Assessment of Geodesic Dome Greenhouse Over 12 Years: Practical Experiences and Evaluation

Assessment of Geodesic Dome Greenhouse Over 12 Years: Practical Experiences and Evaluation

Roaming Through a Decade with Geodesic Dome Greenhouses: The Ups, the Downs, and the Fixes

Brace yourself for a Greenhouse Dome Building Review tailored towards the unique requirements of these structures! After a 12-year journey, it's time to share our insights on Geodesic Dome Greenhouses, focusing on the challenges associated with combining wood and plastic in a high-humidity environment.

Our first venture into the geodesic dome greenhouse world began in 2011. We built an all-wood structure, sans connectors, and enjoyed three fruitful seasons. But alas! We had to bid adieu to this beauty due to a relocation, leaving the new owners to enjoy it until 2023. Fast forward to 2017, determined to conquer the world of dome greenhouses again, we built our second one using connectors. While it stands firm to this day, it does need a bit of TLC.

Wooden Structures -简介替代版更便扼

Geodesic Dome greenhouses, essentially wooden frame enclosed with plastic, offer a cost-effective solution. However, wood and high humidity isn't always a match made in heaven. Our first dome, constructed with spruce wood and an unremembered wood protection product, succumbed to rot, especially at the joints and areas in contact with the plastic cover. On the other hand, the structure's overall strength surprised us, withstanding the weight of the new owner during a demonstrative hang.

For our second dome, equipped with connectors, we used spruce wood and treated it ourselves using Eco-wood, aimed to extend the structure's lifespan. However, it seemed our efforts weren't enough to combat rot, primarily affecting the struts. The connectors, however, remained in top shape. With seven seasons under their belt, we ponder the prospects of replacing more struts, or perhaps opting for a different type of wood.

Leg Clips and Connectors - Strong As a Bull, With Beauty to Match

We used lag bolts to connect the wood to the pipe connectors, which held strong, despite some minor loosening under high tension areas such as around the door. For an alternative approach, the owner of our first all-wood dome greenhouse rebuilt his structure using pipe connectors but opted for screws instead. It will be interesting to observe how this method fares in terms of longevity and stability.

The Great Debate: Windows or No Windows

Our first dome featured two windows for ventilation, along with a door. After relocation, the new owner added more windows and an exhaust fan for hot days, yet the setup failed to provide nighttime heat. In contrast, our second greenhouse, devoid of windows, captured and stored heat using a water tank, releasing it through a simple heat exchanger.

The windowless approach allowed us to extend the growing season down to -10 degrees Celsius, but operating a water pump and ventilator required constant energy. Opting for a windowed setup might prevent premature rot and series of repairs due to dampness.

Dome Dressing - Choosing the Right Covering

Our first dome donned greenhouse-grade poly, procured second-hand from a commercial greenhouse, which held well throughout. Our second dome, however, boasted shrink film, an intriguing concept that didn't quite deliver as expected owing to temperature fluctuations and repair needs each spring. Striking a balance between the right covering material, durability, and cost will help maintain the structural integrity of your Geodesic Dome Greenhouse.

Our harsh climate, including frost, wind, and hail, wreaks havoc on the covering. However, only the affected areas require replacement, significantly saving on cost compared to replacing the entire cover. We've been using this cover for seven seasons, but it's now time for a replacement. To allow the soil to recover naturally, we uncovered the dome structure during the fall.

Onwards and Upwards - Building Another Geodesic Dome Greenhouse?

Despite the challenges, we've grown fond of the Geodesic Dome Greenhouse and are contemplating another one. It appears that the dome's lifespan averages around ten years. With its low-cost and DIY appeal, it's perfect for woodworking enthusiasts. However, investing in expensive coverings that last much longer might be more practical unless you also opt for a longer-lasting wood type. Using coverings that retain heat during the night and release it during the day could help keep energy costs low.

Employing an above-ground water tank for thermal mass and plant watering was a smart move. Additionally, the pipe connectors have proven durable, making it effortless to prepare a dome if needed.

In a nutshell, the Geodesic Dome Greenhouse provides an affordable and attractive solution for DIY enthusiasts. However, expect ongoing maintenance requirements and attention. Share your experiences with us, as stories from the trenches help others considering similar projects.

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• The cold climate has presented challenges when it comes to maintaining the plastic covering of our Geodesic Dome Greenhouse, with temperature fluctuations causing issues such as repairs each spring.
• Our experience with greenhouse gardening in a geodome has shown us that while wooden frame structures can provide a cost-effective solution, they may not be the best choice when combined with high humidity climates due to potential rot issues.
• In our quest to extend the lifespan of our Geodesic Dome Greenhouse, we've explored various methods, such as treating the wood with Eco-wood and using alternative connectors like screws instead of lag bolts.
• Embracing a home-and-garden lifestyle, we've learned that maintaining a Geodesic Dome Greenhouse requires ongoing attention, whether it's attending to the covering, the soil, or the overall structure of the dome.

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