Last Updated on June 16, 2023 by Rental Recon
If you love gardening but live in a climate that prevents you from growing all year long, a geodesic dome greenhouse may be the perfect solution for you. A geodesic dome greenhouse will allow avid gardeners to sustainably grow clean, healthy food all year round, no matter where they live.
If you are ready to extend your growing season, you need to choose which geodesic dome greenhouse is best for gardeners. At Rental Recon, we have researched and reviewed the top three dome greenhouses on the market. Keep reading for our results.
The 3 Best Geodesic Dome Greenhouses are:
- Our Top Pick: Ekodome Geodesic Dome Kits
- Runner Up: Pacific Domes
- Notable Mention: GGS Greenhouse Dome
Our Top Pick: Ekodome Geodesic Dome Greenhouse Kit
After researching and testing several different geodesic dome kits for greenhouses, we have found that the Ekodome kit is the best option for gardeners who want a dome greenhouse.
Why Does Ekodome Make the Perfect Greenhouse?
Ekodome offers customers five different sizes of geodesic domes, so depending on the size garden you need and the types of plants you want to include, you will have no problem finding the right Ekodome for your space.
Ekodome’s Terra model was designed specifically with greenhouses in mind — it has 366 square feet of floor area and is over 13 feet tall. This model will allow ambitious gardeners to plant a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and the high ceiling allows enough space for some citrus trees.
If the Terra model isn’t right for you, you can choose from one of the other four models:
Seed
For a smaller backyard, the seed will make a perfect greenhouse if you want to grow a few select plants. It has 40 square feet of growing space and is 6 feet tall.
Luna
Luna, like Terra, is a great option for a greenhouse. It has 183 square feet of growing space and a 9.5-foot height. Although you won’t be able to plant fruit trees like in the Terra, Luna offers ample floor space for a lot of different plants.
Stellar and Cosmos
Stellar and Cosmos are the two largest kits offered by Ekodome. If you have a large area of land that you plan to commit to growing space, these two models with almost 700 square feet of floor area and standing at 15 and 20 feet tall are perfect.
What Does an Ekodome Geodesic Dome Kit Include?
Ekodome’s kits include all the materials you will need to build the frame of your dome. Most of the models can be put together in a few hours with a cordless screwdriver and an Allen key.
The following materials will be included in your dome kit:
- Aluminum struts and strut caps
- Aluminum hubs and hub caps
- TPE and EPDM seals for waterproofing
- Hardware (bolts, nuts, screws)
- Instruction manual
- Any add-ons you ordered with the kit
It is important to remember that Ekodome does not provide covers at this time. If you choose to build a dome with an Ekodome kit, you will need to purchase your own cover. Most people use some type of clear poly film for greenhouse covers.
Standout Features of the Ekodome Geodesic Dome Kit
Ekodome’s unique features really make it stand out from other greenhouse dome kits in the industry. These frames are weatherproof, windproof, and easy to install. Some other standout features include:
- Corrosion-proof aluminum alloy frame material
- Add-ons for all kits
- Triangular templates to create custom covers
- Ten-year warranty by Ekodome
The best part about Ekodome kits is their versatility. Dome structures can be used for much more than gardening. Some customers have used Ekodome kits to create a custom tiny house. Check out our article about total dome home build-outs.
Ekodome Kit Pricing
Ekodome’s various size and customization options make a greenhouse dome accessible for any budget. Seed can be purchased and set up ready for planting for under $1000. As the models increase in size, the price also increases. You can also customize your dome with various add-ons, which will add to the price.
Our Runner Up: Pacific Domes
Pacific Domes has a line of complete greenhouse domes for both the home gardener and the industrial grower. Their seven size options ensure that you will be able to find the perfect size dome to extend your growing season no matter what you choose to plant.
Pacific Domes Greenhouse Size Options
Gardeners can choose from seven different greenhouse models:
- 16ft T Greenhouse Dome
- 20ft Greenhouse Dome
- 24ft Greenhouse Dome
- 30ft Greenhouse Dome
- 36ft Greenhouse Dome
- 44ft Greenhouse Dome
- 60ft Greenhouse Dome
The smaller models are perfect for home gardeners to use in their backyard to grow their favorite fruits and vegetables all year long. The larger models are more suitable for commercial growers who need additional space and ceiling height for larger plants.
Pacific Domes Greenhouse Cover
Unlike Ekodome, Pacific Dome’s greenhouses come with a cover made from greenhouse vinyl. These systems are energy-efficient and perfect for hydroponics. The cover provides climate and light control but also provides your plants with natural sunlight and fresh air.
Geodesic greenhouse domes are becoming more and more popular, so more companies are manufacturing and producing these kits. For a complete list of the top Geodesic Dome Manufacturers, CLICK HERE.
Check Out Our Other Articles on Rental Recon:
- Where to Buy Geodesic Domes (2023): Best Options to Save Money
- Best Roof for a Geodesic Dome: Which Material is Optimal? (2023)
- The 3 Best Geodesic Dome Greenhouses for Gardeners (2023)
Notable Mention: GGS Greenhouse Dome
The GGS Greenhouse Geodesic Dome is a simple geodesic dome kit that allows gardeners to easily add a greenhouse dome to their backyard. The GGS dome has an 18ft diameter, so it will fit in most backyards, and it is easy to assemble.
Features of the GGS Greenhouse Dome
The GGS dome frame is made of ½” galvanized steel. It is strong, so it can stand up to high winds and rough climates. The cover is a 7mil marine poly shrink cover. This allows your plants to benefit from natural sunlight.
This greenhouse is only 229lbs, so it can be easily moved and relocated around your backyard. Some customers even choose to set it up on a deck with growing boxes for easy access to their plants.
Pros and Cons of the GGS Greenhouse Dome
This geodesic greenhouse dome has several pros and cons that should be considered before buying.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to assemble the frame
- Easily order right from GGS’s Amazon store
- Ideal for backyards
Cons:
- You must pay more for the optional door kit
- The shrink wrap cover is difficult to put on
The GGS dome is a great starter greenhouse dome. It is affordable and easy to install. This is perfect for the at-home gardener who wants to grow their own plants in harsh climates or protect their plants from critters who may try to eat them.
Related Questions:
Why are Geodesic DomesUsed for Greenhouses?
Geodesic domes are used for greenhouses because the dome shape promotes more efficient air circulation and helps keep the temperature even throughout the structure. With a typical rectangular greenhouse, plants will only receive heat and light when the sun is directly overhead. With a geodesic dome greenhouse, the plants receive heat and light all day.
What Materials are Used to Construct a Dome?
Different companies construct greenhouse domes from different materials. It is common to use a frame material like aluminum alloy that is rust and corrosion-resistant. It is also important that the frame material is strong enough to withstand wind, rain, and snow. For a cover, most greenhouse domes use a greenhouse vinyl or poly film cover.
