GardenDome - Best Geodesic Dome Greenhouse
(Survival Garden) Construction Plans
optimized for low cost and simple wood frame construction using common woodworking tools
GardenDome Benefits
GardenDome is attractive, both inside and out.
GardenDome is strong and able to withstand even Northwest Montana winters.
Geodesic domes are the strongest structures for their weight ever devised, able to cover more space without internal supports than any other enclosures. They are being used for all types of applications, including housing, stadiums, fairs, greenhouses, survival gardens. Visit the Dome FAQ for general wood-strut geodesic dome discussions.
The next photograph shows GardenDome surviving a Montana winter with 40 inches (1000 mm) of snow on the ground and on the dome, supporting approximately 3500 pounds (1600 kilograms) of snow on top of the dome. |
GardenDome provides a proper door that opens into the dome, so it is not blocked by winter snow.
The GardenDome door framework and door can withstand the abuses of many entries and exits a day, allowing for easy transport of gardening tools, supplies and the bounty of the garden fruits and vegetables (see next photograph).
The plans include instructions on how to quickly construct, in an hour or two, the frame and panel door shown in the next photograph from a single $21 sheet of CDX exterior plywood. |
GardenDome is superior for greenhouse & survival garden applications,
Providing optimal conditions for photosynthesis using available sunlight to provide both heat and light, extending the average Northwest Montana 82 day growing season from
82 days (June 16 – September 6) to 286 days (March 6 – November 10). GardenDome structure also provides perfect attachment points for trellis netting used to support climbing vegetables (peas, beans, tomatoes) as shown in the next photograph. Refer to the Dome FAQ for science included in GardenDome to provide optimal conditions for plant growth. |
The GardenDome is Inexpensive and easily built using commonly available woodworking tools.
The next photograph shows all the tools required to build the dome, easily fitting on a table saw table.
The GardenDome is Inexpensive and easily built using commonly available woodworking tools.
The next photograph shows all the tools required to build the dome, easily fitting on a table saw table.
The GardenDome uses standard 2×4 or 2×3 framing lumber ($284) or can use recycled lumber for absolute lowest cost. The optimized dimensions for a 15.4 foot diameter dome and efficient cutting guide reduce the standard 2x4 or 2x3 lumber requirements by 78 lineal feet.
Table Saw with tilt blade (shown without blade guard only for this photograph) Use Guard!
Tape Measure - used for all length measurements.
Hand Saw – used to trim struts after triangles are constructed.
Hammer – used to tap struts into place when clamping on template and to correct the occasional errant staple.
Scissors – used to trim the greenhouse polyethylene.
Staple Gun – used to attach greenhouse polyethylene to dome frames.
Clamps – used to hold struts to template while you screw triangles together, and to hold triangles and panels together while you screw them together. You will need at least 3 clamps, but 6 would be better. They don't need to be the same. They just need to span at least 4 inches (100 mm) and not slip when clamped.
- With Rip Fence – used to rip and bevel struts and base beams.
- With Miter Gauge – used to cut struts to length, to miter struts and to miter base beams.
Tape Measure - used for all length measurements.
Hand Saw – used to trim struts after triangles are constructed.
Hammer – used to tap struts into place when clamping on template and to correct the occasional errant staple.
Scissors – used to trim the greenhouse polyethylene.
Staple Gun – used to attach greenhouse polyethylene to dome frames.
Clamps – used to hold struts to template while you screw triangles together, and to hold triangles and panels together while you screw them together. You will need at least 3 clamps, but 6 would be better. They don't need to be the same. They just need to span at least 4 inches (100 mm) and not slip when clamped.
GardenDome Construction Plans
GardenDome represents perhaps the best low-cost, easily built, wood frame geodesic dome greenhouse (survival garden) construction plan. One customer (B.L.) wrote:
- "Wow, just perused the document, very impressive! I like the attention to detail in the directions, and the use of photographs is very helpful. I appreciate the fact that you have put together such a comprehensive plan, and charged such a nominal amount for the information so that more people can utilize the knowledge! "
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The GardenDome Plans include:
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