Design Ideas for the Interior of Your Greenhouse

Once your greenhouse is installed, the only thing inside should be the above-ground pond. The rest is up to you to decide how you want to arrange pathways, raised beds, or even recreational areas. Raised garden beds are not included in the standard Growing Dome kit. Here, you’ll find plenty of inspiration, DIY guidelines, and partially pre-assembled options for sale.

inside the greenhouse with raised beds and hanging baskets and trellised plants

Designing the Shape and Height of Raised Garden Beds

Growing Dome greenhouses’ circular footprint typically features an outer raised bed, a circular pathway, and an inner raised bed. Keyholes can be added for easier access.

looking inside of the growing dome greenhouse before the doorway has been installed shows a center bed and perimeter beds

planted perimeter and partial center raised beds inside the geodesic greenhouse

raised wooden garden beds going into a new geodesic greenhouse that haven't been filled with soild yet

wooden raised beds with a keyhole to allow easier access to the plants inside the greenhouse

vertical redwood curved raised beds with dark rich soil insdie the greenhouse with a brick floor

sunken center bed surrounded by paver pathway and vertical wooden perimeter beds in a geodesic dome greenhouse

The outer raised garden beds generally match the height of the two-foot foundation wall, while the inner bed height is a matter of personal preference.

The height of the beds depends on the types of plants you want to grow. Some people raise their raised beds above 2 feet to reduce bending, while others may terrace the beds to different heights based on the root structure of the plants. However, if you build beds in front of the pond, consider limiting the height to one foot to avoid obstructing the solar heat exchange, which can be crucial during winter months.

a traditional perimeter raised bed inside the greenhouse with three terraced beds coming off of a portion of it with newly planted plants

tiered curved dark stone curved walls inside the greenhouse with lush plants growing out of it and large crystals

rigid corrugated metal raised beds inside a geodesic greenhouse showing different bed heights

horizontal wood octagaonal raised bed in front of the above-ground pond inside of the greenhouse

short paver lined bed in front of a blue above-ground pond with flagstone and gravel pathway

How Pathways and Materials Influence Heating and Cooling

Speaking of heat exchange, when designing your raised beds and pathways, using high-density materials like brick pavers, flagstone, or gravel can lead to significant heat buildup during the summer months.

While spraying these surfaces with water can create an evaporative cooling effect, it also introduces more moisture and humidity into the environment, which can foster mold growth.

Plants can provide essential shade during the summer, helping to maintain a cooler temperature. Hanging the shade cloth included with the Growing Dome kit can also contribute to keeping your pathways cool.

looking from the doorway paver stone raised beds with paver stairway and stepping stones across the bed inside the greenhouse

In contrast, during the winter months, high-density materials serve as effective thermal mass. These materials absorb heat from sunlight and the surrounding environment during the day, then slowly release it as temperatures drop at night. This gradual release of stored warmth helps to moderate temperature swings inside your growing space, protecting plants from sudden cold snaps.

inside a greenhouse with trellises and stone pavers used for the raised beds

pink stucco finished raised beds around an entryway into the greenhouse

looking down on the pond and stone raised beds inside a growing dome greenhouse

Pathways

Pathways can be constructed using various materials, including pea gravel, redwood, cedar, Trex, or flagstone, as well as brick pavers. We advise against using mulch or bark chips, as they can create a breeding ground for common garden pests.

landscaping bricks used for raised beds with a flagstone and gravel floor inside the greenhouse

raised wooden beds and flooring inside the greenhouse

brick and mosaic flooring inside of geodesic greenhouse

wooden decking pathways inside of a 26 foot growing dome greenhouse

DIY Plans & Cutlists

Growing Dome Owners will find plans and cut lists for common internal raised garden bed designs included in their online instructions. These cut lists include the length, miter, and quantity of each piece of lumber, as well as a list of other construction materials required. While a miter saw is helpful for cutting the angles, a circular saw with an adjustable blade can also be used.

Looking for More Inspiration?

Check out this video tour of the Growing Domes we have on-site in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, for additional raised bed design ideas. Our Growing Dome Advisors are always happy to discuss customization options for your Growing Dome.

three growing dome greenhouses at the Growing Spaces campus in Pagosa Springs Colorado

Recommended Materials for Constructing Raised Beds

When building raised garden beds, rot-resistant lumber like redwood or cedar are excellent choices. However, if you’re using non-moisture-resistant or pressure-treated lumber, it’s advisable to line your beds. The outer bed wall should already be lined with the metal flashing included in your greenhouse kit. In addition to lumber, Growing Dome growers often use recycled materials such as plastic, plywood, pallets, sheet metal, adobe and stucco, rocks and concrete, cinder blocks, aluminum siding, brick, railroad ties, and many others. These diverse materials and methods allow for creative and sustainable raised bed construction.

trex used as wall for raised beds inside the greenhouse

pave stone is used to create walls for these garden beds inside of a large greenhouse

using wooden pallets for raised garden bed walls

raised garden beds made of straw with plaster or stucco finish inside of geodesic dome greenhouse

finished straw beds that are painted a light orange terracotta inside the greenhouse

a child walking amongst raised beds filled with lettuce made from rough cut lumber that still has its bark inside the dome greenhouse

stone walls used to create raised beds within the greenhouse

corrugated aluminum used for raised beds in a greenhouse

what looks like large metal tubes used for drainage are set vertically as garden beds and brightly colored yellow and red with different colored trellises

cinder blocks used to create raised beds in the greenhouse

using bricks to create circular raised beds in growing dome greenhouse

Lining the Walls of Your Garden Beds

The wall lining inside the Growing Dome is a flashing grade (32 Gauge) galvanized steel. Galvanized steel is generally resistant to rust, but when buried in soil, the zinc coating that protects it from oxidation eventually wears away, causing the steel to corrode. The rate of corrosion depends on the soil’s chemical composition, moisture levels, and the pH of the water.

Many customers have reported that the metal wall lining has lasted the life of their dome. However, some customers have asked for suggestions on how to extend the dome’s life. Here are a few options, along with their pros and cons. Growing Spaces has not fully evaluated the effectiveness of these methods, and we cannot guarantee that any of them will prevent corrosion of the wall lining.

person watering seedlings growing in a wooden raised bed lined with black sheeting

This trademarked material is made from high-density spun-bound polyethylene fibers. It’s 100% synthetic, lightweight, durable, and breathable, yet resistant to water, abrasion, bacterial penetration, and aging. It’s safe for food contact materials and is readily available in 2-foot widths and long rolls. It’s an economical choice, but not the lowest cost. The downside is that it’s breathable, which could cause sweating between the wall lining and the Tyvek. However, “sweating” may be more desirable than contact with the soil’s minerals and could still extend the wall lining’s life.

Cement board siding, commonly known as “hardie board,” offers a robust solution for protecting the wall lining. Its structural nature makes it a viable alternative to metal. However, each section needs to be cut to fit the wall, and the material’s weight can make handling challenging. Post-installation, sealing the seams and edges is crucial. The interior face of the hardie panel may deteriorate when exposed to soil, but the exterior face remains resilient, especially when painted. Concerns about this material’s contact with garden soil exist.

Liquid Rubber, a water-based elastomeric coating, has been widely used in pond applications for years. It can be directly applied to metal surfaces. Once applied, it cures into a seamless, flexible, and highly durable membrane resistant to weathering, UV radiation, and chemicals. Installation is straightforward, and it’s non-toxic. However, it’s the most expensive option on the list. The advantage is the absence of an air pocket between the metal and the liquid rubber, eliminating the risk of sweating or rusting.

raised garden beds lined with metal flashing being filled with soil inside the greenhouse

Estimated Costs for Raised Beds

Based on the design ideas and cut lists provided in the Growing Dome instructions, we’ve estimated the current costs of purchasing the materials for your raised beds and constructing them yourself. Please note that the cost of materials and your choice of materials may vary depending on your location. Since there are various ways to line the beds, those costs are not included in these estimates.

All raised bed designs use 2” x 6” lumber laid horizontally for the walls and 2” x 4” lumber for the top caps. These designs maximize growing space with 20” paths and no space set aside for recreational space. This estimate assumes the use of cedar.

15' Greenhouse	18' Greenhouse	22' Greenhouse	26' Greenhouse	33' Greenhouse	42' Greenhouse
$1,150	$1,500	$3,000	$3,500	$5,000	$8,000

Leave It To Us—Pre-assembled Kits

Growing Spaces Greenhouse Kits offer convenience with pre-cut pieces and easy assembly. If you’re also seeking a simplified solution for your garden beds, our premium collection of raised garden beds is designed to streamline setup and expedite your planting process. With garden beds ready for installation, you can bypass the stress of planning layouts and immerse yourself in the joy of gardening.

Shop Raised Beds

galvanized corrugated metal raised garden beds inside a growing dome greenhouse

Installing the Undersoil System

One of the seven features that makes the Growing Dome a unique greenhouse is the undersoil system, which moves the air from around the pond to the southern area of the greenhouse. Depending on how you’ve designed the layout of your doors, you may choose to add an undersoil fan to run two systems, meeting at the doorway.

It’s important to consider the undersoil system at this point in the design process because it is installed at the bottom of your raised beds before you add the soil. Make sure to lay this out as you build your beds, as you may need to cut holes in the lumber for the corrugated pipe.

the undersoil system irrigation pipes running through the bottom of the bed

Filling the Beds with High-Quality Soil

The health of your garden begins the moment you place soil in your beds. High-quality organic soil will help your plants flourish. If you’re considering purchasing bagged or bulk soil, we’ve estimated the quantities needed based on the size of your dome. The volume calculation assumes a full interior build-out, including perimeter and center beds, with average path space of 24” to 30” and no recreational space.

rich soil and seedlings in raised beds within the growing dome greenhouse

Soil Estimates

15' Greenhouse	18' Greenhouse	22' Greenhouse	26' Greenhouse	33' Greenhouse	42' Greenhouse
6 cu yd	9 cu yd	16 cu yd	22 cu yd	30 cu yd	45 cu yd

Don’t Forget Practical Storage and Relaxing Recreational Areas

Before finalizing your raised bed layout, think about practical storage and relaxing recreational areas. You can start with simple additions like a standalone utility shelf or potting bench, or get more creative with hidden drawers beneath a shallow bed. Consider trellises for vining plants and added shade.

wooden slat shelves across the above-ground pond in a geodesic greenhouse — extra space for plants above the pond

drawer designed under a shallow raised bed to maiximize storage space — storage drawer beneath a shallow bed

storage drawer underneath a step inside the greenhouse — more storage under the stairs to an elevated deck

metal shelving in the center of a dome greenhouse to hold seedlings and trays — storage shelf for starts and trays

woman walking under a trellis supporting grape vines inside of a growing dome greenhouse — trellis for vining plants

For many of our customers, the Growing Dome serves as more than just a greenhouse for growing food and flowers. It’s an oasis, a place to escape daily life, and they’ve built in spaces for relaxation. These could be patio areas with tables and chairs, complete with an umbrella for extra shade during the summer, or even decks built above the pond. Make it your own.

woman standing under a shady trellis supporting grape vines inside the greenhouse

man sitting with a dog relaxing on a couch inside a geodesic greenhouse with lots of plants

woman sitting on a raised garden bed under a trellis

person sitting in a chair on a deck with a propane heater above the pond inside the geodesic greenhouse

wooden table with circular bench in the center of a greenhouse with lush plants and trellises along the sides

yoga space inside the growing dome greenhouse

man leaning against a trellis supporting grapevines and nastrutiums

platform with stairs to a seating area above the beautiful wooden raised beds

handmade wooden bench mounted on the outside of a raised garden bed inside the greenhouse

woman sitting in a chair under an umbrella in a greenhouse with lush green grapevines trained over a trellis

deck built over the above ground pond inside growing dome greenhouse

sunken pond with a waterfall and seating area inside the greenhouse

spiral staircase leading up to a deck looking at it from underneath with brick raised beds around the sides

installers finish a deck and custom beds around the pond inside the growing dome greenhouse

sink and workspace built inside the greenhouse

seating area with an umbrella and raised beds finished with stucco inside the greenhouse

Outdoor Garden Beds and Landscaping

But wait! We’re not done yet. Let’s consider the space outside your greenhouse. While gardening outdoors can be a bit more challenging due to uncontrollable factors like hail or freezing temperatures, and potential invaders like chipmunks and deer, the outside of your dome offers another canvas waiting to be personalized.

outside a geodesic dome greenhouse garden beds with lots of flowers

You can add planting boxes or more raised beds around the perimeter of your greenhouse. These additional raised beds will provide extra insulation along your foundation wall. Consider planting tall plants to offer more shade during the summer. Don’t forget to line these beds to prevent the siding from rotting due to prolonged exposure to soil and moisture. Finally, landscape the area to include outdoor patio spaces or to complement the overall design of your property.