>>1228143The temps when the photo was taken was about 38F in the can. Outside it had just gone from 30F to 42F. It has been as low as -22F this winter with an entire week below -10F at night. I don't have temps for the can during those time, but if only a handful of potatoes in the top have freeze damage while none on the second layer do then the temp range in the can should be about 30F-60F at top while the rest is 32F-45F. The bottom might be close to ground temps which can be 52-55F here depending on depth and season. I'll know later if any at the bottom were so warm that they started sprouting more than normal.
>>1228149It was the cheaper and faster alternative to a full sized cellar and cellar house. The straw was dry except for a small section near the bottom, on one side where some water pooled between the plastic over the lid and under the straw. Everything else is so dry it has the same amount of dust in it as when it was placed. I do agree with your sentiment though. A larger, well insulated, outer lid would be a better option and make things easier to get into.