MY 22.5ft Hemlock Dome Greenhouse

three years in the making and finally getting the dome construction underway, hope to have it enclosed by end of the week.

Looks fun...

Are you planning on glazing all directions, or just the southern aspect?

I plan on glazing all directions and then insulating the base and the Northern triangles.

these types of greenhouses always interest me.

im interested to see how this turns out.

You and me both Kelly

Worked until dark last night,

Cool!! I'd also be very interested, and interested how you'll control temp and humidity.

Thanks for sharing.

my plan is to put a window on the east and west sides as well as two windows near the top of the dome. Currently trying to source temperature activated window openers.

Hopefully this will help regulate temp and humidity, I also have planes to setup a micro controller to monitor soil temp, air temp and soil moisture.

But that is down the road a bit.


matt

Matthew Gorham wrote: Currently trying to source temperature activated window openers.

matt

im not sure if this helps or not, but i have seen these types of vents used on geodesic greenhouses:

How automatic vent openers work: Vent openers do not require electricity. The opener has a metal cylinder containing a mineral which expands when heated. This pushes a piston that opens the vent. As the temperature cools, the mineral shrinks and a spring closes the vent and resets the piston. The opening and closing of the vent is gradual allowing just the right amount of air flow for cooling.

http://www.littlegreenhouse.com/accessory/vent2.shtml

i have seen them setup to open inward - that way the wind doesnt rip it off

of course, if you have electricity there, there are far more options.

Fantastic. I am also building a geodesic dome greenhouse but work has taken over at the moment but I will get it done soon I promise

Paul

One more piece and dome will be enclosed.

Last piece installed!!

raised bed design

Max temp in dome today, two windows open and no door

Toasty warm. That is 120* F. I'd verify sensor placement. It should not be in direct sunlight. Circulation fans will help - if you care at this point, prior to plants. Looks great


- L. Daniels

No roof vents yet, sensor is on the north side about half way up

Half of the raised beds installed, still have to insulate wall and ground.

wow, looks great.

do you think you will need more windows for cooling? maybe some shade cloth over part of it during summer?

I do have plans to add some roof vents like the windows, I am also trying to source a large water tank or shipping tote to hold water. That would help regulate temps.

Added a light for night work!!!

Matthew Gorham wrote:I do have plans to add some roof vents like the windows, I am also trying to source a large water tank or shipping tote to hold water. That would help regulate temps.

sounds pretty similar to "grow domes" that i see scattered across CO

will you be piping air under the soil to keep it warm during the winter too?

Yeah i may do that if i can scrounge some piping!!!

found a source for a few ibc totes, may put in a small aquaponics systems as well, we will see.

beds are all done, and now time to finish insulating

Coming along nicely. Is there anything under the raised bed floor insulation? Looks like 1" ridged foam board on top of compacted crushed rock. Any plans to heat the bed? Or just insulate.

- L. Daniels

I may pipe some hot air in from the top of the dome, but currently have no plans for a heating system. Would love to do a RMH, but need to do more research.

Aquaponics tank and bed setup, plumbings next.

great project
please how did you layed the dome and ponywall? directly on the ground? or what is it? Have you used cedar wood or some hydroisolation?
Where have you placed the entrance, please?

You used foil for covering, do you think to have greens in the winter, too?

thanks

Alex Goozoon wrote:great project
please how did you layed the dome and ponywall? directly on the ground? or what is it? Have you used cedar wood or some hydroisolation?
Where have you placed the entrance, please?

You used foil for covering, do you think to have greens in the winter, too?

thanks

Hey Alex,

I built my dome directly on gravel and it drains very well.. The dome is made out of hemlock which i pretty rot resistant. IT is covered in 8mm poly that is uv protected. I dont think i will be able to grow in the winter but should be able to get 2-3 extra months of grow season.

this is where the door is located,

do you have a closer look to 8mm poly you used? or url to check? please
and what about the entrance? south, south-east?

entrance is southeast. This is where i bought the poly from

http://www.greenhousepoly.ca/

Update, roof vents are installed beds have been filled with top soil, peat moss and sheep manure. Beds are all planted.

Thanks
How big is it?

Like the title says, 22.5 across and 12.5 feet tall.

projected my yourself or you bought the plans, please?

I purchased plans from http://geo-dome.co.uk/

Installed door today, not square, but a door none the less.

Trimmed out my raised beds and starting to see some plants come up, ****IT Works****

Dome party

Added some clay to my grow bed, and some more grow pics.,