It will be much cheaper than buying in a store.
We make storage
Box sizes can be any. It all depends on what is stored on the balcony. For example, if it is cabbage or potatoes, the box should be large, if carrots, onions - smaller. By the way, the storage size of 1500x800x400 cm holds about five bags of potatoes. However, a regular box should be equal in width to the balcony and have a height of up to 100 cm.
A prerequisite is double walls. Between them there should be a distance of about 4 cm. First, a wooden frame is made, then a wall of plywood is attached to it, which will be outside. Inside the walls should be removable, and it is best to make them from hardboard and make a hole in one of them. Again, it all depends on what is stored on the balcony, but ventilation will not hurt.
For non-insulated balconies, a conventional light bulb is built into the storage, which serves as a heater in severe frosts. It is also necessary to make a special casing for her so that the vegetables do not deteriorate. You can insulate the box with a plaid, hide or woolen cloth.
The lid on such a box is attached with hinges, but you can not do this if you do not have time or money.
Cellar
If you do not want to occupy a precious place on the balcony, you can build a mini-cellar. To do this, you do not need to spend a lot of time and effort. Typically, the balcony is lower than the floor level in your home. We will take advantage of this.
Again, you need to make a strong frame that would not fail under your weight. The frame should be divided into compartments, but it all depends on what is stored on the balcony. If it is beets, onions, then the sections may be small.
After the floor is broken by the frame into sections, you need to make a cover. The best option here is 2 removable panels - one part and the other. This is to make it convenient to get products.
Heating
This storage method does not include heating, but if you still want to protect vegetables from frost, you can do it. To do this, you need to run a sewer pipe made of plastic with holes along the entire length of the cellar. Then pull it off the edge, just above floor level. Insert the most common hair dryer into the pipe. The principle of operation is that it drives warm air that flows evenly through holes throughout the cellar.
But heating is not the main thing, except it still needs a thermostat to control it.
For this, a thermostat is suitable. It can be purchased at any store that sells electrical appliances. With it, you need to connect a hairdryer, and install the sensor in the cellar and adjust the temperature on and off.
Here are some simple tips for heating a cellar.
Vegetables on the balcony in winter
To keep food fresh and prevent it from spoiling, you need to know some of the features and follow the storage recommendations that we are ready to share.
Let's start with the choice of vegetables. For storage, you need to choose only fresh vegetables and fruits, without damage or bruising. Before preparing for storage, they do not need to be washed. In the case of potatoes, carrots or beets, you can only slightly peel them from the extra layer of earth. An acceptable temperature for storing root crops is from 1 to 5 degrees. Humidity should not exceed 80-90 percent.
Now consider the options in more detail. Everything, of course, depends on what is stored on the balcony. Let's start with the potatoes. This is the most popular root crop, which is purchased for the winter. Potatoes should be stored in a wooden box or woven bag. One layer should not exceed a height of one meter. When storing on the balcony, direct sunlight should be avoided , as potatoes can turn green. Such tubers can not be eaten, but can be used for planting.
Beetroot, radish, zucchini and radish are also perfectly stored in drawers or fabric bags.
Carrots are a little picky. Root crops are stored in boxes with sand, while they should not be in contact with each other. Rotting in carrots usually starts from the top, so when processing before storage, you need to leave a little tops.
Cabbage is very fond of fresh air. It is well preserved in nets, like onions and garlic.