Published byTina JonesLeave your thoughts Learn how to successfully grow an avocado tree, or two, in your dome greenhouse. Enjoy fresh, dome grown avocados!
Published byGrowing Spaces #1 Option for Sustainable Year-Round Gardening How to Figure Out Your ROI on a Growing Dome Greenhouse Sign-up for our Monthly Newsletter Not quite ready to buy a Growing Dome? Join the Inner Circle and receive our monthly newsletter. Discover the benefits of producing your own food, living a more sustainable lifestyle, and connecting with nature. Don’t…
Published byKenzie Jackson Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to join the Inner Circle of Happy Year-Round Geodesic Greenhouse Gardeners From beginning gardeners to existing Growing Dome Owners, from those interested in learning more about Growing Domes to master gardeners, The Happy Grower community is THE place to be! Exclusive members-only features:
Published byTina JonesLeave your thoughts When Your Growing Dome Gives You Meyer Lemons, Make Lemonade! Jump to: Growing Lemons, Best Location for Lemon Trees in a Dome, Planting Your Lemon Tree, Companion Plants, Lemon Tree Care, Managing Pests, Harvesting, Pruning, History and Trivia, Health Benefits of Lemons Genus: Citrus x limon ‘Meyer’ Common Name: Meyer’s Lemon …
Published byKenzie JacksonLeave your thoughts Forget eggs! Bananas are the secret ingredient to light and fluffy vegan pancakes. This easy recipe uses mashed bananas for binding and sweetness, creating pancakes that are bursting with flavor and moisture. Plus, we’ve thrown in some melty chocolate chips for an extra decadent touch. Serve with maple syrup and fresh banana slices for a breakfast or snack that’s as good as it is good for you.
Published byKenzie JacksonLeave your thoughts Discover the art of making delicious Guava Jam using homegrown pink guavas with our easy-to-follow recipe. Ideal for Growing Dome enthusiasts, this guide from Growing Spaces showcases how to harvest and transform pink guavas into a sweet, slightly musky jam with a hint of vanilla or tangy lime. Learn the differences between guava jam and jelly, and explore versatile ways to enjoy this tropical delight, from morning toast to guava margaritas. Our comprehensive instructions cover everything from preparing guavas to water canning, ensuring a perfect batch every time. Plus, get insights on the longevity of homemade guava jam and tips for growing guavas successfully. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned canners, this article is your ultimate guide to creating a tropical treat in any climate.
Published byTina Jones2 Comments Pumpkins take between 80-120 days to mature and should only be picked once fully mature. Do not rely on their size to determine maturity though. When they mature the leaves of the plant will die back and the skin will be hard. The skin will also turn a deeper, solid color and the stem will harden.
Published byShelby LuceroLeave your thoughts A sweet and spicy roasted green chili corn cake topped with fresh corn salsa is the perfect way to kick off the start of fall.
Published byTina JonesLeave your thoughts Featured Plant of the Month: Chard! Chard, or Beta vulgaris var. Cicla is from the Amaranthaceae family, also known as the beet family and is native to the Mediterranean area and is originally from Sicily! Quite a few sources say that Aristotle mentioned growing chard (red-stalked) in 350 BC, probably because it was revered for…
Published byKenzie JacksonLeave your thoughts These Swiss Chard and Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms make for an elegant and flavorful appetizer, perfect for entertaining or as a tasty addition to any gathering. Enjoy their savory and creamy combination with a touch of Swiss chard goodness!
Published byShelby Lucero2 Comments Calendula is an amazing herbal medicine that has been used for centuries. From skin healing salves and lotions to tinctures and teas this plant will quickly become a staple on your modern homestead. Plus it is easy to grow and simple to turn into everyday items! From how to make calendula oil, to making this…
Published byTina JonesLeave your thoughts Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a versatile herb that belongs to the Apiaceae family and is native to Asia, Europe, and Africa. The plant has an air of mystery around it, as cilantro refers to the leaves, while coriander refers to the seeds. With its fresh and citrusy flavor, cilantro is a popular ingredient in many dishes, from salsa to curry. And the good news is, growing cilantro is easy, especially when grown in a greenhouse.
Published byTina JonesLeave your thoughts Did you know that growing cabbage in a greenhouse can provide you with fresh produce all year round? This humble vegetable has a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire and played a vital role in sustaining the Irish during times of food insecurity. Growing cabbage from seed is easy, and it prefers loamy soil with lots of compost mixed in. Companion plants like broccoli, kale, and swiss chard are great friends to cabbage, and they thrive in the same conditions and climate. Learn more about the benefits of companion planting and how to harvest your cabbage for a second, smaller harvest, or hang it in a root cellar for up to three months. Discover why cabbage is a superhero packed with vitamins, minerals, and cancer-fighting properties.
Published byShelby Lucero2 Comments If you are like me and do not love the taste of kale, it is a great veggie to mix into other dishes that you normally eat. Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish that combines kale with, my favorite vegetable, potatoes! While Nancy’s kale chips are extremely simple to make and satisfy the need for a crunch.
Published byKesy CurtisLeave your thoughts Wontons, dumplings, pot stickers, or whatever you prefer to call them are delicious, satisfying, and fun to make. This winter we have a lot of nutritious greens, herbs, and veggies to choose from in our Growing Dome gardens. Bok choy is delicious, easy to grow, and can be used in all types of recipes from soups to salads and stir-fries.
Published byTina JonesLeave your thoughts Brussels sprouts are a cultivar of wild cabbage native to the Mediterranean area. Known for their long growing season and cool weather preference, they are best grown in a greenhouse. With tips on planting, companion plants, and harvesting, you’ll be able to successfully grow this nutritious vegetable. Add some fun to your greenhouse gardening with interesting facts about Brussels sprouts, and try a new recipe to truly appreciate this oftentimes misunderstood veggie.
Published byKesy CurtisLeave your thoughts We call this Kitchen Sink Soup because we take everything leftover from our fall & early winter Growing Dome harvests & whatever we have in the fridge to make the soup. We put everything in but the kitchen sink! The key is to have veggies, herbs, a grain or carbohydrate, and different types of alliums
Published byTina Jones2 Comments These days it is even more important to be able to grow your own lettuce as crops in California’s Salinas Valley are currently fighting Impatiens necrotic spot virus, or INSV, which is mainly spread by thrips. Pythium wilt is another crop disease that attacks lettuce, generally along with INSV causing lettuce to wilt or completely collapse. We recommend planting lettuce as this disease may affect its availability since California grows approximately 70% of the lettuce consumed in the US. There has never been a better time to grow lettuce in your backyard!
Published byShelby LuceroLeave your thoughts Looking for a crowd pleasing unique appetizer for your holiday party? This rosemary and roasted garlic dip is sure to impress!
Published byTina Jones2 Comments Growing rosemary from seed in a greenhouse can take a few weeks for germination. Propagating plants from an established rosemary bush is a quicker method and you can be ready to plant in two weeks. Let us teach you how to grow rosemary successfully in your greenhouse. With our expert advice, you will tip the scales in your favor.
Published byTina JonesLeave your thoughts Growing basil in a greenhouse is a tricky balance. They don’t like things too hot or too cold, and while they repel some common pests, such as hornworms and flies, they are susceptible to problems like aphids and Japanese beetles. Let us teach you how to grow basil successfully in your greenhouse. With our expert advice, you will tip the scales in your favor.
Published byShelby LuceroLeave your thoughts Basil Plant looking a bit sad in the cooler temperatures? This quick pesto is a great way to use it before it is too late!
Published byKesy CurtisLeave your thoughts Tis the Season For Squash and Zucchini. This is one of our favorite ways to make a delicious and easy side dish for any grilled protein!
Published byKesy CurtisLeave your thoughts Lucky for us, it’s tomato season in our Domes right now, and if you are like us, you have a variety of vine-ripened tomatoes from your Growing Dome. If you haven’t tried a Dome-grown tomato, you are missing out. The filtered light and temperature in the Dome make a perfect environment to ripen your tomatoes. They are far more flavorful and delicious than any tomatoes at the market or even in the outdoor garden. We also have fantastic fresh garlic, cilantro, and onion that we harvested from the Dome. They make the absolute best fresh salsa!
Published byKesy CurtisLeave your thoughts This rainbow & swiss chard salad is delicious and a fantastic way to use fresh, vibrant, and sometimes underutilized vegetables. Move over, kale! Swiss chard is the new super green! Chard is known to be bitter, so it is often left out of raw, cold salads. However, combining it with lemon zest, Parmesan, and olive oil relaxes the chard and takes away the bitterness. Give it a try. This summery, satisfying salad just might become your new go-to!
Published byKesy CurtisLeave your thoughts This bright, satisfying, yet light lunch keeps you going through your afternoon or you can use it as an appetizer to a favorite Thai dinner entree or even pho. Nasturtium spring rolls are perfect for any warm spring or summer afternoon or evening. Easy to make, the nasturtium packs a punch that is unexpected in A spring roll. They are so pretty you may not want to eat them but they are equally as delicious!
Published byKesy CurtisLeave your thoughts Cooking with veggies has been a liberating experience for me as a cook, food-enthusiast, gardener, and mother. I have found confidence in my ability to provide delicious, nutritious, sustainable food to my family and friends. Thinking outside the box and using healthier ingredients in everything that I cook. I have cultivated an incredible deeper relationship with food nurturing myself through growing my own sources of sustenance. It’s a wonderful feeling going out and gathering ingredients from the garden and the Growing Dome. I know that everything was grown with care, has the proper nutrients in the soil, no pesticides, no herbicides or chemicals. It’s all organic, fresh, nutrient-dense, and local.
Published byKesy CurtisLeave your thoughts There are multiple reasons we suspect lasagna has rotated out of the weekly dinner routine (high fat, cholesterol, carbs, sodium, calories, etc.). But everyone loves a good lasagna, so let’s revise and revisit! Make it modern, healthy, flavorful, skip the side of guilt and opt for a salad.
Published byKesy CurtisLeave your thoughts When I first started cooking more plant-based and vegan recipes I struggled to find a Caesar salad that had the crunch, punch, and protein of a traditional Caesar. This recipe has double the crunch, and double the protein, with a nice punch in the dressing without all the fat, & no oil.
Published byKesy CurtisLeave your thoughts Everyone has their favorite version of chili. Some like it spicy, some like it mild, some like it red, some like it green. If you’re like me, you can eat chili all winter long and be happy as can be. It’s easy to make, stores well, and is the perfect match for many other dishes. Before I had a large family, I used to store it in the freezer and warm it up as needed. Now we never have any leftovers, ever! The kids beg for it, and if it gets approved by them, it’s approved by me. That makes life so much more straightforward, plus it is one of my top favorite things to eat. It also keeps us nice and toasty in these cold winter months in Colorado.
Published byKesy CurtisLeave your thoughts This is the time of year that we are all looking for those soothing, warm us up, type recipes, to help acclimate to the changing cold temperatures outside. This soup says fall flavor as much as pumpkin spice! This recipe is creamy, vegan, nourishing, and is full of cozy fall flavors. It’s the ultimate comfort food to keep you full & warm this season. It can be frozen or stored in the fridge for up to a week. If you do have any leftovers, it’s easy to reheat for a quick lunch on a cold afternoon.
Published byKesy CurtisLeave your thoughts Brussels sprouts get a bad rap. They are notorious for many kids and adults alike having utter disdain for them. Have no fear! These roasted brussels sprouts are delicious, nutritious, and easy! They melt in your mouth, have caramelized outer edges, and a little crunch at first bite. I’m willing to bet, these little bites of goodness will convert any Brussels sprout hater.
Published byKesy CurtisLeave your thoughts Working at Growing Spaces for more than a decade has allotted me many exciting perks. The one I enjoy the most is having access to fresh produce, veggies, herbs, greens, and fruits all year round. For many years, I have walked into the Growing Dome, like it was the grocery store, at lunchtime and hand-picked my lunch. This shrimp and nasturtium salad is one of my favorite easy Dome Grown recipes.
Published byKesy CurtisLeave your thoughts Artichokes are a beautiful plant. Those who don’t grow them may not realize that they are immature flower buds from the thistle plant. Appetizing? We don’t know who decided first to try these odd little pokey guys, but we sure are glad they did. They come in many varieties, but the most common one that we use in cooking is called a globe artichoke. They can be intimidating, but I’m going to help you with that.
Published byKesy CurtisLeave your thoughts I started making this creamy southern comfort food in 2007. My friend owns a southern, Mardi Gras-themed comfort food restaurant. She gave me the recipe because I was obsessed with how yummy it was! I’ve been making this exact broccoli casserole dish for holiday gatherings and potlucks ever since, and people always want more! My family loves it.
Published byKesy CurtisLeave your thoughts I started making this creamy southern comfort food in 2007. My friend owns a southern, Mardi Gras-themed comfort food restaurant. She gave me the recipe because I was obsessed with how yummy it was! I’ve been making this exact broccoli casserole dish for holiday gatherings and potlucks ever since, and people always want more! My family loves it.
Published byKesy CurtisLeave your thoughts Most people think you can’t make restaurant-quality food at home. Well, I am here to tell you if that is your sentiment, you are sorely mistaken. I am going to change your mind! It took me more tries than I would like to admit to getting it right. To keep it clean & healthy, but decadent and delicious.
Published byKesy CurtisLeave your thoughts It’s easy to make and delicious on just about any vegetable, cracker, pita chip, or toast. You can add just about any herb, spice, or vegetable you like to adjust the taste. Bonus points if it was grown in your Growing Dome.
Published byKesy CurtisLeave your thoughts Turkey Sammies are craveable all year long, no doubt. Still, after you deconstruct your leftover Turkey into a savory, satisfying, soothing, and soulful soup, you may begin to think that turkey sammies are for the birds?!
Published byKenzie JacksonLeave your thoughts Since I am not a vegan like Kesy I couldn’t really do a vegan recipe. Instead, I give you my nana’s recipe for the best carrot cake ever with homemade cream cheese icing. She is Sicilian and the only thing I love more than her cakes is her meatballs.
Published byGrowing SpacesLeave your thoughts Healthy soil contains organic matter that retains moisture longer, even in extreme climates or weather conditions, unlike Hydrophobic soil, which is dry soil that does not want to take in water. This happens when the bacteria and fungal life in your soil die off from lack of moisture. There are many different degrees of hydrophobic soil and many ways to fix it.
Published byKenzie JacksonLeave your thoughts At the end of 2010, Deb’s doctor diagnosed her with an autoimmune disorder and recommended she make a lifestyle change and consume a more nutrient-dense diet. So, in January of 2011, Reg and Deb Miller packed up their city life in Alberta and left to start a new adventure semi-retiring in Anglemont, British Columbia.
Published byTina Jones1 Comment Calendula is a versatile and low maintenance plant that can add beauty and utility to any greenhouse or outdoor garden. This plant is not only attractive to pollinators, but it also has numerous medicinal and culinary uses. From its high flavonoid content to its ability to attract beneficial insects and act as a trap crop, calendula is an excellent addition to any garden. In this blog post, we will explore how to grow calendula, companion planting options, and how to harvest and use this incredible plant.
Published byKenzie JacksonLeave your thoughts Why the Growing Dome is the most durable greenhouse The simple answer is decades. A greenhouse has to be strong. In any given year it will experience snow, hail, wind, rain, extreme heat, and even tornados. A durable greenhouse will be able to withstand these extreme conditions and provide an incredible return on your investment…
Published byKenzie Jackson1 Comment It’s here, the dreaded cold and flu season. I got an early start this year after countless hours in the airport traveling back and forth from Thailand. After two weeks of spicy flu fighters and immune boosters in Asia, I was inspired to come home and share them with you. So, here they are, my…
Published byKesy CurtisLeave your thoughts Tomatillo Green Chile Tamales It’s prime green chile season! If you live in the western United States, then you know all about green chile peppers. If you are one of the few who does not let me give you a little insight. Pueblo Native Americans have cultivated chile peppers for centuries, but the modern renditions of…
Published byLem Tingley Tips for incorporating organic pest management into your Growing Dome Greenhouse routine. Aphids, whiteflies, sow bugs, centipedes, caterpillars, millipedes, mites, mealybugs, fruit flies and vinegar flies. When the summer sun provides a daily flush of fresh produce, it’s easy to be lulled into the bliss of your garden oasis. The tomatoes are prolific on the…
Published byJason Stuck2 Comments 75 Year Old Ex-Dentist Reveals Effective No Cost Methods of Improving Health Naturally Following are 7 simple tips to maintain vibrant health, as given by this guy. And unless you’re brand new here, I bet you recognize our fearless leader! Udgar Parsons, the creator of the Growing Dome® and co-owner of Growing Spaces®. You’ve probably seen…
Published byGrowing Spaces1 Comment It’s the middle of November, and I walk outside into the crisp coldness that reminds me winter is closer than it appears. Our backyard has Growing Domes and entering one of these is like transporting yourself into another world. It’s warm and a bit humid inside, completely opposite from the outer world I just left….
Published byKyle5 Comments Just over a week ago, Pagosa Springs received some much needed snow. Overnight, more than a foot of wet snow blanketed trees and mountains surrounding our little town. It’s unusual for Colorado to receive such wet, heavy snow, and much of the town actually shut down for a snow day! Although county employees and teachers…
Published byKyle4 Comments The Growing Spaces team has started a new project here at our Pagosa Springs office, and we want you to join us in our pursuit! As the warm growing season came to a close here in the Rocky Mountains, the Growing Spaces team started to plan a winter garden for the 15′ Growing Dome greenhouse…
Published byKyle3 Comments My family and I are in the first year with our 26′ Growing Dome. This winter we are not at full capacity because we didn’t have time to get all of the beds built before the soil we needed to bring into the greenhouse froze solid to the ground. Right now we’re growing in a…
Published byGrowing SpacesLeave your thoughts As we celebrate the interest from children and young adults in growing organic food, we want to point to major influences over the last few years. I thank the efforts of Jamie Oliver, Will Allan, and Michelle Obama and many Moms and Dads who are convinced that learning “where food comes from” is the beginning…
Published byKyleLeave your thoughts Hello!! My name is Kesy, I have been with Growing Spaces for almost two years. Let me tell you that these two years have flown by. It is so refreshing to work in an environment that is positive and nurturing, inside and out. Growing Spaces produces a product and a quality of life that I…