What to Consider When Buying a Greenhouse
Our comprehensive guide provides all the essential considerations for purchasing a Growing Dome® greenhouse. We cover various aspects, including site selection, foundation options, installation, and plant selection, offering valuable insights to assist you throughout the entire process.
Start Your Greenhouse Journey with a Free Consultation
We are committed to making the process of purchasing and setting up your greenhouse as simple as possible. Your first step should be to request a quote, which is valid for 30 days. Our expert Growing Dome Advisors are available for a free consultation to guide you through the entire process. We will cover everything from climate control options and down payments to shipping logistics.
Site Selection
Selecting a suitable site for your greenhouse is an important step in planning your year-round dream garden. Several factors come into play, such as proximity to your home, solar exposure, grade, soil quality, wind conditions, and water availability. We guide you through each step to support you in choosing the ideal location for your Growing Dome.
Foundation Options
There are several greenhouse foundation options available for a Growing Dome greenhouse, ranging from straightforward gravel ring foundations to more complex options like Insulated Concrete Forms.
Since the structure is quite lightweight, the primary purpose of creating a greenhouse foundation is to securely anchor the greenhouse to the ground. The above-ground pond of the Growing Dome is bolted to the foundation wall, which further aids in the anchoring process.
We’ll guide you through each factor to help you determine the most suitable foundation option for your greenhouse.
Building Department Information
Growing Spaces®, with over 35 years of experience in manufacturing and constructing geodesic greenhouses, is well-versed in guiding you through the permitting process. We have a positive track record. Owners of Growing Dome greenhouses across the country, ranging from hobby gardeners to large institutions, have successfully obtained permits for their greenhouse kits. We have outlined the crucial steps to help you obtain your local building permits.
Homeowner Associations
Does your neighborhood have a Homeowner Association or covenants? In addition to securing the necessary building permits, it is crucial to provide your HOA with detailed information about your greenhouse project.
Prepare a clear proposal that includes the greenhouse’s dimensions, materials, placement on your property, and how it will blend with the community’s aesthetic standards. Emphasize that the geodesic structure, while unique, is designed to enhance property value and maintain a neat appearance. Including landscaping plans and exterior color choices can further reassure the HOA.
Greenhouse Installation Options
All of our Growing Dome kits are designed for DIY assembly. Each kit includes comprehensive, step-by-step instructions, including video tutorials, and all the necessary hardware. Many of our customers successfully assemble their Growing Domes themselves using the provided guidance. We also offer installation options. We will walk you through each option to help you determine which one best suits your budget, timing, and building skills.
Owner-Supplied Items
The Growing Dome prefabricated kits are designed to be cost-effective and easy to ship. However, some items are too bulky or expensive to ship to your location and are readily available at your local hardware or HVAC store. This page provides a list of the owner-supplied items, their approximate costs, and where to purchase them.
Garden & Raised Bed Design
Interior Greenhouse Design
Once your Growing Dome is installed, the interior is a blank canvas. You can design your own raised beds or leave space for recreational activities. You can use containers or reserve a space for seed starting or explore hydroponics. Consider pathways and, of course, what you’ll be planting! We have several galleries and ideas for raised bed designs. If you contact us, we can provide detailed plans and cut lists for the most common garden bed designs. Additionally, we offer pre-fabricated, cedar or corrugated metal self-assembly options in our shop.
Gardening Best Practices
Now, let’s dive into the exciting part! You’re all set to fill your beds with soil and embark on your gardening adventure. We’ve got you covered with a comprehensive range of resources. From soil options and amendments to planting schedules, care tips throughout the year, climate control advice, and pest management strategies, we’ve got everything you need to support your gardening journey for years to come.
