North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Lucky Pittman <lucky.pittman@murraystate.edu>]

At 01:06 PM 1/24/2003 +0000, Del wrote:
> I was just reading one apple growers' apple storage recommendation and he 
> says to use damp rags.....Do apples need such high humidity?
Del,
When I visited with the fellow who operates one of the two commercial 
orchards in the county late last fall, he told me he had some ArkBlack 
apples in his cooler, from the previous year, that were still good, though 
somewhat shriveled, because his wife wouldn't keep the towels moistened(why 
he didn't do it, I can't tell you).



> Anywho, it was encouraging to hear of your 35 degree room next to 80. I 
> bought white milkhouse paneling for the inside, and had planned to use 
> fiberglass batting , but perhaps the polystyrene insulation you used is 
> prefferable because of its moisture barrier quality.
I don't have a degree in building science or the like, but I do know 
something about insulation.  The foamboard is a good  idea, but you might 
want something that will stand up a little better to being bumped & 
poked.  I'd probably recommend tacking a vapor barrier (3-6 mil) 
polyethylene over the face of the studs of your cool room wall prior to 
installing whatever you put up as an interior wall covering, whether it be 
foamboard or milkhouse paneling(or the paneling over the foamboard).
Cellulose insulation is VASTLY superior to fiberglass with regard to 
EFFECTIVE R-value and diminishing air infiltration, and in most instances, 
is less expensive, as well.  If there's anyone in your area who does 
'wet-blown' cellulose, it would be a simple matter of having it blown into 
cavities in your framed/finished on one side wall, then closing it in.

Have a look at the CIMA site - lots of info on cellulose 
-  http://www.cellulose.org
but be sure to look at the Colorado Study page : 
http://www.cellulose.org/pdf/cellulose_benefits/colorado-study.pdf


Lucky Pittman
USDA Zone 6
Hopkinsville, KY