If you are one of those who lives in an area that is not very garden friendly, you may want to consider a geodesic dome solar greenhouse. This structure is built using durable light materials and the design also makes it very strong resistant to strong winds. Some pests such as aphids can also make their way into your dome.
The easiest way to build one is using a kit, that includes everything that you need for installation. The kit is not cheap though going for about $5,600 US. However after looking at the pictures of the produce, I personally think it is worth it if you can afford it. You can grow all your vegetables in there including spinach, chard, tomatoes squash, gourds, green beans and lettuce.
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Here’s What You’ll Need:
- Geodesic Dome Kit
- Rodent Wire
- Gravel
- Laser Level
- Ladder
- Water Tank
- Data Logger
- Various Hand Tools
After you clear the area you want to build your greenhouse, make sure the area you are building it is flat and level. Before your foundation comes rodent wire, to prevent any unwelcome visitors. Your foundation can be just dirt, concrete or gravel.
Follow the construction instructions that come with your dome kit. Use all the help you can get starting with the outer structure. Then move on to the interior setting up the beds, installing the water tank, ventilation fans and all the other solar powered fixtures.
Vents at the top of the structure are used to maintain plant friendly temperatures within the dome, especially during the summer months. Data logging equipment in the greenhouse will help you monitor the interior conditions including humidity. This dome extends your growing season to at least 10 months every year.
There are other do it yourself designs and plans, that you can use. Watch the videos below that detail two other geodesic dome greenhouses, one uses metal struts for the structure and one uses treated wood. PVC is not recommended as it will react with your plastic cover.
DIY Geodesic Dome Greenhouse #1
This one use metal struts. It takes about 3 hours to put one together and about 15 minutes to take it apart. The parts are readily available at local hardware stores, and it the cost for this 19 ft x 9.5, 278 sq. ft dome is about $300. See Plans here
DIY Geodesic Dome Greenhouse #2
This one is built from treated wood. They are built into triangles to make hubs.
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