-
Clear sunny days generate a lot of heat under the dome. It is better to over ventilate than to under ventilate.
-
The south side of the dome is the hot side. Plant crops that prefer heat and light in the south half, cool weather crops in the north half.
-
Use a dial thermometer with a 6" stem to watch ground temperatures. If ground temperatures at 6" depth climb above 80° and all ventilation is at maximum level, partially roll back or remove vinyl cover.
-
When
weather becomes warm and stable remove the cover but not the framework. Fold
the dry cover and store it out of the sun. Keep it close by, though, ready
for sudden adverse temperatures! -
Start young tomato plants around August 1st in the northern areas to September 1st in the southern regions for a vigorous late season crop. These will bear tomatoes through Thanksgiving or Christmas in the north to all winter in the middle or southern states. Do not stake this late crop. It will be safer from frost if it is close to the ground.
-
If
a very hard freeze is expected (outside temperatures below 20°), covering
sensitive plants under the dome will often save the crop. Newspapers, a bed
sheet or sheet plastic will work fine. Ground temperature inside the dome
will determine how necessary this is. -
Store your salads and 'tators for winter. Late root crops like potatoes, parsnips, carrots, onions, turnips, etc. might not need to be harvested in fall, depending on winter temperatures. In the very cold regions, cover your crop with light insulation like straw. These crops can be stored in the dome and harvested fresh all winter long.
-
Do
not plant large areas of one single vegetable. Plant only what you need for
a given time and plant often to assure a continuing fresh supply. You will
be able to harvest many successive plantings of most vegetables. -
Check sub-soil for moisture occasionally. The surface may look wet from surface watering but the soil will need an occasional soaking. Soils vary so watering techniques will too. Observe and experiment.
-
Handy accessories to your SolarGardenDome might be a permanent electrical outlet and water line inside the dome.
-
A
reclining lawn chair is real nice to have in the dome on a sunny warm March
day. Kick back and enjoy a nap surrounded with the pleasant aroma of plant
life!
