Over the years, as our reach has extended to all 50 states and 14 countries worldwide, we’ve developed some components and guidance for customers who live where it may be cloudier, more humid, much colder, or even hotter than the Rocky Mountain West. We like hearing about our Dome owners’ experiences and learning from their feedback and then making improvements to what we offer.
In most cases, greenhouse kits include a constructed frame and a translucent material that encourages the sun's rays, like 8mm twin-wall polycarbonate or our more durable 16mm five wall polycarbonate. The frame can be aluminum, steel, wood, and even plastic. So why do we make wood greenhouse kits? We can think of quite a few reasons.
The last time we caught up with Jeff and his puppy Theo was in December of 2020, not long after he planted his first round of crops. We are excited to jump back in one year later and tell you a little about the changes and improvements Jeff has made since then.
Like many in our Growing Dome community, Laurel and Will Biedermann’s Growing Dome adventure started with a dream. A dream for a more sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle. In 2016 Laurel and Will retired from city life in Colorado Springs and relocated to the small mountain town of Coaldale, Colorado, to begin their self-sufficient journey.
The last time we caught up with Jeff and his puppy Theo was in December of 2020, not long after he planted his first round of crops. We are excited to jump back in one year later and tell you a little about the changes and improvements Jeff has made since then.
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.”
In spring, early high temperatures are a huge benefit--especially in our mountain location with a short growing season. But as spring turns into summer, the increasing heat in the dome can turn our sanctuary into an oven unless it’s managed correctly. Over the years, we’ve learned how to adapt our growing practices, our plant choices, and even our plant locations to make the most of summer heat and provide much-needed shade for the water tank.
You might ask yourself how someone who was "never really was a gardener" found herself with not one but two greenhouses. Well, according to Kate, the answer was simple, "peas." They didn't have enough room to grow all of the peas they wanted (10 pea plants) and other varieties of fruits and vegetables to eat.
Being a gardener in Colorado is tricky. Especially at high altitude (7,600 ft) in Bayfield, where amateur gardeners Bob and Radel Mckibben have made their home. If it is not wind or hail destroying their outside garden, it's critters and cold weather. That is until 2020, when they fell in love with a Growing Dome greenhouse after hearing of it from a friend and taking a tour in person—deciding to purchase a 26' greenhouse kit as a 50th-anniversary gift for each other.
Like many in our Growing Dome community, Laurel and Will Biedermann’s Growing Dome adventure started with a dream. A dream for a more sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle. In 2016 Laurel and Will retired from city life in Colorado Springs and relocated to the small mountain town of Coaldale, Colorado, to begin their self-sufficient journey.
In spring, early high temperatures are a huge benefit--especially in our mountain location with a short growing season. But as spring turns into summer, the increasing heat in the dome can turn our sanctuary into an oven unless it’s managed correctly. Over the years, we’ve learned how to adapt our growing practices, our plant choices, and even our plant locations to make the most of summer heat and provide much-needed shade for the water tank.
There are many challenges to consider when planning the ideal modern homestead garden: crop failure, limited time, limited water, limited resources, a limited growing season, and proper protection. Most of those can be solved with the addition of a Growing Dome greenhouse.
Mardell Gunn and her partner, Mark Kistler, aka Diz, had been gardening in Haines, Alaska, using standard hoop houses for several years. In 2016, they searched for a polycarbonate structure that could withstand heavy snow loads and humid summers while providing a protected environment to grow fresh heat-loving vegetables that can't be grown successfully outside. Specifically, tomatoes. That's when the internet led them to a 26' Growing Dome.
The above-ground pond included with our greenhouse kits creates an optimal opportunity for growth. -- It aids the growth of your plants in your raised beds, acting as the greenhouse's primary source of thermal mass, but it can also foster the growth of aquatic plants & fish. It can even promote the growth of a peaceful environment with soothing sounds and art.
Retirement, and the past year at home, has allowed Udgar and Puja to slow down and experience the joy of their Growing Dome® as a place of sanctuary from a Growing Dome® owner’s perspective as opposed to that of busy business owners.
Along the border of New York and Connecticut in the Northwest Hills, there is an “intentionally small” school. The Marvelwood School in Kent, Connecticut, is a school for grades 9-12 who are inspired to find their passions through hands-on experiences and where gardening is considered an “essential skill that enriches lives.”
Many seedlings grow quickly in the spring when the days get longer. Thinning seedlings is a necessity but can become slightly more difficult if you overseeded or if your old seed packets had a higher germination rate than you were expecting. In any case, overcrowding is common and seedlings will almost always benefit from careful thinning.
Homesteading is a dream for so many of the Growing Spaces community. A step back in time when life was simpler. Riding your horse and carriage into new territories, staking your claim to a piece of fertile land, and planting seeds that will root down into your new lifestyle. It is about self-sufficiency, living off the land, healthy livestock, and sustainable agriculture.
Robyn & Martin Schulze purchased their property in Chromo, Colorado, many years ago, with a dream to move away from Longmont, Colorado, upon retirement. This is where they first heard of Growing Spaces on one of their many weekend trips to the property. At the time, Robyn was doing her best to tend an outdoor garden in Longmont where the weather was wild, and the winds were strong. She knew that someday she would have her very own Growing Dome.
We often stress the importance of proper ventilation in Dome Greenhouses. This is because ventilation is the main component in a healthy, happy greenhouse garden. Without it, your greenhouse and plants will be exposed to a multitude of problems.
Terry believes that the Growing Dome is more than just a backyard greenhouse and encourages "others to look at it as a piece of art. It's just so cool!" Terry spends many nights 'glamping' in her Growing Dome, and has added many other artistic touches like a fireplace, colorful LED lights, and even spray painted her pond with a beautiful sunset scene.
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.
In addition to gas, electricity, and water, Richard ran an Ethernet cable underground through the conduit to a PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch in the dome. This allowed him to plug a WiFi node and a SmartThings hub into the switch. He then installed three PoE cams in the Dome: one on the north end, one on the south, and one underwater. "I can watch the dome interior on my phone or computer anywhere. I put in a set of three 6 watt LED lights on the bottom of the pool, so now I can see the fish more easily. For backup, there is a SmartThings temp/humidity sensor in the dome and a door sensor that can warn me if I’ve left the door open.
When most people think of a tropical getaway, they imagine it on a beach in the Bahamas or a bungalow in the Caribbean. You would never imagine such a lush tropical place to exist in a greenhouse in New York unless you are the students of Homestead School, that is.
Richard went the extra mile to ensure the greenhouse is a place to be admired. He added beautiful wooden raised beds, stepping stone flooring, and electric-powered oscillating fans for additional ventilation. Shortly after completing the beds, Caroline expressed her desire for a place that she could sit and enjoy her garden.
Paula & Keith Rigby’s 26’ backyard greenhouse in Kamiah, Idaho sits on their retirement property nestled in between the new home they are building and Keith’s workshop. Yes, they did in fact build the greenhouse first.
Every Growing Dome greenhouse has micro-climates. Each micro-climate provides different optimal growing areas for different types of plants. Growing the right plants in the right location will help to ensure your gardening success. The zones vary depending on the size of your dome, your raised bed design, and your vent and fan locations. Generally speaking, they correspond with the North, East, South, and West sides of your dome.
The Elder's, Jerilyn, Jay, Maddog, and Samantha, got their 33' Growing Dome with the hopes of generating enough food for themselves and others in the community. In just a year, their Dome has become so much more than a year-round gardening space. The Dome has acted as a getaway location for the entire family during the pandemic. Jerilyn called the expanse "the perfect place to slow down and veg out." It is truly their dream greenhouse garden getaway.
Rachel is one of those people who never really liked working for anyone else. Luckily she is also one of those people that believes that you can "manifest your dreams"...and manifest them she did. In 2015 Rachel used her skills as a certified chef to open a quirky farm-to-table food truck, coffee shop and she shed Greenhouse in South Fork, Colorado dedicated to fresh local eats.
Michael and Susan are both educators committed to making the world a better place whenever they can. In June of 2013, they purchased an 18' Growing Dome. Their dream was to create a sustainable greenhouse that balances natural and man-made environments while growing food year-round.
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!
Daunelle and Weldon have always enjoyed gardening, but the weather in Lake Tahoe left them with very little time to enjoy it. Seven years ago, they decided to make the short move from Lake Tahoe to Gardnerville, Nevada. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at approximately 4,751 ft their valley is known for it's thermal winds. The climate is similar to Tahoe; but "hotter and windier."
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.
Sorrel is a small edible green plant from the Polygonaceae family, which also includes buckwheat and rhubarb. The French translation of sour (“sorrel”) is spot-on.
Now that you have read How to Grow Sorrel, I am sure you are wondering what do do with those tangy green leaves. Don't worry. We have your back. This three-step vegan salad is the most straightforward recipe we have ever featured.
My husband, Rex Inman, and I own Fogwood Food, LLC. We specialize in growing specialty crops, things like asparagus, ghost peppers, oyster mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and baby ginger...but, particularly Shiitake mushrooms.
Daniel and Kerry Branagan use their 26' Growing Dome a little differently than most. Instead of growing food or flowers, their greenhouse is filled with beautiful lush succulents of all shapes and sizes. Kerry's love for succulents came about as a child at her grandmas when she saw her first hen and chick succulent. She was fascinated by it.
The question of whether or not to grow sage is pretty cut-and-dry (pun totally intended) because it's got so many uses. Beyond its beauty in the garden, sage is a sacred plant, a valued seasoning, and an herb with therapeutic properties. Learn more about how to grow sage.
This skinny buffalo mushroom pizza falls into my favorites category, but who doesn't love low-calorie pizza? It's a lighter, vegan way to enjoy pizza. Simple and fast, perfect for busy weeknights.
April 2020 Dome of the Month – Rob and Barb Rodney Hoffman and Barb Smith do everything they can to live more sustainably. Their 18′ Growing Dome, located 8,000ft above sea level in Conifer, Colorado, is a 100% solar-powered greenhouse. They even gather rainwater to keep the tank full. The Dome was initially supposed to be...
No cheese at all as a matter a fact, this vegan cheesecake is SO good. You will think I am totally pulling your leg that is actually GOOD for you. You can indulge & be decadent, all you want, and not worry an ounce!
A 15′ Greenhouse in Ontario, Canada March Dome of the Month – Ron Cole March’s Dome of the Month features a 15′ Growing Dome in Ontario, Canada. Ron Cole built his greenhouse with our 15′ Geodesic Dome Greenhouse Kit in October 0f 2014 to experiment with plants he can’t usually grow. The 15′ Growing Dome...
Homegrown Chicken Pot Pie with Organic Dome Grown Veggies. What better way to say farewell to the winter growing season than with the ultimate comfort food. Fill your belly with fresh chicken, herbs and winter veggies from your Growing Dome.
Lumpia – Vegan Filipino Egg Rolls I am a massive fan of any spring roll or fresh roll. But this time of year, they aren’t the first dish that comes to mind. The weather often inspires my appetite. When it’s cold outside, I usually yearn for comfort food like chili, soup, hot tea, etc. Lumpia...
February 2020 Dome of the Month Veteran Jerry Bailey’s Montana Greenhouse February’s Dome of the Month features a 15′ Growing Dome in Philipsburg, Montana. Jerry Bailey, a US Army veteran, and avid outdoorsman built his greenhouse with our 15′ Geodesic Dome Greenhouse Kit in May of last year to become more self-sufficient. The 15′ Growing...
Fully Loaded Feel Better Vegan Pho I took a class with vegan chef Tess Challis to learn how to make this dish specifically, and I have simplified and streamlined it here for you. This is a comforting dish from a food culture that I incorporate into my everyday lifestyle. The secret to making delicious vegan...
Stories From Growing Domes Across the Globe Andrew Trujillo – Green Thumb Daddy The Growing Spaces team often refers to Andrew as the face of Growing Dome Greenhouses. Although he doesn’t work for Growing Spaces, he is one of our biggest supporters and provides outstanding feedback, content and wonderful pictures on our social media channels....
Stories From Growing Domes Across the Globe Matt & Christie’s New Mexico Mountain Greenhouse is growing beautiful tropical flowers year-round If you are an avid user of the Growing Spaces Facebook Group “Growing Dome Enthusiasts”, then you are no doubt familiar with our December Growing Dome of the Month owner, Matt Larson. He often posts...
With help from our customers, Growing Spaces has developed an ROI calculator to determine when your greenhouse financing will be paid off! How can a Growing Dome geodesic greenhouse save you money and provide a return on your investment? The number one concern we get from gardeners interested in a Growing Dome is the cost....
Laura & Dwane’s Lush Alaskan Greenhouse Getaway Novembers’s Dome of the Month features a 22′ growing dome in Wrangell, Alaska. Laura and Dwane decided to purchase their Alaska greenhouse a little over a year and a half ago due to the lack of good quality produce where they live and Laura’s passion for organic gardening....
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...
Embrace the flavors of autumn with our luscious Pumpkin Squash Risotto, a dish that captures the essence of harvest season in every velvety bite. As the leaves change and the cool air hints at winter's arrival, this risotto is your ticket to warmth, comfort, and the irresistible aroma of seasonal herbs and squash.
Restaurant Greenhouse The Restaurant’s story. Taspen’s Cosmic Kitchen “is a place for everyone no matter what you eat.” They are a family-owned restaurant located in the Aspen Park Village Shopping Center at 25797 Conifer Rd B112, Conifer, CO 80433. All of their food & drinks are over 95% organic and 100% delicious. The idea to...
Stories From Growing Domes Across the Globe Suzanne’s Growing Dome Desert Greenhouse Suzanne’s journey with a desert Growing Dome Greenhouse has reoriented her towards a more holistic way of living. After extensive travel as a leadership coach and business consultant, Suzanne’s life took a drastic turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Luckily, after...
Greek Village Salad In honor of our Tomato Plant of the Month, our September recipe is a Greek Village Salad. This recipe is my go-to for a quick and light meal that easily uses all the excess tomatoes we have at this time of year. Total Time: 10 min Serves 1-2 What you need: SALAD...
Artichoke Salad In honor of our Artichoke Plant of the Month, our August recipe is my family’s favorite Italian salad. It can be eaten alone or paired with homemade pasta for a healthy recipe. Total Time: 15 min Serves 4-6 What you need: SALAD INGREDIENTS: 1 head red-leaf lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces1...
The construction of their geodome greenhouse was a school-wide effort with students contributing from all grades. It took them three weeks to build the structure.
Vegan Buffalo Chickpea Tacos Spice up your next taco night with food from your dome and an easy-to-follow recipe from peppers and chickpeas combined with a spicy buffalo sauce and a cooling drizzle of ranch in this flavorful take on traditional tacos. Serves 4 What you need: ⅓ cup hot sauce 3 tbsp sriracha sauce 2...
Velma Orcutt's Growing Dome Greenhouse in Maine has been thriving for four years
Customer Appreciation Party 2019 This year has been one for changes at Growing Spaces, with a new logo, and a new website just around the corner we wanted to take the time to thank our community of growing dome greenhouse owners for their constant support. Plus give some of our potential owners a peek into...
Growing Dome® Known to Withstand Hurricane Force Winds The strong, wind resistant structure of a geodesic dome greenhouse is inherently wind proof, which is why the Growing Dome is the best greenhouse for wind and extreme weather, hands down! Google best greenhouse for wind and you’ll find best practices and conventional wisdom for protecting your greenhouse...
Congratulations to Denny Smith on winning the January Dome of the Month contest with his beautiful evening photo of a moon rising over his 33′ Growing Dome Greenhouse in Indiana! The installation of his greenhouse kit in early 2013 was a memorable one for the team as it was cold and wet! Denny was a...
From John & Barbara Eychaner in Banner, Wyoming “No damage to Growing Dome solar greenhouse after hailstorm. In mid-afternoon on May 26, 2013 we had quite a hail storm. I was not home but my husband was. Some of the hailstones were close to softball-baseball size which, of course, did lots of damage. We have...
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...
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...
Taken on the 4th of July during a fireworks ban across the state of Colorado, Richard Black was able to find a perfect substitute for fireworks, a double rainbow! It just so happened to end at his 42′ Growing Dome in Durango, CO. Fancy that! Great picture Richard, and keep on growing!
Congratulations to the Benjamin’s on their beautiful 33′ Growing Dome Greenhouse in British Columbia, Canada! Our Facebook community has voted, and this is the picture they liked the most this month. Hailing from Cariboo, British Columbia, Canada, Darcy and Simone love their Growing Dome Greenhouse. “It looks very cool out there, almost like a UFO...
Congratulations to Hakan Hammer of Norway on winning the Dome of the Month contest for January. He submitted two gorgeous photos of his 26′ Growing Dome in twilight. We had to choose between the two, which was difficult, so his second photo was the runner-up!
Congratulations to Isabelle La Souris of Quebec, Canada. Her stitched submission of the inside of her 26′ Growing Dome received the highest number of votes, and is altogether a lovely photo! For a complete slideshow of all the shapes and sizes of submissions for September visit our Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/GrowingSpacesGreenhouses?sk=app_106878476015645&app_data=page-4
We have talked in our previous posts about sowing a batch of cool hardy seeds for our spring crops. A few words about how to sow your seeds may be appropriate here. The first thing to note is the size of the seed you are using, as they vary quite enormously. The average depth to...
SPRING time in the Growing Dome, check out our gardening hints on transitioning from winter to spring! Click the link below: https://growingspaces.com/greenhouse-gardening/gardening-hints/
A delicious and nutritious smoothie right from the garden! Ingredients: 1/2 zucchini, peel and remove seeds 1/2 cucumber, peel and remove seeds 5 cherry tomatoes (this recipe uses yellow cherry tomatoes) 10 chunks of pineapple (this recipe uses frozen chunks) 1/4 cup water 1 tsp honey Blend coarsely chopped vegetables, pineapple, water, and honey in...
I am excited this fall, because for once I don’t feel terribly behind on my winter crop plantings. I have 2 separate beds of my “greens mixture” beets, chard, kale, swiss chard and parsnips coming up, about 3 weeks apart, I have garlic sprouted about 4″ and more just breaking through the ground. Onions are...
Our friends in Taos, New Mexico once published this recipe – we just couldn’t get enough of this yummy treat, and wish to pass it on to our fellow gardeners…(** as originally from a friend of Yart, Janine N; Yart leaves out the ingredients with the asterisks.) Chocolate Zucchini Cake Cream together: 1/2 cup **margarine...
Fosters.com A service of the Rochester Times By JOHN NOLAN Thursday, September 9, 2010 FARMINGTON, NM — Farmington New Mexico Gardeners’ Round-table received a talk, last week, on greenhouses that allow year-round cultivation, but yet require no electricity, nor propane, nor kerosene to keep temperatures above freezing in the depths of winter. The big...
Reed City High School, Michigan 51′ Growing Dome A 51′ diameter Growing Dome greenhouse will soon be installed on the Reed City High School campus in Michigan! As we look to the new school year, there will be some exciting changes that will be in place. We will very shortly begin the construction of a...
This summer, Kellie Mast is looking forward to harvesting grapefruit, limes and maybe even olives and avocados. But she doesn’t live in Spain, she lives in Silver Creek, British Columbia. Thanks to a funky-looking 33-foot round geodesic dome greenhouse, Mast can grow exotic produce, as well as an array of regular plants, vegetables and flowers....
Look what the Dome has in store! After spending a few minutes in the domes, I had to grab my camera! We have tomatoes, grapes, artichokes, figs, bell peppers, and squash just to name a few of the wonderful things growing inside!!! What types of things are growing in YOUR Dome?!
Enchanted Valley Farm uses Growing Dome to provide for its fresh, homemade spreads! Find this homestead on the Archuleta County map where you least expect to find anything close to an organic export food processing facility, and you find Archuleta County’s finest organic export food processing facility. Of course, when you find such a facility...
