Dome provides options at community garden

WORLAND – A project that began last fall with raising funds came to fruition last week with the construction of the geodesic dome in the northeast corner of the Worland Community Garden.

The dome will help extend the growing season.

University of Wyoming Extension Educator from Washakie County Caitlin Youngquist said they raised $2,000 as a match for a SeedMoney grant for the dome workshop that involved building the dome.

"It will allow us to increase our production by extending our growing season by a few weeks in the spring and fall. We are so excited to have it, and sincerely appreciate everyone who contributed to our fundraiser," Youngquist said.

She added that the community garden grows 2,500-3,000 pounds of vegetables annually for social service organizations, the food pantry and local families.

The dome shape will hold up better to wind and snow than a more traditional hoop house design, Youngquist said.

Coleman Griffith was the instructor for the workshop.

"He did a great job showing people how to build the structure, and nobody fell off a ladder," Youngquist said.

The geodesic dome is 21 feet in diameter and 346 square feet.

Former community garden director Erin Day-Gennett said in an interview last fall that Worland is listed in a 4B zone by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, meaning it has a short growing window and is in a cold desert classification. That short growing season is about four months.

Day-Gennett said tomatoes would benefit and be protected from the weather, including hail and hard freezes. Other produce that would benefit are squash and peppers.

She said trellises can be used inside the dome to help use space wisely.

Youngquist added, "This will allow us to grow more food, and provide a place to start seedlings."