Growing Spaces
Staff
Growing Spaces
This byline marks posts written collectively by Growing Spaces staff where no single contributor is the primary author. Growing Spaces has designed and built geodesic Growing Dome greenhouses from Pagosa Springs, Colorado since 1989, with more than 2,000 installations across 50 states and 14 countries. Posts under this byline draw on shared expertise from the team: gardeners working the production trial domes, design and engineering staff, installation crews working on customer sites, and customer experience staff who walk owners through configuration and long-term operation. When a post belongs under one person's name, it carries that person's byline instead.
Articles by Growing Spaces
Growing Dome Photo Contest 2026
May 29, 2026
The Growing Dome Photo Contest is back after a one-year pause! Dome owners are invited to share up to five of their favorite greenhouse photos for a chance to be featured and celebrated by the Growing Spaces community.
Growing Spaces Featured on Dakota News Now
January 17, 2026
Wagner High School in South Dakota turned a growing dome into an outdoor classroom that's half science lab, half garden.
Growing Spaces Featured in Canary Media
January 15, 2026
Canary Media covered a solar workforce training program run by the Chicago nonprofit Elevate, and two growing domes on the campus of the Academy for Global Citizenship served as the classrooms.
Growing Spaces on the Mother Earth News Podcast
October 24, 2025
Shelby sat down with Alyssa Warner at Mother Earth News to talk through what actually makes a geodesic dome work as a four-season greenhouse
2025 Calendar of Events
June 27, 2025
2025 Events where you can learn more about Growing Spaces and our Growing Dome greenhouses. Upcoming Events: Fall Fest; Past Events: Open House & Seed Swap, Earth Day, and the Modern Homesteading Conference
2024 Photo Contest Winners
October 29, 2024
We’re excited to announce our Photo Contest Winners. The decision was difficult, as there were over 70 images to judge! Our first, second, and third-place winners all walked away with gift certificates to Growing Spaces. First Place Second Place Third Place Photo Contest Honorable Mentions
Wish You Were Here…5th Annual Customer Appreciation Event Recap
October 4, 2024
If you weren’t able to attend our Customer Appreciation Event this year, we’ve gathered together the highlights and resources provided by our diverse panel of speakers.
Growing Spaces Greenhouses Events 2024
March 4, 2024
See a list of all Growing Spaces events in 2024 in one convenient place.
4th Annual Customer Appreciation Party 2023
August 1, 2023
Join us for an unforgettable day of learning and celebration at our annual Customer Appreciation Party at Growing Spaces! Last year was our biggest event ever, with over a hundred attendees.
Growing Spaces Important News and Events 2023
February 10, 2023
Growing Domes in the News Growing Dome Featured on HGTV! Dome Sweet Dome. – A couple’s unique, circular home boasts 360-degree windows with stunning wraparound mountain views…and a Growing Dome greenhouse garden! However, the property lacks function and style. Watch as Roots Design Company completely renovates the home, landscaping, and greenhouse (with a little help from Growing…
How to Grow Carrots in a Greenhouse
August 11, 2022
Carrot Daucus carota is an edible plant from the Apiaceae family. Carrot seeds should be direct sown in your Dome in spring or fall. They grow best in the center zone of your Dome in sandy loam soils that are well drained and prefer a lot of sun in the cooler seasons. The seeds are tiny, and seedlings should be thinned to 3" apart and can be harvested 50-75 days from seed.
Nasturtium Spring Rolls with Thai Peanut Sauce
May 6, 2022
This bright, satisfying, yet light lunch keeps you going through your afternoon or you can use it as an appetizer to a favorite Thai dinner entree or even pho. Nasturtium spring rolls are perfect for any warm spring or summer afternoon or evening. Easy to make, the nasturtium packs a punch that is unexpected in A spring roll. They are so pretty you may not want to eat them but they are equally as delicious!
Growing Dome Featured in Architectural Digest
May 5, 2022
Growing Dome Owner and Oscar Winner Hilary Swank, her Husband Philip Schneider, and their pack of rescue dogs were featured in Architectural Digest recently. Hilary has an incredible new home in the southwest Colorado wilderness, with a sprawling 168 acres, incredible mountain views, and a 26' Growing Dome Greenhouse.
The Best Wooden Greenhouse Kits On the Market
March 8, 2022
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.
How to Create a Beautiful Pond Garden
June 17, 2021
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.
Spring Gardening in a Growing Dome Greenhouse
May 20, 2021
Spring is such an exciting time to be a gardener especially following months of winter gardening. Days are quickly getting longer, plants are growing faster, and everything is “springing into life”. Here at Growing Spaces, we celebrate spring by nurturing soil, ordering seeds, and getting loads of starts ready for transplanting. Follow along as we connect with Head Growing Dome Gardener, Heather Gray, review her must-do spring gardening tasks, and get a peek into our greenhouses on-site in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
How to Test and Amend Your Garden Soil
March 19, 2021
Any indoor growing space is more prone to dry soil and fertility loss simply because it is not getting as much water. The garden soil in a Growing Dome needs extra care to produce optimally year after year. This article will explain a simple process for every gardener to maintain healthy soil in the spring and summer and achieve ultimate success.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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.”
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…
Growing Bananas at 60 Degrees North
November 26, 2018
Janet and I first met Bjorn Oliviusson in Fall 2012 when we arrived to help install the 33′ Growing Dome Greenhouse sold to the Royal Institution of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. As described in Bjorn’s post, it ended up at a school near the university, a pleasant setting, but late Fall in Stockholm the sunlight…
Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet in a Growing Dome
November 16, 2018
Cara Barnes of Hollyhock Farms in Aspen Colorado talks about sustaining a whole food plant based diet out of her Growing Dome Greenhouse
Farm to Table Restaurant Growing in a Growing Dome® Greenhouse
October 25, 2018
Mirabelle Restaurant, one of Vail Valley’s most reputable establishments, is leading the way with fresh food grown on-site How does a farm-to-table restaurant source the best fresh ingredients year-round in a Colorado ski town? Belgian-born Master Chef Daniel Joly of Mirabelle Restaurant in Beaver Creek has been a devoted Farm to Table restaurateur his entire…
The Gift of Food Security
December 6, 2017
What does food security mean to you? Does it mean that your food is grown organically without pesticides and hormones? Does it mean that you know you will always have food on your table for your family because you can supply it yourself? Maybe it means you have grown enough food to collaborate with…
Thankful at Thanksgiving
November 22, 2017
It’s the middle of November, and I walk outside into the crisp coldness that reminds me winter is closer than it appears. Our backyard has Growing Domes and entering one of these is like transporting yourself into another world. It’s warm and a bit humid inside, completely opposite from the outer world I just left….
Vermiculture
October 24, 2017
We are experts these days. Please click here to see our latest article on vermicompost. We think you will like it even more! What is vermiculture? I wondered the same thing myself, because listening to garden podcasts and just talking to people about gardening in general I hear this term often. I know it is…
Soil Farmers
October 11, 2017
“We are grass farmers” is a quote from the famous Joel Salatin and I can’t seem to forget it. He explains that in order to grow great cattle, poultry, or pigs, you must have great food to give to them. (Sound familiar?) In order to grow that grass to feed those animals, you must have…
Inspiring and Educating People’s Lives Around the Globe
September 20, 2017
Featured Growing Dome Greenhouses from Maine to California
Winter Gardens. Punxsutawney Phil. And the Promise of a Growing Dome.
February 3, 2017
Winter Gardens: The Only Suitable Response to Punxsutawney Phil The most wanted groundhog in America, maybe the most wanted groundhog in the history of mankind, makes a case for winter gardens. No other groundhog sees tens of thousands of people gathering to hear the final say on the conditions of their next six weeks. The crowds…
Sowing Seeds for Your Winter Crop
August 30, 2016
Sowing Seeds In Late Summer/Early Fall & Preparing For Winter “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.” Robert Louis Stevenson If you grow in a greenhouse or even if you have an outdoor garden threatened by winter snow, you should be sowing seeds for your winter crops…
Secrets of Year Round Gardening Revealed
August 4, 2016
Why Growing Dome® Gardening is Unique and Easy. Gardening in a Growing Dome is different. It’s different in a good way. It’s easy. It is not like growing outside, and compared to growing in a regular greenhouse, they are as different as night and day. Plants do grow easily in the Growing Dome. However, to…
Frogs In Your Greenhouse
June 24, 2016
Both frogs and toads are beneficial to the garden because they feed on many pests. A single frog can eat over 100 insects in one night. Attracting and keeping frogs and toads in your garden will help moderate pest populations without the need for chemical or natural pesticides.
Children’s Health Empowered By Growing Your Own Food
May 27, 2016
The Pizza Bed Regenerating Children’s Health By Growing Your Own Food And Regenerating A Culture Connected to The Soil Our kids are fat. I know that’s a shocking way to say it, and with a little license to be politically incorrect, it’s probably accurate. Sadly. And as for adults, the majority isn’t any better off. But it gets…
Best Greenhouse Covering For Extreme Weather
April 28, 2016
Polycarbonate glazing has proven to be the Best Greenhouse for Hail, Wind, Snow and Cold Temperatures Impact Resistance 200 Times Greater Than Glass People claim the weather is unpredictable these days, especially in the Rocky Mountains. I call shenanigans. It is predictable; in its unpredictability. It will hail, it will snow, it will get windy and that’s…
Thinking of Buying a Greenhouse?
January 29, 2016
What do you need to consider when you are dreaming of having a greenhouse? We have put together a list of questions you might ask yourself, and we try to provide some thought provoking ideas for you to ruminate on. Things to consider when buying a greenhouse We’ve also created a short summary of the…
Greenhouse Mulching, Should You? Do You? If So Read This Article And Watch These Videos First!
June 1, 2015
Greenhouse Mulching You know you should be mulching, right? Or should you? This could be a contentious subject, so before you throw off your garden gloves, let me explain. There are a lot of opinions out there about mulching. Well, we just did a little greenhouse mulching experiment here at Growing Spaces in our 15′ Dome and…
Growing Spaces 2015 Grant Award Announcement
May 18, 2015
Growing Spaces is proud to announce this year’s grant recipients. We had several applicants this season, which made the decision quite difficult. By weighing several different factors, such as the quality and details provided in the application, we arrived at a conclusion. We also considered the number of people that would be affected by the…
Growing Dome Greenhouse Temperature Monitoring
January 26, 2015
Just over a week ago, Pagosa Springs received some much needed snow. Overnight, more than a foot of wet snow blanketed trees and mountains surrounding our little town. It’s unusual for Colorado to receive such wet, heavy snow, and much of the town actually shut down for a snow day! Although county employees and teachers…
Snow and the 2015 Harvest
January 6, 2015
The Snow and Cold are Here! Until a few weeks ago, the Growing Spaces team and all of Pagosa Springs, CO was still waiting for our first big winter snow. Impatience for this important seasonal event ended just a few days before the Christmas holiday when the clouds finally dumped a good amount of fluffy…
Winter Vegetable Harvest
December 17, 2014
It’s winter vegetable harvest time, and we hope to make it a holiday tradition. The long awaited snow and winter cold has finally arrived in Southwest Colorado, but our lush garden in the 15′ Growing Dome continues to produce yummy, nutrient-rich greens. The longer season crops we planted in October are also coming along nicely,…
Greenhouse Mold – Why Does it Happen and How to Avoid It?
December 16, 2014
Mold and mildew are both types of fungi that grow best in warm, humid environments. Most fungi reproduce and spread via spores. Spores emerge from fruiting bodies of fungi and are most commonly dispersed via breeze or transported by water. Much like plant seeds, spores can survive environmental conditions that aren’t conducive to fungi growth,…
Thinning Vegetable Crops
December 5, 2014
Welcome back to the 15′ Growing Dome! We are glad you’ve decided to join us again. Following along with our project will continue to provide you with valuable gardening tips and information, as well as show how, really, anyone can grow fresh, nutritious food in a Growing Dome, all year-round! Thinning vegetable crops is a…
Celebrating Growth in the 15′ Growing Dome
November 21, 2014
Welcome back to the 15′ Growing Dome! The Growing Spaces team is excited to share how well all of our cool season crops are growing, even as the weather continues to get colder and the days get shorter here in Pagosa Springs, CO. November is the time of year when most everyone is putting…
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…
Planting Seeds in October
November 11, 2014
It’s October 1st, and we’re planting seeds! At the beginning of our new project in the 15′ Growing Dome, we heavily amended the soil in the outer growing beds, where we direct seeded many greens and vegetables. As we constructed a new interior bed to increase growing space with the goal of maximizing production in…
Maximizing Food Production in a Growing Dome
October 28, 2014
The Growing Spaces team has started a new project here at our Pagosa Springs office, and we want you to join us in our pursuit! As the warm growing season came to a close here in the Rocky Mountains, the Growing Spaces team started to plan a winter garden for the 15′ Growing Dome greenhouse…
How to Start and Transplant Vegetables
October 10, 2014
Learn which vegetables transplant best in a Growing Dome, how time stacking boosts yield, and when to direct sow to avoid gaps, shock, and wasted effort.
Growing Spaces, LLC. Joins Colorado Environmental Leadership Program
September 9, 2014
Pagosa Springs, CO – Growing Spaces of Pagosa Springs will be recognized Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014 at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts for achievement of Bronze tier environmental leadership by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. At the 15th Annual Colorado Environmental Leadership Awards, Growing Spaces will join other Colorado companies…
The Greenhouse Pond Gets a Makeover
August 12, 2014
This new 33′ Growing Dome owner in Cody, WY got very creative with her greenhouse pond that comes as a part of the Growing Dome kit. She had a local artist, Mike Kopriva, paint the tank with a gorgeous underwater scene. If you follow the painting from left to right, you see that it starts…
For Immediate Release: Pagosa Springs Small Business Honored with Green Colorado Award
June 20, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6.20.14 PAGOSA SPRINGS SMALL BUSINESS HONORED WITH GREEN COLORADO AWARD Pagosa Springs, CO – Growing Spaces given green business award. Growing Spaces of Pagosa Springs will be recognized Thursday, June 26 at RedLine in Denver as one of Colorado’s leading green businesses by ColoradoBIZ Magazine. Growing Spaces owners Udgar and Puja Parsons…
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…
4th Annual Growing Spaces Symposium
April 16, 2014
Saturday, May 31st, 2014 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Join us for this fun filled day at the Pine River Public Library in Bayfield, CO to learn about gardening in the Growing Dome from both new and long-standing instructors of the Growing Spaces team. Topics will cover aspects of soil, composting, insects, seeding, and transplanting…
From Brownies to Broccoli in the Greenhouse
April 14, 2014
On March 25, 2014, in Durango, CO, a group of dynamic young women from the Telluride Middle School presented their service learning project as part of the Destination ImagiNation Project Outreach Challenge. The team, dubbed “Telluride Grow Dome Girls”, was tasked with identifying, designing and implementing a project that addressed a real community need. They…
PRESS RELEASE: Award-Winning Colorado Greenhouse Company Celebrates 25 Years of Product Innovation and Ethical Business Practices
March 8, 2014
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Award-Winning Colorado Greenhouse Company Celebrates 25 Years of Product Innovation and Ethical Business Practices PAGOSA SPRINGS, CO., March 6, 2014 — Growing Spaces, LLC, a Colorado greenhouse company is celebrating 25 years in business. Since 1989 the company has been designing and manufacturing the award-winning Growing Dome® geodesic greenhouse kit…
February 2014 Dome of the Month Winner
February 15, 2014
Congratulations to Neena Cocke Wagnon on winning February’s Dome of the Month contest with this awe-inspiring, fuchsia-cloud photo of her 26′ Growing Dome Greenhouse in New Mexico. It seems the clouds themselves are wrapping around the spherical shape of the greenhouse. Neena is so lucky to live in the Southwest where such skies are possible.
Seven Years and Countless Flowers at Colonel Wright Elementary
February 5, 2014
This Growing Dome Greenhouse in Oregon is rewarding students with a fresh lunch inside the winter greenhouse
January 2014 Dome of the Month Winner
January 2, 2014
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…
Boutique Manufacturing & Sustainable Greenhouses
December 18, 2013
Growing Spaces greenhouses was recently paid a visit by a CompanyWeek reporter. Owners of the company, Puja and Udgar Parsons, had an opportunity to take the reporter on a tour and share about our unique sustainable Growing Dome greenhouses. Puja Parsons is quoted throughout the article, and on this day she took the opportunity to…
Gardening in the Middle of the Bering Sea
October 15, 2013
Growing Spaces recently constructed two Growing Dome Greenhouses in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska
Grapes Galore – July 2013 Dome of the Month
July 26, 2013
The results are in, and we got a bunch of votes (747) and a slew of comments (42) about Bernadette Dickinson’s photo of her bunches of grapes. It makes us want to take the short drive south to Ignacio just to be able to eat a handful out of Bernadette’s 22′ Growing Dome Greenhouse in…
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…
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….
Edible Schoolyard Project: Lesson Plans, Fundraising and More!
May 31, 2013
We are so impressed and amazed to see how the school garden concept is infusing rural and urban communities across the country. The next generation honestly has so many opportunities to connect back with their food and the land. It’s also stunning how technology has quickened the pace of this movement far beyond what anyone…
Surprise Spring Snow – May 2013 Dome of the Month
May 21, 2013
Congratulations to Cate Graber on winning the Dome of the Month contest for May 2013. This fun pair of photos of her 26′ Growing Dome greenhouse in Trinidad, Colorado shows how quickly the weather can change in the Rocky Mountains. Her peach tree had just decided to start blooming above 6,400 feet. Then Mother Nature…
Garden Art – April 2013 Dome of the Month Winner
April 12, 2013
We feel fortunate to have people like April's Dome of the Month Winner, Larry Berger, in our lives. They turn their passion, no matter what it is, into an art form. His passion just so happens to be our passion, gardening. He won April's contest with this lovely overview shot of his full garden and it's so rewarding to see his 22' Growing Dome Greenhouse in Wisconsin incorporated into a larger garden. A stunning larger garden at that. We couldn't do Larry's garden justice, although, without including a few of our other favorite pictures he's sent over the years.
What You Need to Know About Eating Safe Fruits and Vegetables
April 8, 2013
In this day and age of the deluge of bad news, everyone does their best to filter out the pertinent information about what will affect their health and safety. In this article we’re going to do some filtering for you and review important information about the safety of your fresh fruits and vegetables. We’ll offer…
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…
March 2013 Dome of the Month Winner
March 6, 2013
Reminding us of a season soon to pass…this beautiful photo from Kathy Pitts & John Stone of their 26′ Growing Dome Greenhouse in Northern California captures the essence of the winter solstice it was photographed on. One of the comments about the photo that was posted on Facebook sums it up best for us, “Lovely…
Truckee Elementary and the Dome Raising Project Come Together
January 23, 2013
Awhile back we introduced you to Susie Sutphin and Bill Kelly of Truckee Community Farm in California. They had recently purchased and built a 33′ Growing Dome from Growing Spaces and were already looking to expand beyond their current garden. They had a vision for the Dome Raising Project as a part of their budding Tahoe…
Winter Wonderland – January 2013 Dome of the Month Winner
January 9, 2013
Congratulations to Katja Wichland and Josh Rapaport on winning the January 2013 Dome of the Month with this lovely winter photo of their 26′ Growing Dome Greenhouse in Colorado. Protected by their adopted Chow Chow named Bella, they are at 9,000 feet elevation near Telluride and are coming up on their two-year anniversary of owning…
Oregon Tropical Flowers in Winter
December 7, 2012
This Growing Dome Greenhouse in Oregon is flourishing in winter
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…
6 Ways to Be 1 Amazing Kid
December 5, 2012
Growing Spaces co-owner, Puja Parsons, subscribes to a number of e-newsletters that keep her abreast of current trends in healthy eating, wellness and sustainability. Many Mondays we come to work and find delicious email forwards in our inboxes with links to great articles. Most recently via Puja’s subscription to DailyGood.org, she shared with us a…
November 2012 – Dome of the Month Winner
November 19, 2012
Congratulations to Mike O'Neal on winning this November's Dome of the Month contest! This stunning photo of the interior of his 33' Growing Dome shows the forest of aloe by his water tank and the lush growth of his indoor garden in Oklahoma. He plans his entries just right (and takes amazing photos) so that he wins in the fall of every year. The entry this year was much more serene than last year's shocking lightning photo, but equally as beautiful.
La Terra Vita Springs Grows Food in Challenging Climate
November 14, 2012
This Growing Dome Greenhouse is growing food and educating the community on a mountain in Oregon
Homemade Organic Pest Control Sprays
October 24, 2012
On October 8th we hosted an “Ask the Gardening Experts” Interactive Workshop attended by over 50 students and presented by 5 panelists. It was an information packed day that offered many solutions for problems gardeners face. We will be releasing the full class on video for the public to purchase. Until then we wanted to…
October’s Dome of the Month – Educating the Young Ones
October 16, 2012
So many youth do not have access to education about WHERE their food comes from and we support and uphold the movement to change that however we can. This month we would like to honor Mini University in Ohio for their dedication to the mission of gifting pre-school age children with the experience of growing…
September’s Dome of the Month
September 26, 2012
Lighting appears to strike this 26' Growing Dome Greenhouse in Colorado
U.S. Senator Michael F. Bennet’s Staff Visit Growing Spaces
August 24, 2012
On July 12, 2012 Terra Anderson, Constituent Advocate for Senator Bennet in Durango, Monisha Merchant, the Senator’s Senior Advisor for Business Affairs, and Terra’s intern Ben paid a visit to Growing Spaces to tour our Growing Dome greenhouses. They were on their way to Durango, Colorado for the Southwest Women’s Small Business Conference, where our very…
Enter to Win: Owner Video Contest
August 22, 2012
As much as we love gardening, we love community and we’re trying to create it wherever we go. We want you to share your Growing Dome stories with each other so that you all can learn from each other and feel a part of something larger than yourselves. We decided we’d sweeten the pot by…
Mini University Dome
August 20, 2012
One of the new educational domes we have going up right now is being built at a Mini University Childcare Center in Dayton, Ohio. A state senator and other local dignitaries will be onsite on September 13th to witness the ribbon cutting, and official opening of the 33′ Growing Dome. One of the school administrators,…
Greenhouse Helps New Gardener Learn Quickly
August 17, 2012
We love hearing from our Growing Dome owners, so when we received a very encouraging email from Lori Binczak, we had to share it with you guys. It’s so great when we get little reminders like this that remind us why we do what we do. We can’t believe what she’s accomplished in her 18′…
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…
August’s Dome of the Month
August 10, 2012
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!
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 Pagosa Verde Symposium: Growth Strategies for Rural Colorado Communities
July 24, 2012
On August 9th, 2012, our hometown of Pagosa Springs, CO is hosting a professional collaboration to explore economic growth, renewables, geothermal development and sustainable agriculture. The goal is to move Colorado mountain towns into a sustainable future. We are excited to lend our sponsorship and support to this great endeavor and are looking forward to…
Keynote Address: Staying Centered in the Cyclone
July 24, 2012
One of our two favorite leaders of Growing Spaces, Puja Parsons, gave a beautiful keynote address to an audience of nearly 200 at the SW Colorado Women’s Small Business Conference in Durango, Colorado on July 13th, 2012. It was a bit of a new frontier for Puja because she had the opportunity to present how…
Learning in Grand Traverse Academy’s Growing Dome
July 11, 2012
Grand Traverse Academy in Michigan has been using aquaponic and hydroponic techniques in their Growing Dome garden for 2 years with great success. They are learning a lot along the way and continuing to increase their yield. Their fish species of choice does well in cold water and provides them with fertilized water for their…
PRESS RELEASE: Geodesic Greenhouse Manufacturer to Appear on HGTV Backyard Makeover Show
June 15, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESUBJECT: Geodesic Greenhouse Manufacturer to Appear on HGTV Backyard Makeover Show Growing Spaces is proud to announce their upcoming appearance on an episode of My Yard Goes Disney. The series features families who win a surprise backyard makeover that is Disney themed and is in its second season on HGTV (Home and Garden…
June 2012 Dome of the Month
June 7, 2012
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…
Nurturing Families in Our Community
June 7, 2012
We recently constructed a 26′ Show Growing Dome to join the four other Growing Domes at our facility in Pagosa Springs, CO. The 26′ diameter is our most popular size and we’ve been planning this build for that reason for a couple of years. Since we have plenty of gardening space for ourselves in 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…
March & April 2012 Dome of the Month Winners
April 16, 2012
Congratulations to Kris Gunning for this gorgeous photo of her families 42′ Growing Dome Greenhouse in British Columbia, Canada garnered the most attention of any entry to date. For how well received and liked the photo was and because we liked it too, this photo won the Dome of the Month contest for March 2012….
A Child in Canada Gets His Wish with a new Growing Dome Greenhouse
April 16, 2012
Ever heard about the “Children’s Wish Foundation”? Well we had the amazing opportunity to be involved with them in fulfilling the wish of a boy with Leukemia. He asked for his own Growing Dome. We’re speechless about how beautiful a thing this is and are very glad to share this nice article The Children’s Wish…
Where in the World Contest
April 16, 2012
Many of us can look at this photo and envision what will be a great adventure. Site selection, solar orientation, leveling the ground, leveling the ground, leveling, leveling, and more leveling. You get the picture, but wait… Where in the world is this future 26′ Growing Dome site? These iconic photos have become the feature…
Unusual Spring Weather
March 28, 2012
This early spring has been a guilty pleasure for what it seems like everyone in the continental United States, but we’re all secretly wondering what this means. Are we in for a major drought? When will the strong winds and tornadoes die down? Is this what global warming looks like? We definitely can’t answer any…
Join Us on #gardenchat on Monday, 3/12 at 9pm MST
March 8, 2012
We were fortunate last summer to come upon a great community of gardeners on Twitter that gets together once a week on Monday nights at 9pm EST for an event called #gardenchat. #gardenghat is presented by Bren of Creative Living and Growing with Bren Haas and includes hundreds of well-educated professional and hobby gardeners from…
February Dome of the Month Winner
February 10, 2012
A big congratulations goes out to Helene Van Manen in Beulah, CO for winning the February Dome of the Month. This image of a Mule Deer in front of Helene’s 22′ Growing Dome captured everyone’s hearts. She’s been diligent this year in getting out in the snow, taking photos and sharing them with us. We…
Testing the Foundation of Your Garden
January 26, 2012
From time to time, we receive questions about the soil in the gardening beds of the Growing Dome. The question of soil, like many things in gardening, can be a life-long pursuit or can be a spontaneous leap of faith. Examining the interactions between micro-organisms, fungi, minerals, biomass and more keeps laboratories at the most…
January’s Dome of the Month Winner
January 6, 2012
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!
Slow Money Entrepreneur Showcase Presentation
November 23, 2011
If you missed it last month, we have it to share with you now! Puja Dhyan Parsons, Owner & CEO of Growing Spaces® LLC was one of 24 people representing her company in the Entrepreneur Showcase at the Slow Money National Gathering on October 13, 2011 in San Fransisco, CA. A hallmark of the Slow…
November’s Dome of the Month Winner
November 8, 2011
Congratulations to Larry Berger of Winominee, WI on his gorgeous photo of his aromatic Brugmansia inside of his 22′ Growing Dome. Larry posted so many great photos throughout October and September that we had a hard time choosing. He may not have received the most votes on any single photo, but all combined definitely make…
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.
Puja Parsons Presents at Slow Money National Gathering LIVE Streaming
October 12, 2011
On October 13th, 2011 tune in around 11:30am PST and wait to see Puja Dhyan Parsons present for 5 minutes at the Entrepreneur Showcase! We’re expecting her to be sometime between 11:30 and 11:45 am PST (that’s 12:30-12:45 pm Mountain Time). We’re so excited and hope you have the chance to join us! We’re excited…
Press Release: Local Business Presents at Slow Money National Gathering
October 11, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESUBJECT: Local Business Presents at Slow Money National Gathering Puja Dhyan Parsons, Owner and CEO of Growing Spaces® LLC has been one of 24 people selected to represent her company in the Entrepreneur Showcase at the Slow Money National Gathering on October 13, 2011 in San Fransisco, CA. A hallmark of the Slow…
October’s Dome of the Month
October 7, 2011
This month we have a “shocking” Growing Dome photo to share with you from Mike in Oklahoma. We like to see this shot as a symbolic representation of how powerful the Growing Domes are! Too bad we don’t have a way to harness the energy of lightning in the Growing Domes. Guess it would be…
4th Annual Colorado Entrepreneurship MarketPlace in Pagosa Springs, CO
September 29, 2011
We are excited to share this very valuable opportunity for our small community in southwest Colorado. Pagosa Springs will be hosting this two-day conference offering small businesses owners educational and networking opportunities. The conference is extremely affordable at $30 per day or $50 for both days and includes tours of two companies in Pagosa Springs,…
Farm-to-School Webinar: Sept 29th, 2011
September 21, 2011
We’ve been mentioning and following the Farm-to-School program run by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and are very excited about an upcoming webinar they are hosting next week. It is in celebration of the upcoming “National Farm to School Month“ in October. Here’s what’s in store for those attending the webinar: “USDA will…
STEM Intern Helps Us Grow
September 19, 2011
As you may have already guessed, we’re all about education of all ages here at Growing Spaces and are always searching for new ways to empower people with knowledge about how to live and grow sustainably. We had an awesome opportunity this summer to hire an intern to work in our shop through the local…
What About Farm-to-School for the Little Ones?
September 2, 2011
I am not very good at baking….there I admit it. I love to cook but have a mental block on baking. It is challenging, to say the least, with all of my food allergies. (Wheat, gluten, eggs, dairy!) So I gave it up long ago but in the recent months the need has come back…
Build Now for Fall Crops
August 11, 2011
Would you like to be in a warm, green oasis when it’s snowing outside? The optimum time for sowing cool weather crops in the Growing Dome is by the END OF SEPTEMBER. This will allow you plenty of time to get your greens, carrots, beets, radish, leeks, garlic, onions, and more established before the winter…
Dillon Valley Elementary School Greenhouse
August 1, 2011
Partners Summit Prevention Alliance, Summit School District, the Dillon Valley community steering committee and Neils Lunceford have been working together to get a healthy eating initiative in Dillon Valley to increase community access to local fruits and vegetables. Their dreams came true this past weekend when they began construction of their new 22′ Growing Dome…
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.
Growing Organic Food in Urban USA
June 14, 2011
Living just 100 feet from the freeway, the Dervaes family lives a self-sufficient life in the middle of LA. They grow enough organic food on their 1/10 of an acre of available “farm” land on their 1/5 of an acre of property in Pasadena, to live year-round without going to the grocery store for food….
Spinach Loaf Recipe for the Kids
May 24, 2011
Spinach Loaf Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine: Pour into buttered casserole dish and bake 35-40 minutes until inserted knife comes out clean. White Sauce: Whisk together in a saucepan:
My Jamie Oliver – Navajo Nation Adventure
May 23, 2011
Allan Werthan provides an outstanding account of his visit to Arizona to build a Growing Dome Greenhouse in Navajo Nation
Building a 33ft Growing Dome Greenhouse
May 1, 2011
Belfast Central School in New York finished their 33 ft Growing Dome and we wanted to share this slide show of the build. The dome looks great and was a great project for the students!
Keeping the Greenhouse Warm in the Far North
April 21, 2011
Growing Dome Greenhouses in Alaska and Canada stay 30 deg. F warmer in the winter than outside
Michelle Obama and Growing Spaces – Working Toward a Common Goal
March 17, 2011
Today’s announcement that Michelle Obama is authoring a book on the importance of school, urban and community gardening is another example of the mind shift that is happening in the United States and across the globe. Her support of healthier, more self-sustaining lifestyles is directly in line with Growing Spaces vision. Growing Spaces was founded…
How Winter Growing is Possible
March 10, 2011
The difference between the inside and outside of the dome on a cold winter night depends on how many sunny days you are having. With the domes 7 unique features for heating and cooling, we are able to grow year-round, even in the Rocky Mountains, because we can keep the temperature at a decent level…
How to Sow Your Seeds
February 25, 2011
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…
Geodesic Greenhouse Kits Featured on 9News
February 10, 2011
Please join us in celebrating as Growing Spaces was on Channel 9 news this morning! Growing Spaces was selected as one of Colorado Companies to Watch by the State’s Office of Economic Development. You can see the video that aired on February 10th below. If you wish to read the article, please click on this…
Smoothie made from Garden Greenhouse Veggies
October 28, 2010
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…
Shumei Natural Agriculture
October 22, 2010
Attend this unique gardening program and learn basic methods of Natural Agriculture from Shumei Natural Institute on Saturday, October 23rd, 2010. The event will be held at the Archuleta County Extension Building in Pagosa Springs, Colorado from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Whether you are an avid gardener or someone who is interested in healthy…
Food Sharing in Our Community
September 28, 2010
The 33′ Employee Dome at Growing Spaces and my personal 26′ Dome are in full harvest mode now and it’s a little tough for even the most enthusiastic veggie lover to consume as much produce as is ready to eat! For weeks now Richard Miller and I have had a little “co-op” going on, he…
Adding Composted Leaves to the Soil
September 28, 2010
So Richard Miller, our resident Master Gardener here at Growing Spaces, and I finally made it to my Growing Dome for a little gardening evaluation. Turns out that my concerns about my gardening skills have a lot less to do with the results this year in my Dome, than the soil or rather in this…
Year-Round Greenhouse in New Hampshire: Growing Fresh Produce All Year
September 28, 2010
A must-see for anyone interested in sustainable living! This year-round, energy-efficient greenhouse can be run completely from solar power and withstands high winds and heavy snow loads. The Vollmers will be on hand to answer any questions you have about their growing dome.
How Growing Your Own Food Changes Your Life
August 2, 2010
Growing just one food-producing plant at home like tomato, bell pepper, strawberry, lettuce, snow peas, etc. can do more than just save money otherwise spent at the grocery store. Whether you are a family of five, a single-person household, or a community of many, you can make a difference in how you live – today!…
2010 CO Companies to Watch
July 13, 2010
Growing Spaces receives statewide recognition The State of Colorado recently recognized second-stage growth companies that are developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and creating new industries throughout the state. The program, called “CO Companies to Watch” had several hundred companies in the annual competition, but only 50 of them were named…
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…
Gardening-Transplanting Tips
March 30, 2010
Experience with Growing Edible Fish in Tank?
March 29, 2010
Please share your input and/or experience with growing edible fish inside the Growing Dome water tank.