Last October we announced plans to build a geodesic dome greenhouse at the City Sprouts North Community Garden site. As of June 2021, we are thrilled to announce the completion of the exterior build.
In the nature of true teamwork, and with the detailed supervision of a Growing Spaces expert, City Sprouts staff built this 530 square foot beauty from the ground up in just four days.
HOW IT WORKS
Growing Spaces greenhouses are one of a kind in more ways than one. They are manufactured in Colorado with recycled, US-sourced materials. You also may have noticed the unique design of the dome. The geodesic structure - made of rigid triangles - makes the greenhouse naturally wind-resistant and immensely strong even through snow.
[Graphic/Photo Credit to Growing Spaces®]
The dome is extremely energy efficient. Its curved surface allows for even heat input by the sun throughout the day. By having 40% less surface area than a typical rectangular structure, Growing Dome greenhouses are more effective at keeping stable temperatures through a cold winter. The above-ground pond also acts as an efficient, natural climate control mechanism preventing overheating in the summer. Even soil temperature is maintained through solar-powered air circulation. The solar panel located on the outside of the dome produces electricity to power a fan which blows air inside the greenhouse through pipes buried in the perimeter raised soil beds.
[Graphic/Photo Credit to Growing Spaces®]
Read more about how the geodesic structure works here.
HOW IT WILL BE USED
This geodesic dome greenhouse is a dream come true for City Sprouts staff. In addition to supporting our year-round food growth objective, the dome will serve as a hands-on classroom and learning environment and winter sensory garden.
Future plans include building raised beds both on the exterior and interior, and growing various fruit trees and vegetable gardens throughout. The above-ground pond will provide a home for fish and aquatic plants. Controlled temperatures will allow us to get a head start on growing seedlings and extending our growing season to be able to provide even more food to the local Omaha community.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
We cannot wait to share the final, finished product with you all. We anticipate lots of visitors for years to come whether it be for field trips, classes, tours - the possibilities are endless.
In order to make our dream a reality, we need your help! Calling all landscapers, carpenters, and folks who can help build out the raised beds and/or fill the inside of the dome with pavers and structures. Contact Shannon Kyler, City Sprouts North Manager, if you are interested in volunteering for future greenhouse projects.
Keep an eye out for additional opportunities to help support and complete our geodesic dome greenhouse project!
SPECIAL THANKS
Special thanks go to our friends at the Conagra Brands Foundation for choosing City Sprouts as a recipient of the Nourish Our Community Grant. And, big shouts to McGill Brothers Inc. for helping lay the foundation of this beautiful structure, and Growing Spaces for leading us through the process.