Community Greenhouses
Community Growing Domes serve neighborhoods, faith communities, food-access organizations, and other groups committed to shared greenhouse production. The shared schedules, governance, and maintenance dynamics make community domes a different operational experience than private ones. This category brings together writing on community-scale Growing Domes: how successful programs are organized, the governance models that hold up over multiple seasons, how to handle the common challenges of shared resources, and case studies from neighborhood gardens, faith communities, and food-access programs that have built thriving community dome projects.
Hands-On Discovery in the SOIL Lab Growing Dome
May 27, 2025
Students explore the SOIL Lab’s Growing Dome, tasting plants, learning about ecosystems, and experiencing hands-on lessons in a living outdoor classroom.
Heartwood Cohousing: A Thriving Sanctuary of Community and Sustainability
October 4, 2024
In a world where community connection and sustainability are more important than ever, a unique model of living is emerging. Modern developments maximize privacy but often lack a sense of community. Cohousing is not a new concept, originating in Denmark in the 1970s, it aims to create a place where community, sustainability, and love for…
Growing Dome Greenhouse at Valor Point VA Domiciliary!
August 27, 2024
Join us in celebrating Valor Point Domiciliary, our 2022 grant winners, as they embark on their transformative Growing Dome project, led by the visionary Jessica Conyers; together, let's sow seeds of change, cultivate a flourishing garden of renewal, healing, and inspiration for veterans in need, and become a part of their remarkable journey towards a brighter future.
Rio Grande Hospital Wellness Center: Find Your Best You
July 2, 2024
Experience empowerment and inspiration at the Rio Grande Hospital Wellness Center — a community hub for vibrant health and longevity.
Urban Agriculture Takes Root in Omaha with City Sprouts
May 1, 2024
When you envision Omaha, Nebraska you might think of Lewis and Clark or world-renowned steaks. It might surprise you with its growing urban agriculture movement and the world’s largest indoor desert housed within the world’s largest glazed geodesic dome. That is not the only dome in Omaha, however. Tucked into a residential neighborhood on an…
Finding Peace at The Prolific Oxygen Dome
February 5, 2024
The 2019 National Library of Medicine study revealed a troubling link: high-crime areas often see increased rates of depression and PTSD. This problem is especially acute in Cleveland, Ohio, which MoneyGeek ranks as one of the top 10 most dangerous cities in America. Amidst these challenges, Aharon Ben-Keymah’s initiative at the Prolific Achievers Academy in…
Unity Gardens Destigmatizing Free Food and Education for Everyone
October 4, 2023
Unity Gardens, a nonprofit in South Bend, Indiana, is on a mission to improve community health through accessible fresh produce, education on nutrition, and fostering social connections. Their innovative approach, known as "Unity Gardens," allows the community to collectively grow and share food, destigmatizing free access to fresh produce. With the addition of a Growing Dome greenhouse, Unity Gardens not only provides fresh food but also serves as an educational hub, drawing people from near and far to explore its wonders and learn about gardening
Inspiring Stories from Community Gardens in Southwest Colorado
July 6, 2023
Growing Spaces Growing Domes aren’t just for backyard gardeners. Communities around the country are using Growing Domes to nurture their communities from the ground up! The video below showcases three organizations in southwest Colorado that are supporting various populations with these greenhouses: Pagosa Springs High School, the Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership, and San Juan Basin Area…
Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership: Thriving Community Greenhouses with Sustainable Energy
January 7, 2023
Today the community venture known as The Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership, Inc, consists of three 42’ Growing Dome greenhouses run on geothermal power, a native plants garden, a rotary club garden, and an amphitheater along the San Juan Riverwalk. The greenhouses use geothermal energy from nearby natural hot springs. This renewable energy source helps to maintain a consistent temperature within the greenhouse, allowing for the growth of a variety of plants year-round in USDA hardiness zone 5a.
Kitchen Garden Food Fresh From the Garden to the Kitchen
November 15, 2022
If you are looking to start your own kitchen garden, a Growing Dome is a great tool to use. While a Dome will not give you a green thumb, it does provide an environment to help you keep leafy green things growing all year long, extending your growing season no matter where you live.
Growing Dome Food Banks: Feeding Our Communities
July 5, 2022
One of the values Growing Spaces holds most dear is helping those without access to fresh, healthy food sources. According to the USDA, the current rate of food insecurity is 10.5% of all households in the US. That means 13.8 million people in this country are without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. and beyond to alleviate food insecurity challenges through education, community outreach, and donations.
Colorado School of Mines Dome Greenhouse
November 8, 2021
Every year the seniors at the Colorado School of Mines participate in a Capstone Design Project. In the fall of 2020, Marla, Christine, Hannah, Juliana, Andrea, Micah, and Zoe took on the Mines Greenhouse Capstone project. They were met with the challenge to establish a “campus greenhouse that will supply local organic produce to Mines students and Mines Market. The team rose to the challenge raising over $7,000 for the project and splitting the solution into two parts. The first part is raised outdoor garden beds that serve as a community garden space where students can rent plots and grow food. The second part is a 22’ Growing Dome better known by students as “Mines Tiny Greenhouse.”
Urban Greenhouse Gardening in Golden, Colorado
February 1, 2021
Malik is originally from Iowa where he graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor's in Enterprise Leadership and a Psychology minor. His passion for gardening and growing food flourished during his time in the Grow: Johnson County apprentice program. It was clear after spending just a short period of time with Malik that he is passionate and dedicated to educating others about the importance of growing your own food.
Water is Life: Bringing Farming Back to Navajo Nation
November 25, 2020
On the first morning of the 26’ Growing Dome Greenhouse build, Tyrone's Uncle John told us that when constructing a new building it was Navajo tradition to always put the door on the East side of the building and work your way clockwise...following the sun. Otherwise, ‘it gets you all out of whack’.
5 Charities Fighting Food Insecurity
July 1, 2020
We wanted to take a moment and show our appreciation to five outstanding non-profit charities that are actively fighting food insecurity. Navajo Nation, Mattersville Vets, Urban Growers Initiative, GoFarm Coop, and the Food Coalition 4 Archuleta County and the GGP are all working to improve the health and nutrition of the people in their respective communities. See what Growing Spaces is doing to support these great causes, and learn how you can help. We are also excited to announce a new Urban Community Garden Grant opportunity for 2021!
Greenhouse Farming in Golden, CO
March 1, 2020
Growing Spaces is pleased to announce a partnership with GoFarm, Community Supported Agriculture, in Golden, CO. Growing Spaces has donated the use of a 26' Growing Dome Greenhouse for GoFarm's Farmer Incubator Program. The construction of the greenhouse was finished in August 2019 by a wonderful group of local volunteers, and the dome is being farmed by GoFarm Incubator apprentice Shannon Harker. Shannon will gain valuable experience with greenhouse farming and the City of Golden will gain a new, hyper-local food source. The greenhouse uses sustainable and renewable energy technologies and helps extend the short Colorado growing season and provide fresh produce for the community year-round.
Milk and Honey Farm Part 2: Aquaponics in a Growing Dome Greenhouse
May 2, 2019
Butch Weaver discussed the custom aquaponics system in his Colorado Community Greenhouse
Milk and Honey Farm: Living Values, Creating Community, and Awakening Minds
April 27, 2019
Located on the 10-acre campus of the Jewish Community Center in Boulder, Colorado, the Milk and Honey Farm is a shining example of building a more resilient community through local organic farming.
Cloud City Farm: Growing the Impossible at 10,000 Feet
September 6, 2018
Cloud City Farm: From Superfund Site to Community Gardens, Thriving High Altitude Farm and Year-Round Growing Dome Greenhouse With only 28 frost free days a year, and living 10,000 feet above sea level, they are growing what at first might seem impossible. Cloud City Conservation Center (C4) Cloud City Conservation Center (C4) is a non-profit 501(c)3…
Mission: Wolf, Off Grid Greenhouse Gardening
August 3, 2018
Off-Grid Greenhouse: Two Indoor Gardens at 9,000 ft. Elevation. Does off-grid gardening seem impossible? Mission: Wolf accomplishes mission impossible. Not one, but two, Growing Dome off-grid greenhouses at a staggering 9,000 ft. Their secret? Not green thumbs. Wolves. Mission: Wolf proves truly unique. The wolf sanctuary in Westcliffe, CO, serves not only as a refuge…
Pine River Garden Club: Growing Gardeners
July 19, 2018
Growing Gardeners and a Local Foodshed with a Growing Dome® at the Pine River Community Garden Instead of garlic from China and avocados from Mexico, the Pine River Garden Club in Bayfield, Colorado, cultivates their own local foodshed, grows gardeners and teaches how to harvest what you thought wouldn’t grow here. Pine River Garden Club…
The Boys and Girls Clubs and the YMCA of Greater Waterville, Maine open new 42-foot Growing Dome Greenhouse
June 4, 2018
The Grand opening of the Mary Nash Beaupre Greenhouse at the Alfond Youth Center was a welcome sight to many children in the Waterville, Maine area. It is wheelchair accessible and features both aquaponics and hydroponics systems. It will provide fresh produce and herbs to the Kids’ Kitchen and Weekend Backpack programs year-round, and will…
Growing Domes Featured on Episode of Living Big in a Tiny House
October 1, 2017
Off-Grid Tiny House Paradise in British Columbia, Canada Grows Year-Round With Three 42-foot Geodesic Dome Greenhouses This episode of Living Big in a Tiny House features the ultimate tiny house off-grid paradise, complete with three 42-foot Growing Spaces Growing Domes! Situated on 380 acres of spectacular lake-front property in BC with private hot-springs and abundant…
Inspiring and Educating People’s Lives Around the Globe
September 20, 2017
Featured Growing Dome Greenhouses from Maine to California
Assisted Living Greenhouse
June 29, 2016
Robert Hilger transformed a barren wasteland, a forgotten metal scrap yard, into a living, growing landscape for the betterment of seniors. Now he is transforming an outdated barren mindset of institutions which may not serve us to our highest potentials.
An Example of Sustainability and Stewardship in Action, Mission: Wolf
September 14, 2015
Growing Domes and Mission: Wolf A Living example of Sustainability and Stewardship “A wolf in a cage is good for one thing…to teach people NOT to put wolves in cages.” Mission: Wolf I applaud the work of our friends over the mountains in Westcliffe, Colorado. Mission: Wolf You won’t believe how they are raising the…
Community Greenhouse in Manchester, UK Makes Real Food
March 30, 2015
Here at Growing Spaces we often talk about how we have Growing Dome Greenhouses at over 100 schools around the world. Our founder, Udgar Parsons, grew up in England and has spent the later part of his life in the US. His multi-national background makes him naturally excited to now own an international company. When…
Growing Spaces Grant Winner Eva’s Village Gets Growing
November 20, 2014
We are very excited to announce the completion of the 26′ Growing Dome for the 2014 Growing Spaces Third Place Grant Winner – Eva’s Village. The innovative homeless shelter greenhouse is located next door to Eva’s Village at Wayne Auto Spa owned by Rob Burke. The new indoor garden will produce food for the teaching…
Iowa Homeless Shelter Greenhouse, Second Chance Through Gardening
July 26, 2014
Central Iowa’s Homeless Shelter Greenhouse The idea of a homeless shelter greenhouse has been spreading recently and we are excited to be a part of this innovative movement. Central Iowa Shelter & Services Center (CISS) built a Growing Dome not only to feed the hungry, but also to teach those needing a second chance how…
2014 In-Kind Grant Winners Announced
May 20, 2014
Grant Awards Announced We are pleased to announce the three winners of this year’s Growing Spaces In-kind Grant Awards. Each of these well deserving organizations has diligently planned and raised funds for their school and/or community gardening program that will include a Growing Dome® greenhouse. It is with great joy that we join the movements…
Shumei Natural Agriculture Garden Growing Dome Provides Midwinter Solace
March 8, 2014
An update from Eileen Weinsteiger the Shumei Natural Agriculture Garden Manager “Seven years ago when the Shumei/Rodale Team was designing the new Shumei Natural Agriculture Demonstration Garden to showcase a small homestead and Shumei Natural Agriculture principles it was imperative to include a unique greenhouse. We wanted a greenhouse that supported sustainability, efficiency, art, beauty, the…
First Place! Boys & Girls Club of the San Luis Valley
February 14, 2014
We are very excited to announce, albeit a bit early, the first place winners of our 2014 Growing Spaces In-Kind Grant Program! The Boys and Girls Club of the San Luis Valley, CO was moving ahead so quickly that we had an emergency session of the Grant Program Committee to make a decision and keep the club on schedule. As you see it's February in one of the coldest places in the state of Colorado and still they are starting on construction of the Growing Dome Greenhouse. We are more than impressed by their motivation, dedication, and drive when it comes to providing exceptional services for the youth of their community.
Congrats Pine River Library! The “Best Small Library in America 2014”
February 10, 2014
Best Small Library in America! We are excited to share the news that one of our local libraries and the second place winner of the 2014 Growing Spaces Grant Program, has been named the Best Small Library in America by the Library Journal. This is an amazing accomplishment AND we agree completely! The residents of…
AspenPointe 42′ Growing Dome Summer Harvest
November 14, 2013
An update from AspenPointe: “A 42 ft. Geodesic Growing Dome was added to the garden in April 2013 to allow the community garden to provide programming for our clients and community year-round and to help provide fresh, local produce for our AspenPointe Café throughout the winter months. The Growing Dome was planted with diverse crops…
Aspen T.R.E.E. Growing Dome Community Supported Agriculture Project
November 6, 2013
In October a dedicated crew from Growing Spaces and with the help of local volunteers installed at 42′ Growing Dome Greenhouse at 8,000 feet at Aspen T.R.E.E. Colorado in cold and snowy conditions. Through the donations of the Growing Spaces crew time and donations of labor and funds from numerous community organizations and individuals, Aspen…
Growing Dome at the Solar Living Institute
June 28, 2013
Solar Living Institute Update: Unfortunately due to COVID the Solar Living Institute closed it’s doors in October 2020. They are still offering on-line classes. Recently we received an update from the Solar Living Institute in Hopland, CA of the 26′ Growing Dome greenhouse built in 2012. “The Growing Dome is one of the main attractions…
2013 Growing Spaces In-Kind Grant Winners Announced
June 28, 2013
We are pleased to announce the top three winners of this year’s Growing Spaces In-kind Grant Awards. Each of these well deserving organizations has diligently planned and raised funds for their education programs that will include a Growing Dome® greenhouse. It is with great joy that we join the movements to contribute to and support…
Growing Year-Round in the Sierra Nevadas – June 2013 Dome of the Month
June 26, 2013
Truckee Community Farm is a winner. Congratulations to Truckee Community Farm and the Kelly family for winning the June 2013 Dome of the Month! With this 33 ft. Growing Dome Greenhouse in Lake Tahoe, California they are supplying the Tahoe Food Hub with food year-round and providing inspiration for similar educational programs in their community….
Finished! 33′ Growing Dome at the Shumei Natural Agriculture Garden
May 8, 2013
4-25-13 Thursday: I love round tanks, especially when it comes to leveling. Today we were busy finishing the tank. Don’t you love Janet’s pleats in the tank liner? And, yes, for a charge she will come redo your tank! Other tasks included finishing the fans, final odds and ends at the door, and leftover parts! 4-27-13: Thursday…
Part 4: 33′ Growing Dome at the Shumei Natural Agriculture Garden
April 22, 2013
We thought we might be nearing a close with the construction of the 33′ Growing Dome at the Shumei Garden at the Rodale Institute, but this story sure has had it’s twists and turns! It turns out that Richard is headed back east to work on some finishing touches and to help with consulting on…
Part 3: 33′ Growing Dome Installation at the Shumei Natural Agriculture Garden
April 19, 2013
As the 33′ Growing Dome at the Shumei Natural Agriculture Garden at the Rodale Institute continues to take shape we see how many wonderful volunteers are pitching in to make this project happen. Richard Miller, Growing Spaces installation supervisor, has been kind enough to send us updates as they go. 4-9-13 Tuesday: I checked hubs…
Part 2: 33′ Growing Dome Installation at the Shumei Natural Agriculture Garden
April 9, 2013
The 33′ Growing Dome at the Shumei Natural Agriculture Garden at the Rodale Institute is going up nicely. Richard Miller has been kind enough to send us updates as they go, so you can feel like you’re right there with them! 4-2-13 Puxatawney Phil is part of a stew right about now. No, not because…
33′ Growing Dome Installation at Shumei Natural Agriculture Garden
April 3, 2013
“Off Again To High Adventure”with Richard Miller, Growing Spaces Staff Question: What do Growing Spaces, Rodale Institute, and Shumei Natural Agriculture have in common? Answer: A 33′ Growing Dome Yes, it’s true…Here we go again. Janet and I, the lowly vent maker, are “off again to high adventure”. Well, 15′-6″ high at least, to the…
Success with Community Garden Grants
March 13, 2013
Examples of how some communities have used garden grants to build a community garden greenhouse Community gardens create a wonderful space where neighbors and families can spend time outdoors, get good exercise and good food, and, most importantly, connect with each other. They also provide access to gardening for people who might otherwise not have…
Shumei International Institute Members Visit Growing Spaces
December 5, 2012
Last week, staff members of the Shumei International Institute in Crestone, Co. took advantage of the mild November weather and travelled to Pagosa Springs for a day of relaxing, sightseeing, and, of course, soaking in the “Healing Waters” of the hot springs. After a breakfast hosted by Growing Spaces at the “Famous” Pagosa Baking Co.,…
Naropa University Greenhouse Conducts Valuable Research
December 5, 2012
We recently received an update from Jason Gerhardt at Naropa University Greenhouse in Boulder, CO on the current projects going on in their 22′ Growing Dome named the William D. Jones Community Greenhouse and… we were stunned that so many amazing things were going on in their greenhouse! Not only are the projects prolific, but they…
Truckee Community Farm Wins Your 2 Cents Grant
August 15, 2012
Last week, we posted a testimonial video from Truckee Community Farms‘ co-owner Bill Kelly and manager Susie Sutphin talking about their project and how they’re using their Growing Dome. These two, along with the other co-owner Kevin Kelly, have been awarded the Your 2 Cents Program Grant. “The Rodale Institute’s $5,000 Your 2 Cents donation…
Restoring Keweenaw Bay, Michigan
August 7, 2012
In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a program to restore native ground cover is underway. It is called the Zaagkii Project, and one of the tools they have is a Growing Dome that they utilize for propagation of endangered and culturally significant plants. This 33′ Growing Dome built in Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC), is also used to give…
The Harvest Center Makes News
May 25, 2012
The Harvest Center non-profit boosts a membership of 95 gardeners and donated 477 lbs. of produce to families in need last year. This high-elevation community garden has two outdoor gardens and a 22′ Growing Dome where they grow food year round. Under the leadership of Lee Willoughby this outstanding vision has become a dream… The…
Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership Comes into View
April 17, 2012
Last year we shared with you the vision for Pagosa Springs’ Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership (GGP) and how this sustainable movement was poised to change our community in big and beautiful ways. We are excited to post an update with a rendering of the proposed project and an overview of the design. This is all really…
National Food Day Celebration Growing Dome Style
November 1, 2011
Here’s a report on the National Food Day Celebration that took place in two different Growing Domes in Colorado Springs, CO from the Bent County Democrat: “A magnet school in Colorado Springs and a demonstration garden in Woodland Park were among 20,000 venues in all 50 states hosting events held in conjunction with Food Day…
Galileo Greenhouse to School Lunch
October 26, 2011
"Last month, we showcased the construction of a 42' Growing Dome at Galileo School of Math & Science. Now, we're thrilled to reveal the completed greenhouse, transforming school lunches with home-grown produce! This project, a collaboration between the school, local organizations, and the community, is not just a source of healthy food for students but also a beacon of inspiration for the district. Students are actively involved, reaping the benefits of their hard work in their daily meals and even sharing with other schools. Dive into our latest update to see how this greenhouse is sowing seeds of change in school nutrition and community engagement.
Nurturing community while moving towards sustainability
August 16, 2011
Across continents, Growing Dome projects are more than just structures; they're catalysts for community bonding and sustainability. Witness our journey from Costa Rica, where a dome became a beacon of hope for special needs children, to Colorado's Flagstaff Academy, where it transformed into a living laboratory. These builds, akin to barn raisings, fuse construction with cultural exchange, creating profound emotional experiences and a shared vision for a sustainable future. Join us in exploring these inspiring stories of community, collaboration, and hope.
An Inspirational Culture of Life
July 19, 2011
Paul Renner of Gabrielle Cousins Living Foods program in Arizona pays a visit to Growing Spaces Greenhouses
Fat City Farmers Noble Community Mission
July 7, 2011
Fat City Farmers, a Western Colorado non-profit, has been revolutionizing local food economies since 2009. With a focus on growing farmers and nurturing community spirit, they employ permaculture principles to educate on organic gardening and market farming. Their projects not only enrich community health but also sustain and grow the local food economy. Dive into their story to discover how they're sowing seeds of change and cultivating a healthier, more connected world. Visit their website and Facebook page to see their latest groundbreaking projects.
A Gateway to Sustainability
June 17, 2011
As the world turns towards sustainable solutions, the Eden Project in Cornwall, UK, stands out as a beacon of hope and innovation. This visionary project, transforming an exhausted quarry into the world's largest conservatory, exemplifies how communities can come together to create impactful, eco-friendly spaces. Its blend of education, tourism, and social enterprise inspires visitors globally, subtly promoting ecological awareness. In Pagosa Springs, we draw from this example, envisioning our own eco-destination with the Geothermal Greenhouse Project. Join us as we nurture this dream, planting seeds for a sustainable future and inviting you to share your green community stories.
Pagosa’s Geothermal Greenhouse Project Bringing Us Home
June 17, 2011
In a world grappling with economic challenges and environmental concerns, Pagosa's Geothermal Greenhouse Project stands as a testament to community resilience and sustainable living. Embracing the 'going local' movement, this initiative is not just about cultivating plants; it's about cultivating hope and kinship within the community. Drawing parallels with the Eden Project and the transformative vision of the Aspen Institute, this project symbolizes a shift towards a sustainable, eco-friendly future. Join us as we explore how this project is shaping Pagosa Springs into an eco-destination, celebrating human ingenuity and a sustainable way of life.
Greenhouses a Growing Interest in Colorado Communities
July 26, 2010
Greenhouses a growing interest amongst Colorado Janet Urquhart The Aspen Times Aspen, Colorado Greenhouses like the new dome behind Roaring Fork High School in Carbondale, Colorado could become a more common sight in the Roaring Fork Valley. Pitkin County is contemplating code changes to better accommodate greenhouses. With community gardens cropping up around the Roaring…
New Stuyahok, AK Builds Their Own Growing Dome Greenhouse
June 18, 2010
Growing Dome Greenhouse in New Stuyahik Alaska is growing fresh food for the community year-round
Girl Scout Troops Build Greenhouse
May 12, 2010
Our Pagosa Springs Colorado local Girl Scout Troops are amazing!! And so handy too! These young girls (7 & 8 years old) built the entire 12′ Growing Dome structure in just two short days with the help of Udgar Parsons, Tom McCollough, and Ed Simpson. The girls will be planting vegetables in the Dome once the…