Chapters 7 / 14
  1. 1 This is a Growing Dome
  2. 2 Choosing the Right Size
  3. 3 Build Site Selection
  4. 4 Climate, Utilities & Year-Round Use
  5. 5 Ownership Expectations
  6. 6 Choosing the Right Foundation
  7. 7 Owner-Supplied Items & Accessories
  8. 8 Permitting & Approvals
  9. 9 Delivery & Site Preparation
  10. 10 Assembly & Installation
  11. 11 Budgeting & Project Planning
  12. 12 Maintenance Overview
  13. 13 Next Steps
  14. 14 Continued Learning & Resources

Owner-Supplied Items & Accessories

Heating, ventilation, water, shading and interior growing systems you supply yourself.

Wooden raised beds and interior framing inside an unfinished dome

Growing Dome projects combine structural kit components and core features, with locally sourced materials and optional systems. Additional items are typically tailored to your specific site, foundation, climate, and intended use. Some items are intentionally sourced locally because they are bulky, region-specific, or dependent on your final setup.

Owner-Supplied Items

Certain materials are not included in the kit and are typically sourced locally. These are often bulk or site-specific items that are more practical to purchase near your project location.

Common categories include:

  • Foundation materials (gravel, concrete, insulation)
  • Site preparation materials (fill, grading, drainage solutions)
  • Utility materials (electrical wiring, water lines, fittings)
  • Interior build materials (beds, pathways, framing, finishes)
  • Tools and equipment for assembly and site work

Material requirements vary depending on dome size and foundation type. Arctic Acres can provide project-specific checklists to help guide this process.

Heating Systems

Supplemental heating is commonly used to maintain stable temperatures during colder periods, especially for winter growing.

Common options include:

  • Electric heaters
  • Propane or natural gas systems
  • Wood or alternative heating sources
  • Solar-assisted heating solutions

The appropriate system depends on your climate, utilities, and growing goals.

Ventilation & Airflow

Proper airflow supports temperature control and plant health. While the dome includes built-in ventilation, some setups benefit from additional systems:

  • Additional fans
  • Additional vents or automated vent timers
  • Air circulation systems

Water & Irrigation

Water systems can be configured based on your site and level of automation.

Common setups include:

  • Hose-fed irrigation
  • Automated watering systems
  • Pumps or standalone solutions

Cooling and Shading

Managing heat is essential during warmer months.

Each Growing Dome includes an aluminum shade cloth as part of the standard kit, which is sufficient for most applications.

Additional solutions can be added if needed:

  • Additional shade cloth or layering
  • Reflective coatings such as Redusol
  • Exterior shade systems or sails

Interior Growing Systems

The interior of the dome is fully customizable.

Common additions include:

  • Raised garden beds
  • Soil and growing mediums
  • Hydroponic or vertical growing systems
  • Supplemental lighting for low-light conditions