Prepare the arrival of your Serre Dôme ®

You can check if there are restrictions for the installation of a greenhouse in your area by contacting the technical or planning department of your municipality. In addition, neighbors can be aware and hopefully they will support your efforts and take advantage of your surpluses.
Usually the dome is likened to a temporary, removable structure that does not need foundations. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the location of your greenhouse:

ORIENTATION
>> The horizon must be completely cleared primarily to the south, then to the east and west (in that order).
If you have a lot of sun in the summer this can cause overheating problems. Deciduous trees are then useful because they let the sun pass in winter while bringing some shade in summer.
If you can choose between the morning sun or the afternoon sun, plants prefer the morning sun. The location of the dome should have a minimum of 4 to 5 hours of sunshine a day to be effective. If there is less, the greenhouse will work but you may need to add an auxiliary heater in winter.

PROXIMITY TO HOUSING
>> If your dome is near your house it will be easier to go for a walk and pick up fresh vegetables or salad. In addition, it is also easier to make a path to clear the snow and bring water.

A SHELTER LOCATION
>> Choosing a place sheltered from the wind is a good idea to reduce thermal losses in winter, and to reduce the stress on the aerators if they are open.

SOIL PREPARATION
>> It is better to have a flat and level site. The site must be leveled, and normally the owners choose to excavate the high side and climb up the slope side with a retaining wall made of beams or rocks. If your soil is poor and rocky you can choose to dig 30 to 50 cm, and bring back some topsoil, or simply lay it on the existing soil. At this stage, it is strongly advised to remove all the weeds because to do it after is really a work of convict (I know some thing). Also remove weeds and rhizomes 50 cm around the dome, to prevent them from growing under the wall and in the insulation! If you have moles, you can install a fine mesh metal net on the floor of the dome.

AMENITIES
>> Install the water, is an option to take into account although it is not necessary for the operation of the dome. Some homeowners use a polyethylene water line, which can freeze and thaw without damage.
During the winter, the plants can be watered directly from the water tank because the water demand is low and the tank can be filled about once a month.
In summer the dome can be watered by hand, with a hose, or an automatic watering system or drips.

>> A gas heater is more economical and environmentally friendly, choose propane that is more resistant to frost than butane. Your plants will appreciate the extra CO² produced by burning.
>> Electricity is not essential for domes below 10 meters in diameter. The interior lighting is still appreciable especially in winter. The 7.9 m domes have a solar fan provides. Other fans can be installed if needed in very hot areas.
From 10 m diameter the kit includes fans powered by 220V. It is therefore imperative for these domes to provide a sector arrival.