The darkest day of the year has past and so let the sunshine come closer to the garden ((please)). In this post I share a video of what to expect in a 20 foot geodesic bio dome like mine in Ohio. You will find a vlog (video) with my personal tips and more.
Geodesic Bio Dome After Winter Solstice Update
Today marks seven days after the winter solstice, typically the darkest period within my 20-foot geodesic biodome here in Ohio. As you can observe, the surrounding trees stand bare for the winter, allowing the structure to absorb the maximum amount of sunlight available during this season.
The video feature on this blog post is from my Bren Haas YouTube Channel. Be sure to subscribe to the network if interested in getting updates early.
After Winter Solstice In Dome Highlights
Here’s what you can expect in my setup today: please remember that we have backup heating for when temperatures drop below freezing. It’s already past the afternoon, and the sun has barely made an appearance through the thick rain clouds. Although it’s 42°F outside, the dome has only managed to reach 45°F today due to the lack of sunlight.
Over the past 9 year of growing in this space I typically do not spend much time inside except to check on my koi fish and pond and maybe escape to take a quick ‘mental’ break from the holiday hustle!
What would I do without the large Mangave collection?! Mangave grow twice as fast as the one Agave plant I own and tolerate high levels of moisture much better. I love being surrounded by many tropical plants – and succulents as well.
The stevia herb I started from seed in my hydroponics last winter is doing wonderful in soil out in the dome. There are a few containers of canna and other odds and ends waiting for me to clean up for winter. Chances are they will start new growth in this space before I get to them.
My ‘biggest’ surprise this year is how well the water plants are doing in the large containers of water I use in the dome for passive heat.
Click on Each Image Above for Details
The plants are beginning to show signs of longing for sunlight. Many leaves have dropped, and a few of the annuals seeking winter refuge have started to go dormant. If I’m careful not to overwater them, they might just survive.
Forever grateful for that kind garden center owner who gave me my frist citrus plant many years ago… my lime, lemon and kumquat are hands down my favorite to enjoy year-round in the greenhouse / dome.
When I start thinking my dome plants are really struggling all I have to do is go peek under the frost cloth covered raised bed.. this is what to expect in late December.
Let’s Connect
What do you think of the Geodesic Bio dome as be begin the 9th year of growing year-round in it? Be honest, she is getting a little rough and I hope to do some major structure changes soon. Did you catch the new inside plastic attachment design we are testing? Leave comments and feedback in the space provided below.
Happy Gardening,
