Growing Dome Undersoil System
Every Growing Dome® Greenhouse Kit comes standard with an undersoil system. 4-inch irrigation pipe(s) are placed in the perimeter raised beds and then buried when the beds are filled with soil. The ends of the pipe(s) emerge from the soil in the south beds and are protected by a landscaping basin and grate, included in the kit.
The other end(s) are located behind the above-ground pond. A fan moves the air to the southern area of the greenhouse. The air around the pond on the north side of the dome is cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter compared to outside ambient temperatures. This system can either be powered by a solar panel or grid-tied electricity, depending on your preferences when you order your kit.
It is important to note that the undersoil system is installed inside your interior planting beds, and may vary based on your raised bed designs and the location of your door.
At 130 cubic feet per minute (CFM) air flow, the fan helps move air through the greenhouse. We have noticed significant reductions in mold and fungus issues with this system, especially during the winter months, when humidity and condensation become more of a concern.
Electric fan option mounted behind the above-ground pond
4 inch irrigation pipe from the fan into the raised garden bed
Grate covering the undersoil system's exhaust
Geothermal Greenhouses
True geothermal greenhouse heating systems utilize Earth’s relatively constant ground temperature for heating and cooling, reducing the need for conventional energy sources. This is achieved through a system of buried pipes or tubes that circulate air, drawing warmth from the ground in winter and releasing excess heat in summer, effectively creating a stable climate for plant growth.
Here in Pagosa Springs, we have the deepest Hot Spring on the planet, providing heat from the ground to the town and three 42′ Growing Domes at the Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership.
Without access to a geothermal hot spring, you may consider installing a climate battery beneath the foundation of your greenhouse to create a similar effect.
While true geothermal heating offers remarkable efficiency, the Growing Dome undersoil system provides a practical and effective solution for moving air throughout your greenhouse, reducing humidity, and fostering a healthier growing environment for your plants.
