2020 Growing Spaces Articles Archive
56 posts
The year a lot of people turned to growing their own food. 2020 leaned into the fundamentals: greenhouse planning, planting schedules, pest management, and soil. It also looked hard at food security and self-reliance, from charities fighting hunger to farming on Navajo Nation.
2020 Year In Review
December 30, 2020
We believe everyone should be able to reliably grow clean, healthy food all year round. No matter where they live. The Growing Spaces Mission has never been as important as it is now. Design improvements, installation efficiency, gardening advice, international partnerships and food security projects have all enabled more people to grow organic food year-round all over the world. We want to give you a look back at 2020, and a glimpse forward into our plans for 2021.
How To Prepare Your Greenhouse For Winter
December 16, 2020
When the nights start to get cold, and all those fans and vents are working against your best greenhouse gardening efforts, it's time to adjust your dome for the changing weather. Of course, It's never a seamless shift from summer to winter, and temps can fluctuate quite a bit. We want to share some tips that will help you winterize your greenhouse. Helping you adapt to your specific environment and enjoy a flourishing winter garden.
Unlocking Paradise: Tropical Greenhouse in a Cold Climate
December 2, 2020
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.
News and Events, Fall/Winter 2020
December 1, 2020
2020 will always be a difficult year to put into words. But for us here at Growing Spaces, New York Times author Dorie Chevlen put it best: "When the pandemic forced everyone into isolation and threatened food supplies, some people decided to build their own greenhouses."
How to Make Leftover Turkey Soup- An Easy Turkey Sandwich Substitute
December 1, 2020
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?!
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’.
Custom Greenhouse Garden in Colorado
November 3, 2020
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.
Planning Your Geodesic Dome Greenhouse
November 2, 2020
Planning your greenhouse is one of the best parts of purchasing a Growing Dome. You get to design an energy-efficient backyard greenhouse that is uniquely your own. Most of our customers start with their imagination – seeing themselves inside a lush greenhouse, a little bit of “Eden” right in their backyard, planting starts, watering…harvesting and eating fresh produce that takes no longer than 5 minutes from garden to kitchen prep!
The Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Beet Brownies
November 2, 2020
Beets are full of good stuff. They contain a unique source of phytonutrients called betalains, which are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying. They are also chock full of vitamins and minerals, especially folic acid, manganese, and potassium. So, I guess you could say that these gluten-free beet brownies are "healthy".
How to Transplant Seedlings and Direct Sowing Seeds
October 20, 2020
Transplanting seedlings and direct sowing are the two main methods of introducing plants to your small garden. Transplanting is the process of planting a baby plant, or starts, into your garden. In comparison, direct sowing is the process of planting seeds in your garden.
Backyard Greenhouse Dome in Idaho
September 30, 2020
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.
Fall Plants for Winter Gardening
September 29, 2020
Fall brings more than changing leaves and crisp air. It also brings changes in your Dome, switching out summer fruits for winter leaves and roots. Summer fruits require heat, light, and longer days to produce optimally.
The Best Baked Kale Chips
September 29, 2020
The first time I made kale chips, I remember thinking, “Should they taste burnt like this??” As it turns out, the answer to that question is no. After multiple failed attempts that were either too soggy or too burnt, I believe I have finally found the perfect kale chip. Yes, this is a very serious business, this kale chip business.
Dome Greenhouse Planting Guide
September 16, 2020
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.
Growing Dome Greenhouse Planting Schedule
September 15, 2020
Learn how to time the planting of your seasonal crops with our Growing Dome Planting Schedule.
Dream Greenhouse in Colorado
September 1, 2020
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.
Fresh Tomato Bruschetta
August 31, 2020
It’s peak tomato season, which means it’s also bruschetta season! By bruschetta, I mean the Americanized version of authentic Italian bruschetta, featuring ripe red tomatoes, basil, and garlic on golden, toasted French bread.
News and Events, Summer 2020
August 31, 2020
It has been a busy, bustling summer for Growing Dome lovers. Backyard, school, and community gardens are on the rise; we couldn't be more excited. To celebrate, we decided to share some recent articles and project stories that Growing Spaces is proud to be featured in.
How to Get Rid of Aphids Naturally
August 14, 2020
Aphids are tiny soft shell bugs that usually attach themselves to the underside of leaves. They can spread disease and damage plants, mostly by weakening plants or trees. Aphids do not often kill plants unless they are very young sprouts. Aphids suck the sap from the plant and refine it into honey. There are many different reasons aphids develop, but luckily there are also plenty of ways to get rid of aphids.
Powdery Mildew and Fungal Infections
July 31, 2020
Plants grown in greenhouses are more susceptible to powdery mildew and a range of other fungal infections due to a variety of factors. I would like to explain and share several methods to prevent it and enjoy your greenhouse garden year-round.
Local Food in a She Shed Greenhouse
July 31, 2020
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.
Sustainable Greenhouse
July 30, 2020
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.
Buckminster Fuller and the Geodesic Biodome
July 10, 2020
Buckminster Fuller was first and foremost a great teacher and humanitarian. He described his research and teachings as "comprehensive anticipatory design". The term Dymaxion he used so frequently was a combination of the design principles he often used: Dynamic, Maximum, and Tension. But to Bucky, it also meant "doing more with less."
How To Get Rid of Pill Bugs
July 9, 2020
Pill Bugs or roly poly bugs are hard-shell crustaceans and decomposers. They exist everywhere and are part of the group of creatures that break down dead organic matter into soil. They can become destructive. Here are a few ways to get roly poly bugs under control and enjoy a healthy thriving garden
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!
Not a Vegan Carrot Cake
June 24, 2020
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.
Nevada Greenhouse
June 24, 2020
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."
Hydrophobic Soil and How to Fix It
June 17, 2020
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.
Vegan Chickpea and Sorrel Salad
May 28, 2020
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.
How to Grow Sorrel Successfully
May 28, 2020
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.
Nutrient-Dense Diet with a Greenhouse Garden
May 28, 2020
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.
So Many Seeds to Sow!
May 13, 2020
It is time to get those spring and summer crops planted. The Growing Dome Community is especially excited this year to swap out winter crops for the spring season. The first aspect to consider is whether you will be direct seeding or transplanting starts.
Reflections on Retirement
May 13, 2020
Udgar and I founded Growing Spaces in 1989. The process of selling it was like looking for the right partner to pass on the baton in an exciting marathon. Preparing for that moment took extra energy. Our team had become our community as we developed the agility together to master all the moving parts of an evolving company. After retiring, we decided to travel in order to mark the change and to distance ourselves from our results-driven habits.
Growing Spaces Events, Summer 2020
May 12, 2020
Unique opportunity to bid on a Growing Dome, AND support local Colorado agriculture GoFarm Coop is auctioning off a 15′ Growing Dome Greenhouse at their annual (virtual) Harvest Dinner event on August 29th. The 15′ Growing Dome Greenhouse is valued at $9,200 and includes shipping anywhere in the lower 48 US states. Bidding will start at only $5,000!…
Growing Domes In The News, Spring 2020
May 1, 2020
Growing Spaces was honored to be featured, and have our Growing Domes featured, in some recent television and magazine articles.
How to Grow Sage
April 30, 2020
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.
Growing Shiitake Mushrooms in a Greenhouse with Fogwood Foods
April 30, 2020
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.
Succulent Greenhouse in Idaho
April 30, 2020
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.
Skinny Buffalo Mushroom Pizza
April 27, 2020
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.
Earth Day 2020: Stay at Dome
April 22, 2020
Commit to reducing your Carbon Footprint by 10% with a Growing Dome. As most of us are spending the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day in our homes, the Earth is getting a breather.
It’s QuaranTime
April 21, 2020
With the craziness of the world right now, it can be tempting to pick up the remote and start a little vacation in your apartment. However, this can quickly turn into a harmful thing. Staying inside all day can have negative effects if you aren’t working towards positive goals and creating a productive environment. Try to make your work-from-home day like any other workday. But instead of a stressful morning commute, take a healthy morning walk outside. And take the extra time to do some other things you normally would not have time to do on a busy morning.
Off The Vine
April 1, 2020
Optimize micronutrients by eating fruits and vegetables immediately after harvest. There are so many benefits to eating vegetables fresh from the earth. Taste, nutritional value and saving trips to the grocery store. Food travels hundreds, if not thousands, of miles before it makes it to the grocery store shelves and loses critical nutrients along the way.
Revitalize Your Garden with Calendula: How to Grow and Harvest Calendula
April 1, 2020
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.
Cleaning Greenhouse Panels
April 1, 2020
Winter or early Spring is a great time to clean your panels as vegetation is generally reduced, allowing easy access to the polycarbonate surfaces. According to Claudia Stover, long-time Growing Spaces dome owner and greenhouse gardening teacher, not only does regular cleaning of the polycarbonate panels increase the sanitation of the greenhouse but “keeping the dome panels clear of pollen and plant debris also helps reduce disease and pest pressure on your plants.”
Not so Cheesy Healthy and Easy Cheesecake
March 31, 2020
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!
High Altitude Gardening in an 18 foot Greenhouse at 8000 ft
March 31, 2020
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…
Growing Spaces Lead Times
March 30, 2020
December 2022: This page is no longer being updated. Please sign up for our monthly newsletter, The Happy Grower, to receive monthly updates on lead times. https://growingspaces.com/newsletter-sign-up/ For more information on Growing Dome tours please visit our personal tour page. https://growingspaces.com/location/ Growing Spaces Lead Times and Operational Updates for COVID-19 updated 10/1/2021 Growing Spaces…
Grow A Lot With A Little
March 2, 2020
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
March 1, 2020
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.
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.
Spring 2020 Event Schedule
February 29, 2020
Update 3-23-2020: All events below are postponed until further notice. We will continue to update the status on this page and send individual updates to the RSVP list as new dates are determined. If you would like to be notified of any changes to these events, you may still RSVP below. We are also not…
Colorado Garden and Home Show 2020
February 21, 2020
We are so excited to announce that we will be participating in the 2020 Colorado Garden & Home Show from February 22nd – March 1st at the Colorado Convention Center. This is our very first event of the year and the biggest show we have ever participated in. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Rocky Mountain…
The Best Floating Pond Planters
February 5, 2020
Floating Island Plants for Your Pond Maintaining a healthy above ground pond in our domes depends on numerous factors. One of the most common questions we are asked pertains to controlling the algae growth in the pond garden. Floating pond planters are a perfect way to keep the algae away and add beauty! Why do…
Lumpia: Vegan Filipino Egg Rolls
February 1, 2020
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…
Isolated Montana Greenhouse
February 1, 2020
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…
Green Thumb Daddy’s Greenhouse
January 1, 2020
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….