A few years ago, I decided that I wanted to build my own Geodesic Dome greenhouse. I love the idea of being able to grow my own plants, flowers, and vegetables year-round. I had seen some amazing geodesic biodome greenhouses online and I was determined to make one for myself.
It took me a while to figure out how to do it, but in the end, I was successful! In this blog post, I am going to share with you the steps that I took to build my greenhouse, as well as what I learned along the way.
What is a Geodesic Dome?
The Growing Dome’s geodesic form is lovely, but its true appeal is in its strength. The geometric design of the Growing Dome greenhouse that results from the triangle shapes makes it more durable than a normal rectangular shape against the elements.
Why a Geodesic Biodome Greenhouse?
Because of their distinctive form, light refracts and remains within the dome for a longer period than in other greenhouses. This characteristic enhances winter illumination while also taking full advantage of solar radiation, resulting in less artificial lighting.
Was this a good idea in Texas? Yes and No. It got extremely hot in the summer, however, in the winter (yes it gets cold in the winter, kind of).
This was also a great challenge for me.
How to Build a Geodesic Dome Greenhouse
Step 1. Research
I spent hours researching Geodesic Dome Greenhouses. Desert Domes has a number of great resources, the Dome Calculator is super helpful. Also, check out Domerama.
I knew that I wanted to try Aquaponics so I would need a water source. I decided to build a small but deep pond. The depth was to help with the cooling of the water.
Step 2. Planning
Full disclaimer, at this time in my life, I was not a project manager so most of this was “winging it”.
I found plans on the internet and thought how hard could building a 20ft Geodesic Biodome greenhouse really be? Spoiler VERY!
I was building this in the backyard. There was a big drop off so placement was key.
After finding the right location and making it out. I would have to pull out shrubbery and build a retaining wall.
I planned on putting electricity into the greenhouse so I had to get a permit from the city planner for that.
Always buy more lumber than the plans call for you will make many mistakes.
Step 2. Ground Breaking
Buy quality tools. “A good tool improves the way you work. A great tool improves the way you think.” Jeff Duntemann
This thing was a bastard!
Getting all the Texas crabgrass out was a pain in the neck. If I were to do this again I would rent a small excavator. Save your body.
Step 3: Building
Once the grass is gone and the ground is level and packed down. The base consists of 9 pieces of wood with the ends cut at 12-degree angles. The pieces were attached to the cinderblocks, then the base was checked for level again.
This was the easy part.
Getting the top piece on was very difficult.
Injuries will happen always have a medical kit on “hand” ;). Yes, I said it!
Step 4: Electrical
This was amazing, I was so far outside of my comfort zone. I had to drill into the house, after shutting off the power (Pro tip always shut off the power if you are doing electrical work, no KF(C)David) connect the powerline to the house circuit, run it through the conduit to the greenhouse.
Oh and turn the power back on. (Pro tip do not do this when your wife is in the shower, ‘nough said on that.)
Lights in, power on, no fires and they work! This was a huge WIN for me.
Step 5: The Pond
Digging a big ass hole was something that I enjoyed as a kid, in California, with great soil, NOT Texas clay! Man, I really hate it.
So this is going to be the pond for Talopia for the aquaponic system.
Get the kids out to help you, they grow up so fast. Time is not on our side. They love helping Dad at this age.
Lily started screaming NAK! NAK! So, I caught the NAK and had the kids pet it. We talked about how the snake is good because it takes care of the “bad” animals. Then we let it go to do its thing.
This is also very important to help the kids grow and respect nature.
Step 6: Covering
We rushed the plastic covering because of the weather moving in and it was only supposed to be temporary. More on that a little later.
Pro-Tip – Take breaks, this is hard work treat yourself. Pretty good chunker at a golf course that I may or may not have been kicked out of many times.
The weather, yes it snows in Texas. No, not a lot. Yes, people lose their shit! The kids loved it, I think this was their first snow. I love Lily’s pirate face.
I forgot what the weather was like. But it stayed warm in the winter.
Step 7: Planter Beds
I cringe every time I see these boxes. Ok, I should have built a vertical sidewall then the dome. Live and learn.
Rased starter box.
Mary’s birthday and she wanted to go to Chuck E Cheese and because of that whole shower and no electricity thing, I was magnanimous and took her.
Oh, and she finished her Bachelor’s Degree, she BE smart.
Step 8: Decking
I put the liner in the pond and build the floating deck (this was not in the planning). The waterfall (not in the planning) was to go in at the other side.
You can also see the strawberry towers super cool idea.
Again, I can not stress this enough have the kids help, you won’t regret it. Lily and I are just chilling.
The aquaponic strawberry towers are such a cool idea. The build was easy. Bigelow Brook Farm has a great article. The plan was to have the water from the pond get pumped up to the strawberry towers then fall onto a waterfall feature then back into the pond.
Step 8: Planting
I lost the hard drive with these pictures. So frustrating.
I also went to Executive Security Internation for 2 months of Security training around this time.
Step 9: Harvesting
Huge zucchini! There is something special about being able to go out into your own garden and pick fresh fruits and vegetables.
Step 10: Demolition
What! Yes, I never got the Aquaponics working and I did not have time to work on it. I took a job out of state and Mary wanted something simpler.
We demoed the Geodesic Dome Greenhouse and built a simple Pergola garden.
Materials I Needed To Build A Geodesic Dome Greenhouse
- Wood – I used 2x4s for the dome and treated 2×6 for the deck
- Covering. I used Thick 20 gauge UV-rated opaque vinyl. You can also cover the dome with greenhouse film, shrink film, or polycarbonate panels.
- 5 Sided Hubs
- 2.5″ Long Construction Screws
- Significant Other and or Friends that owe you a favor
- Electric wire
- Outdoor electric junctions boxes
- Plants
- Seeds
Tool List:
ALL OF THEM…
Geodesic Dome Greenhouse Kits:
Wrapping Up
Would I do this again? Yes, I have more experience in many disciplines which would make it easier. This Geodesic Domes Greenhouse creates a green oasis in the middle of winter. Perfect for a sustainable lifestyle in a colder climate.
I would not have been able to do this without the help of my family. Thank you all so much for your help!
This was an amazing experience, and I learned so much. I hope that this post will help you if you are thinking about building a Geodesic Dome Greenhouse.
Please feel free to ask any questions in the comments. I would love to help where I can.
Don’t be afraid to try something new and challenging.
