How Can I Fill in a Root Cellar Under the House?

Measure the width, length and height of the root cellar and multiply all those numbers together to obtain the cubic footage of your root cellar. For example, if the width is 6 feet, the length is 8 feet and the height is 7 feet, the root cellar is 6 times 8 times 7 = 336 cubic feet.

Divide that number by four. In our example you would divide 336 by four to get 84 cubic feet. This is how much cement you need for the slab. Multiply that number by 3 to get how many cubic feet of dirt you’ll need. In the example, you would need 84 time 3 = 252 cubic feet of dirt.

Fill the bottom 3/4 of the root cellar with dirt using a wheelbarrow. Even out each layer of dirt with the shovel and pat it down so it’s as densely packed as it can be.

Mix the cement per the mixer’s instructions and place the spout into the root cellar as far back as it will go. Release the cement into the root cellar and allow it to fill in. If needed, push the cement deeper into the cellar with a rake.

Allow the cement to dry.