I studied marketing at Eastern Illinois University and have began working as the Marketing Director at Growing Spaces in May 2019. What I love most about my job is getting to tell the stories of our customers in our featured dome articles. It’s all about connecting through storytelling, and it’s pretty cool to see all the different ways people use our greenhouses.
When I'm not at work, I'm usually out enjoying everything Colorado has to offer especially the skiing. I live in Morrison, up at 8200 feet where it is hard to be a gardener. I don’t have my own Growing Dome yet, but it’s definitely on my wish list.
Articles by Kenzie Jackson
Eliada Homes Helping Children Succeed
March 8, 2022
In 2017, they took their first step towards bringing farming back to their community by building a 42' Growing Dome Greenhouse. The Dome provides food for the cafeteria, attracts many new people, and acts as classroom space for the campus farm program. Since then, the Growing Dome has been referred to as the beacon on the hillside.
Dome Greenhouse in North Carolina
January 14, 2022
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.
Jeff Forristall’s Small Outdoor Greenhouse
December 8, 2021
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.
Colorado School of Mines Dome Greenhouse
November 8, 2021
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.”
The Garwood’s Double Dome Story
October 8, 2021
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.
A Community of Happy Growers Connecting and Sharing
October 8, 2021
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.
News and Events, Fall/Winter 2021
October 8, 2021
Stratton School has expanded the garden program to include a grow dome, allowing the program to run through all but the coldest months.“The goal of the garden program is to provide a sustainable, alternative food experience for students and faculty that encourages hands-on learning, health, and well-being at Eustis School,” Wuori said. “Stratton School wants all students to leave Stratton with the knowledge of food choice and the importance of community through understanding local resources.”
From Novice to Green Thumb: The McKibbens’ Colorado Greenhouse Success
September 7, 2021
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.
Off-Grid Gardening in the Mountains of Coaldale, Colorado
August 5, 2021
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.
Growing Vegetables in Alaska Hardiness Zone 6A
July 6, 2021
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.
Greenhouse Sanctuary in Southern Colorado
June 2, 2021
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.
School Garden Program In Connecticut
May 3, 2021
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.”
How to Grow Fruit Trees in a Greenhouse
April 17, 2021
Fruit trees can be a healthy addition to most dome greenhouse gardens above zone 3. They provide fresh fruit and shade in the summer with the bonus of attracting pollinators when flowering. Understanding a plant’s natural environment (tropical, subtropical, or temperate to continental) and how to stimulate it will help you grow a wide variety of plants from fruit trees to shrubs, which will give you more confidence in your dome gardening adventure.
How to Thin Crowded Seedlings
April 4, 2021
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.
Homestead Greenhouse in the Pacific Northwest
April 3, 2021
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.
Heirloom Tomatoes in a Growing Dome Greenhouse
March 1, 2021
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.
Beautiful Greenhouse in New Hampshire
February 2, 2021
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.
Urban Greenhouse Gardening in Golden, Colorado
February 1, 2021
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.
Automated Greenhouse in Suburban Denver
January 1, 2021
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.