I joined Growing Spaces in 2021 as a gardener and now work with the Marketing and Social Media department. Formerly I was a kindergarten teacher and then worked as a Gardener and Volunteer Coordinator at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens in Hawai'i. Since moving to Colorado I have worked in the veterinary field and have been involved in therapy dog work visiting hospitals, schools and libraries with a national therapy group. My previous dog and I also worked as a crisis response team helping those affected by crises or disasters and were deployed through Hope Animal-Assisted Crisis Response (Hope AACR). Muppet and Maple are my current therapy dogs and we visit the library and hospital here in Pagosa Springs. Muppet is also a crisis response canine with Hope AACR. Outside of working and volunteering, I love growing native plants, flowers, berries, herbs and veggies at home, photography, hiking, horseback with my husband and hanging out with our dogs.
Articles by Tina Jones
Nasturtiums: Edible, Effortless, Dazzling Companion Plants
May 29, 2024
Nasturiums are easy to grow, edible, a gorgeous ground cover and a great companion plant for your greenhouse garden or outdoor garden.
How to Grow Fresh, Juicy, Dome Grown Tomatoes!
May 3, 2024
Learn how to successfully grow tomatoes in your dome greenhouse. Determinate or indeterminate? You decide! Enjoy growing fresh, dome grown tomatoes with our guide.
Holy Guacamole! How To Grow an Avocado Tree in a Greenhouse
April 5, 2024
Learn how to successfully grow an avocado tree, or two, in your dome greenhouse. Enjoy fresh, dome grown avocados!
Growing Borage In a Greenhouse A Beautiful Bee Friendly Plant
March 4, 2024
Elevate your greenhouse gardening with borage, the bee-friendly herb that beautifies your space and supports a thriving ecosystem. Easy to grow and perfect as a companion plant, borage offers both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Discover the simplicity of cultivating borage for a garden that buzzes with life and flavor.
Growing Lemons is Easy Peasy Lemon Squeeze
February 5, 2024
When Your Growing Dome Gives You Meyer Lemons, Make Lemonade! Jump to: Growing Lemons, Best Location for Lemon Trees in a Dome, Planting Your Lemon Tree, Companion Plants, Lemon Tree Care, Managing Pests, Harvesting, Pruning, History and Trivia, Health Benefits of Lemons Genus: Citrus x limon ‘Meyer’ Common Name: Meyer’s Lemon …
Peeling Back the Secrets of Growing Bananas
January 2, 2024
Jump to: Growing Bananas, Ideal Conditions For Growing Bananas, Where to Grow Bananas in Your Dome, Planting Banana Plants, Growing Banana Companion Plants, Caring for Banana Plants, How to Manage Pests, Growing Bananas Year Round, When to Harvest Bananas, Banana History and Trivia, Health Benefits of Bananas Often called a tree, the banana is an…
How to Plant, Care, and Harvest Guava In a Greenhouse
November 30, 2023
Guava trees are found in tropical and subtropical regions where there is a hot and humid climate. They do not tolerate frost at all, however, if you live in a cooler climate you can grow guava in a greenhouse or in your home!
It is Growing Thyme! Secrets to Growing Thyme in a Greenhouse
November 6, 2023
Time to get growing thyme! Do you want to start growing thyme in your greenhouse? Thyme is a great herb to have right at your fingertips, year-round! Read more for tips on growing this herb in your greenhouse. Jump to: The History of Thyme, Health Benefits of Thyme, How to Grow Thyme, Thyme Fun Facts,…
Growing Pumpkins In a Greenhouse: As Easy as Pumpkin Pie
October 4, 2023
Pumpkins take between 80-120 days to mature and should only be picked once fully mature. Do not rely on their size to determine maturity though. When they mature the leaves of the plant will die back and the skin will be hard. The skin will also turn a deeper, solid color and the stem will harden.
The Ultimate Guide to Growing Corn in a Greenhouse
September 4, 2023
Unveil the fascinating journey of growing corn in a greenhouse. From its Mexican origins to its global popularity, learn how to cultivate this versatile crop effectively. Explore its history, unique growth requirements, and expert tips for a successful harvest.
Rocky Mountain Gardeners: From Texas to Colorado
August 4, 2023
Tommy and Leslie Kearney transformed their love for gardening from Texas to the challenging landscapes of Pagosa Springs, CO. With the help of a Growing Spaces 26' dome, they conquered the short growing season and harsh weather, cultivating strawberries, tomatoes, avocados, and more. Their success proves that with the right setup, passion can overcome any climate.
Growing Thriving Beans in a Greenhouse (Bush/Pole)
August 4, 2023
Jump to: Growing Beans – Cultivation Tips, Bean Companion Plants, How to Harvest Beans. Bean History – Know Before You Grow Common (green) beans, scientifically known as Phaseolus vulgaris, originate from South America and Central America. Historical evidence suggests beans were cultivated in Mexico and Peru for millennia. They were later introduced to the Mediterranean…
Growing Blueberries And Strawberries In A Greenhouse: A Comprehensive Guide
July 5, 2023
When it comes to cultivating a fruitful and diverse garden or greenhouse, growing blueberries and strawberries together offers an exciting opportunity. Despite their different preferences, these fruits can thrive harmoniously. However, birds pose a threat to their delicious harvests. The solution? Cultivating blueberries and strawberries in a greenhouse provides protection against bird damage, ensuring a bountiful yield. In this article, we explore the cultivation tips for growing these delightful fruits side by side, including soil preparation, companion planting, and harvesting techniques. Let's dive into the world of blueberries and strawberries and uncover the secrets to a successful and rewarding greenhouse cultivation experience.
Ultimate Guide to Growing Chard In a Greenhouse
June 5, 2023
Featured Plant of the Month: Chard! Chard, or Beta vulgaris var. Cicla is from the Amaranthaceae family, also known as the beet family and is native to the Mediterranean area and is originally from Sicily! Quite a few sources say that Aristotle mentioned growing chard (red-stalked) in 350 BC, probably because it was revered for…
Growing Cilantro in a Greenhouse
April 5, 2023
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a versatile herb that belongs to the Apiaceae family and is native to Asia, Europe, and Africa. The plant has an air of mystery around it, as cilantro refers to the leaves, while coriander refers to the seeds. With its fresh and citrusy flavor, cilantro is a popular ingredient in many dishes, from salsa to curry. And the good news is, growing cilantro is easy, especially when grown in a greenhouse.
Growing Cabbage in a Greenhouse
March 5, 2023
Did you know that growing cabbage in a greenhouse can provide you with fresh produce all year round? This humble vegetable has a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire and played a vital role in sustaining the Irish during times of food insecurity. Growing cabbage from seed is easy, and it prefers loamy soil with lots of compost mixed in. Companion plants like broccoli, kale, and swiss chard are great friends to cabbage, and they thrive in the same conditions and climate. Learn more about the benefits of companion planting and how to harvest your cabbage for a second, smaller harvest, or hang it in a root cellar for up to three months. Discover why cabbage is a superhero packed with vitamins, minerals, and cancer-fighting properties.
Growing Brussels Sprouts in a Greenhouse
February 11, 2023
Brussels sprouts are a cultivar of wild cabbage native to the Mediterranean area. Known for their long growing season and cool weather preference, they are best grown in a greenhouse. With tips on planting, companion plants, and harvesting, you'll be able to successfully grow this nutritious vegetable. Add some fun to your greenhouse gardening with interesting facts about Brussels sprouts, and try a new recipe to truly appreciate this oftentimes misunderstood veggie.
Growing Lettuce in a Greenhouse
January 6, 2023
These days it is even more important to be able to grow your own lettuce as crops in California’s Salinas Valley are currently fighting Impatiens necrotic spot virus, or INSV, which is mainly spread by thrips. Pythium wilt is another crop disease that attacks lettuce, generally along with INSV causing lettuce to wilt or completely collapse. We recommend planting lettuce as this disease may affect its availability since California grows approximately 70% of the lettuce consumed in the US. There has never been a better time to grow lettuce in your backyard!
Growing Rosemary in a Greenhouse
December 14, 2022
Growing rosemary from seed in a greenhouse can take a few weeks for germination. Propagating plants from an established rosemary bush is a quicker method and you can be ready to plant in two weeks. Let us teach you how to grow rosemary successfully in your greenhouse. With our expert advice, you will tip the scales in your favor.
Growing Basil in a Greenhouse
November 16, 2022
Growing basil in a greenhouse is a tricky balance. They don't like things too hot or too cold, and while they repel some common pests, such as hornworms and flies, they are susceptible to problems like aphids and Japanese beetles. Let us teach you how to grow basil successfully in your greenhouse. With our expert advice, you will tip the scales in your favor.
Growing Celery in a Greenhouse
October 13, 2022
Celery seeds are tiny and can take up to 21 days to germinate. However, soaking celery seeds in warm water overnight will speed germination. Growing your celery inside a Growing Dome or starting seeds indoors will give you a significant head start to celery season.
Growing Dome Food Banks: Feeding Our Communities
July 5, 2022
One of the values Growing Spaces holds most dear is helping those without access to fresh, healthy food sources. According to the USDA, the current rate of food insecurity is 10.5% of all households in the US. That means 13.8 million people in this country are without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. and beyond to alleviate food insecurity challenges through education, community outreach, and donations.
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.