Growing Dome® Geodesic Greenhouse Kits

We have been building Growing Dome® greenhouse kits in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, since 1989, and the geodesic frame is still where the system begins. Interconnected triangles spread wind and snow loads across the structure. Wind moves around the rounded exterior, and the sloping panels help shed snow.

We build the rest of the greenhouse around that frame. The standard design adds 16 mm, five-wall polycarbonate, reflective north-wall insulation, an above-ground pond, ventilation, shade cloth, and undersoil air circulation. Explore the seven features built into a Growing Dome.

Our six demonstration domes operate year-round above 7,500 feet at our Pagosa Springs campus.

The polycarbonate transmits about 65 percent of available light and diffuses it throughout the greenhouse. Its R-value of 2.8 helps slow heat loss. Reflective insulation covers the north wall, where little direct winter light enters, and sends low winter sun back toward the plants and pond.

Water in the pond absorbs warmth during sunny hours and releases some of it as the greenhouse cools. The undersoil system pulls air from the pond area through pipes beneath the perimeter beds, circulating the moderated air to other zones within the dome. Depending on dome size, heat-activated vents and powered fans release excess heat and keep air moving.

The standard 15- to 26-foot kits use automatic vents, a 12V hybrid fan, and a solar-powered undersoil system. The 33- and 42-foot kits use electric intake and attic fans with electric undersoil circulation.

Many winter plans begin with cool-season crops. Tomatoes, peppers, and tropical plants usually need more support. Watch how winter sun and outdoor temperatures affect the Dome, then match supplemental heat or grow lights to the crops you want to protect. Use the climate calculator to compare early heating and cooling needs for your ZIP code and growing goals. For a broader planning overview, see our year-round greenhouse guide.

When we help someone compare sizes, we start with the interior after the pond and paths are in place. Beds, work areas, and seating all share the listed floor space.

The 15- and 18-foot Growing Domes provide 175 and 255 square feet for compact household gardens. The 22- and 26-foot models provide 380 and 530 square feet, with more room for mixed crops, small fruit trees, wider paths, or seating. The 33- and 42-foot models provide 855 and 1,385 square feet for larger gardens, learning spaces, and group use.

The Growing Dome greenhouse guide compares height, pond capacity, options, and installation choices across all six kits. If you are choosing among the three most common home sizes, see our backyard greenhouse kits.

School projects can start with our educational greenhouse collection. Nonprofit and public programs can use the community greenhouse collection; farms and homesteads can use greenhouses for farmers and homesteaders.

You can also tour all six sizes at our Pagosa Springs campus to see how each space feels.

A good site needs winter sun, drainage, and enough access for delivery and construction. Check the December shade pattern, local setbacks, and utilities before finalizing the size.

The standard 24-inch insulated wood foundation wall works for many sites and can be installed over an approved gravel or concrete-pier base. Higher wind ratings may require an upgraded wood wall or ICF foundation. Frost depth, soil conditions, snow loads, and local building requirements may also drive the final foundation design. Review our greenhouse foundation options, greenhouse permit guide, and wind and snow ratings by size early.

The shipped kit includes the frame and hardware, polycarbonate, entryway, foundation-wall components, reflective north-wall insulation, ventilation and air-circulation equipment, shade cloth, and selected pond parts. Budget separately for site work, freight, installation, raised beds, soil, irrigation, utilities, and locally sourced foundation, pond, and undersoil materials. See the owner-supplied items guide for details.

Each kit arrives pre-cut, pre-drilled, and color-coded, with instructions and installation videos. You may assemble it yourself or hire a local contractor. Growing Spaces also offers assisted and full-crew installation, with options varying by dome size.