Couple Growing Food *Year Round* in a Backyard Permaculture Micro Farm with Geodesic Dome Greenhouse

Deborah and Gabe transformed an empty backyard lawn into an abundant permaculture micro-farm where they're growing fresh fruits and vegetables for themselves, and for sale at their farm gate stand. To grow food year-round in a northern climate, they also have a geodesic dome greenhouse with an indoor pond that helps regulate the temperature in all 4 seasons.
You can follow and find out more about The Ecobubble here:
www.ecobubble.ca/
/ ecobubblemicrofarm
The couple is using permaculture and hügelkultur methods to grow food in their backyard gardens and they don't use any pesticides or herbicides. They've planted a food forest with fruit and nut trees, and they've also planted fruit trees and native plant species to feed birds and pollinators like bees and butterflies.
The 26’ geodesic growing dome is from Arctic Acres in Canada:
arcticacres.ca/
These domes are available from Growing Spaces in the United States:
growingspaces.com/
With a 1/2 acre of land, some infrastructure, and a whole lot of hard work, Deborah and Gabe are already growing loads of fresh food for themselves, their neighbours, and the wildlife around them. We can't wait to see what they get up to this year on their future homestead! You can follow along on their journey in bringing The Ecobubble vision to reality here:
www.ecobubble.ca/
/ ecobubblemicrofarm
Special thank you to Laurie from Right Arm Builds ([e-mail]) for being a growing dome ninja super star on filming day!
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
-------------------------------------------------------------
STAY IN TOUCH!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Website: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: / exploringalternativesblog
Instagram: / exploringalternatives
-------------------------------------------------------------
COMMENTS
-------------------------------------------------------------
We want our channel and our comments section to be an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome to watch and contribute. For this reason, comments that are inappropriate or hateful will be reported and/or deleted.
Please discuss and debate with respect, and report inappropriate or hateful comments directly to KZbin.
-------------------------------------------------------------
CREDITS
-------------------------------------------------------------
Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.
Editing Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives
Photo Credits:
Photos provided by Deborah and Gabe of The Ecobubble
#permaculture #backyardfarming #backyardgardening

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for watching! You can follow The Ecobubble here: facebook.com/ecobubblemicrofarm www.ecobubble.ca/ And find out more about the geodesic growing domes here: Arctic Acres in Canada: arcticacres.ca/ Growing Spaces in the US: growingspaces.com/

[@Felaura]

I love the handpan music! =D

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks, it's cool that you noticed! It's such a fun instrument to play :)

[@gcaira]

Thank you so much, Mat and Danielle, for telling our story with such care and elegance. Amazing work! D&G

[@MrJimtheRooster]

Try using watering ollas for carrots after germinating them underneath a piece of untreated wood.

[@WTFwuzdat]

What a beautiful story. Offering a "pay what you can" option to people is such a kind way to help others and build community. Hopefully, those with lots of money will choose to pay more than the suggested price.

[@fionafiona1146]

That's frequently the case, including for bake sales and Yard sales

[@its_jawsh6145]

Lol, “hopefully”. I’ll try it down here in South LA and see how it goes lmao

[@ceciliapreziose3783]

and letting people keep their dignity

[@juditharsenault2131]

It doesn't matter. They will reap what they sow. Sow good, reap good.

[@Kath1813]

@@juditharsenault2131 TRUE!

[@dragonicelv]

I started crying when she talked about food insecurity, feeding each other and pay what you can.

[@barbarawarren9443]

Yes! Yes! Yes! ❤😄❤

[@Momofukudoodoowindu]

Tf? What's the universe gonna do? 🤣

[@sydneykate]

I've seen a few geodesic dome builds. The idea that this is Toronto and it works--despite few snags, is extremely promising.

[@MarinaLaroche]

If you check their company they have sold domes in even more northern locations.

[@thedurtfamily]

Can’t wait to be learning from these videos. Our family is about to purchase land in the Appalachian mountains and begin our journey of offgrid living. 🌱

[@ExploringAlternatives]

That's really exciting! Best of luck on your new adventure :)

[@honey3693]

Good luck. Best wishes to the family. 🍀

[@sparkyin3d]

So exciting! May you thrive and be abundant at all times! Enjoy your journey love

[@miranda_miranda]

This is my dream lifestyle! ❤ A partner in the same page, countryside life, mud house, living offgrid, planting our own food... paradise ❤

[@Momofukudoodoowindu]

A husband?

[@boxessquare1366]

Wow ❤❤

[@heavenwithin81]

My heart longs to live like this.

[@karenstanislaw8912]

Ideal. Much respect and admiration. They'll be healthier, and the world's a little better for it - ask the bees!

[@nanchesca3950]

That is my dream, to have a little stand with my surplus, pay what you can! Awesome!!

[@PatriciaSLay]

Pickled beet from home are the best I just made some. Oh so good.

[@loril.mangold8160]

It's Great that you are using a geodesic dome, for your green house, when I was 17, in my high school, in Art class we constructed a geodesic dome as a class project, thats when domes were first being built in the 70's,

[@jennifferhurlburt642]

This is truly inspirational, I live in Guelph Ontario. Never thought we could grow year round! Thank you for sharing this amazing property with us!

[@miranda_miranda]

You can suscribe to Tyler and Todd's channel, they are from Canada living offgrid and growing they're own food.

[@valerieb3195]

What a blessing it is to have inherited those seeds!

[@beckymay439]

Yes! Pay what you can and vegetable exchange is a great idea! Let's rely less on the financial system and more on each other.

[@korinasaurus]

The longer I've been gardening and the more gardening videos I watch the more I become appreciative of being in zone 9a

[@chattykathie7129]

My husband has Parkinson’s, his passion is gardening. It’s therapeutic for him. It would be great if you could share your experience with people like him. 😍 we plant some plants in a raised bed near our road with a sign free pick a few.

[@guinnevereschronicles2225]

Their garden looks lovely and peaceful, and I love that they’re sharing their produce

[@samsdaughterdehaven9990]

I don't have a level square yard on our 6 acres! Your lot is marvelous! Truly a blank canvas.

[@rhondakeith1617]

Love the radish pods. People can them as pickles.

[@SheriffofYouTube]

Momma's Seeds makes the journey so much more beautiful

[@debspeak]

They really do! We’ve been able to germinate seeds from her that are 20 years old! ♥️🥬🍓🍅😊

[@dionkacraig7642]

Did they say half acre 😩…..really opening my mind!! Thank you so much!

[@plantahari]

love all those cruciferous greens! they won't be lacking for calcium, iron, many vitamins, fiber in their senior years!

[@SaviourV]

They're old enough, and sprightly too. Probably living a better life than most of us.

[@thebillbaker4793]

Just two words: THE BEST

[@arcticacres]

We really appreciate Deb and Gabe! They have been an exceptional source of inspiration and wisdom for many of our dome owners, and they exemplify some of the virtues we see in so many of our customers - ingenuity, patience, hard work, passion, generosity, and more. As uncertain as times are in Canada, these are the sorts of people and projects that give us hope. Self-reliance and community connection can help you through any challenge. 🌱📐 Keep going and keep growing!

[@minhhop3208]

Lovely life! Peaceful! Healthy !

[@normabattiss1894]

Awesome ! Awesome ! Thank You for sharing God Bless You and your Family 💜🙏

[@jamescasejr.9679]

Thanks for remind of grandparents grew 🪴 and loving story💖

[@margarettt7675]

We call our garden and preserving activities "hobbies with benefits".

[@greencortex8901]

There is nothing better than home-cooked food. And also the peaceful life in nature, far from the cities

[@graefx]

This feels like the culmination of all the ideas and concepts I've found on this channel.

[@SexiSelextivSunShine]

Just beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@dieuhoquang1]

Very inspiring couple! Love the concept of "pay what you can" and "veggie exchange" to ease off transition into abundance without being dependent on the money system. Smart and intelligent couple. Thanks!

[@milicentduckery7387]

This is what the revolution needs to look like. Truly fantastic job!

[@Synergywellnessny]

awesome! i live in nyc, wish i could do this. but when i move eventually i will be doing this. thanks.

[@Brellowcrop]

You wanna get some lavender, bees love lavender 💜

[@deborahcaira5086]

Got lots! And tons of native plants. We’re loaded with 🐝!

[@thisismexx214]

Well done 👍 keep up the good and hard work xxx much love from 🇬🇧

[@debspeak]

Thanks!!

[@sloanerifficheart7479]

I really like seeing that little mapped out plan of your property!

[@deborahcaira5086]

Thanks!

[@trkstatrksta8410]

We have a manual reel mower, no motor, no fuel, no noise, just push it. Today's modern ones are absolutely amazing. We have a VICTA. I'm 75, female and find it very easy to use. I have to mention I'm very fit and we don't have a huge amount of lawn, so just saying...😃😃😃

[@mercedesponce8632]

Absolutamente maravilloso.........inspirándome a seguir en mi proyecto.

[@keilana6]

You are living my dream. Would love to see this happen for those stuck living in apartments. Bless you for your creativity & sharing spirit. ❤

[@MFD388]

They are literally living the life I want.

[@ImASurvivorNThriver]

Good stuff! Thanks for sharing.

[@paolawortman]

So nice to finally see people from Canada in your videos!!! We are in the east coast of Canada, started a veggie garden this year and so far is going great. It is a challenge to grow food year-round and I am so thankful you guys are sharing your experience with us. Wishing you all the best and may your backyard permaculture venture be very successful and bring you joy, good health, prosperity and bonding with each other and nature! God bless you!

[@travelatel]

Beautiful scenery

[@keithlindland1800]

What a healthy lifestyle,I envy you. Wish the world would wake up to permaculture. I am from Oregon but have been living in the Philippines for 20 years.

[@megike55]

Such a beautiful and inspiring idea. It's lovely to see big lawns turned into something more useful and intentional!

[@one234569and10]

1 minute and 6 seconds in, liked. I can tell they are doing something right, well worth it.

[@hippieschick6473]

I love love those domes so much I wish they were affordable...we have a super harsh winter so looking at all these options!!!

[@deborahcaira5086]

Where are you located? Arctic Acres is in Ontario, another company called Growing Spaces in the States.

[@marycoyle5083]

You are both an inspiration and I am doing something comparable in Missouri, US! Keep the faith our communities need people like yourself! Think Vandana Shiva!

[@BearMeat4Dinner]

Im gonna build this on my lucky 13 in Upstate NY... Hopefully before the fall..

[@evenchel]

I found that a lot of IT specialists come to permaculture. That's great!

[@versi1098]

The dome set up was really interesting!

[@barbarawarren9443]

Wow! ❤

[@akindofmagick]

Wonderful!

[@nil981]

Geodesic domes are really useful in cold climates.

[@trcherrera]

Sooooo inspiring! I envision this as our future when we're older and finally go back to our home country.

[@marykelly1419]

Wow and Wow! You did it again Matt! We are so excited to watch this your latest on Alternate life styles. Art and I have been talking greenhouse for a few years…..never truly happy with what has been offered. But this! A game changer. Thank you folks for sharing your amazing story. Your life style is what we all need to be a part of to help heal our hurting world….one shared tomato at a time!

[@ilokiwi]

What is it with IT seniors and wanting to farm. Are you me? keep on going and you'll get there, dont forget you can farm vertically too for more yield.

[@abigailr4243]

Thanks for sharing! After posting the dome tours, it’s nice to see these put into practice

[@KalpeshMange92]

Mat and Danielle! Beautifully shot, this one! :)

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks so much! We really enjoyed meeting Deborah and Gabe and capturing their story. Happy you enjoyed it :)

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Such a lovely story. Wishing them all the best and continuing success with their gardens. Thanks Matt and Danielle.❤

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks Cathy :)

[@WaywardLifeSailing]

This is one of the coolest ones! the idea of being able to grow food in Canada in the winter time could change so much for the entire country and our food security.

[@TheDobsonic]

Those are two very attractive people!

[@deborahcaira5086]

Hahaha! Hi Scott!!! 🤗

[@gcaira]

😂

[@maxsioulas7794]

love it

[@dalibofurnell]

This is so incredible

[@Boo-pv4hn]

There garden is HUGE! mine is tiny in comparison but I still grow my own fruit and veg to the level I can ( what will fit on my green)

[@BuddhistZenDave]

apparently if you just sink your greenhouse 4 feet into the ground it's pretty easy to get it to be year round, china has been building these in Canada.

[@joyrasavong3884]

It's amazing story, I love garden too.These past two years I am growing a few green in my backyard but still learning and Thank You so much for sharing your experience.

[@jorgemendes1484]

What a beautiful couple. Love your garden

[@deborahlewis3954]

Wow - love what you are doing !

[@Heather.Something]

Wow, so inspiring- thanks for sharing!

[@kathleenritter4532]

This is just incredible. What an incredible blessing. I have no doubt that this requires a lot of hard work but you both are so inspirational. Thank you for sharing

[@ghomerhust]

i could really be neighbors with this couple! such a great mindset, and the yard just feels cozy while it's doing work to provide. awesome! (plus im a fish freak, i own some huge koi, plus tons of indoor tanks!)

[@lisadailey]

I love this! Thank you for sharing this couple's story.🌾🌿🌾🌿🌾

[@johnmatallana8106]

No tilling, I would not call that a lazy Gardner. More like a conscientious Gardner. I love what you said in regards to working with nature rather than controlling. Thank you for sharing your beautiful space.

[@jrmarianoy2275]

Awesome! Thanks Gabe and Deb for sharing your story.

[@RogerBeckett]

Way to go, Gabe & Deb! Making a difference in this world. Wishing you all the best and much success. 🙏

[@deborahcaira5086]

Thanks Roger!!! 😊 Come for a visit!!

[@gcaira]

Thanks, Roger!

[@rosalindtaylor3479]

I really admire this super smart couple. Just so inspiring!

[@Salima_one]

Love these two. If we all did this, growing food to whatever extent or in whatever ways we could, and then shared with each other, we would have a different world.

[@susieq0666]

I think LED grow lights might be a good option for you. They don't use much hydro and only put out the light that plants use. Your dome will be a beautiful shade of purple as an added bonus! 😊

[@sandy_sd10]

Seriously I was thinking about that also.

[@noraanderson3503]

What a lovely couple and garden ❣️

[@LynneWilliams101]

They live in a beautiful area of southwestern Ontario.

[@Heartadia]

Imagine if anyone and everyone able to do this - the amount of healing the planet would receive.

[@nembutsu1045]

nice to see the geodesic domes from the other video in action, they seem to work pretty well

[@GlorifiedGremlin]

I'm going to take a lot of inspiration from what they've got going, including that really well done blueprint. I live in New york, so it's it's similar climate as well which is perfect. Not many homesteaders/subsistence farmers up north

[@cpnotill9264]

We have that dome greenhouse..... 22ft in upstate NY.😁🌱❤

[@GlorifiedGremlin]

@@cpnotill9264 I was originally going to dig a greenhouse 4-5 feet into the ground to let the earth keep it warm during the winter, but I really like the domes they're pretty and look fun to build lol

[@cpnotill9264]

@@GlorifiedGremlin Labor of love and gives back so much! Just a joy to behold!!! Only thing different I would do is attach it to house via covered walkway! So cool...

[@deborahcaira5086]

@@GlorifiedGremlin if we could build it again, I’d probably do the 4’ dig as well with a GAHT system under the dome. 😊

[@candiwallace6605]

So awesome 👍❤🌻

[@msjfab1966]

Incredible story. I've always wanted to start my own garden. I grew up with gardens and my mother always had a garden we always had peach, apple and pear trees in the backyard. You have to have that special touch and they definitely have it.

[@deborahcaira5086]

Awww! Thank you!

[@erinjean9971]

I would love to come apprentice and learn for a few weeks so I can help with food insecurity in my community as well.

[@debspeak]

We’re always happy to take on volunteers! You can message me through our Facebook page! 🤗

[@darlastanley2548]

I love what you two have done. So wonderful!

[@organiccleanfoodconnection]

Thanks for the video very interesting. I love the dome. I have a geothermal hoop house I built from trampoline frame and old Barnwood :-) it is so awesome to go out on a cold day and enjoy paradise. I have noticed the salad greens are more sweet and crisp growing in the cool weather. You can grow carrots and cover them with 2 foot of straw and dig them up all winter. They are very sweet and crisp also.

[@micheleharris2361]

I loved this share - thanks to Gabe and Deborah for sharing this part of their journey. It’s very encouraging. Maybe considering teaching, videos perhaps, of your progress in this. It’s really interesting to see what and how you are doing this. :)

[@stabrovskyimuscle]

Уникальные люди, очень восхищён ими. Даже и не знал, что так можно жить в Канаде, Онтарио. Интересно можно ли так же жить в Саскачеван или других северных частях Канады! Я из Украины и смотрю Вас через авто переводчик. Спасибо большое за все! Слава Украине! Спасибо за помощь всем Канадцам!

[@yanastone1490]

Мир Украине!!!!

[@paulas_lens]

Carrot greens are edible! Chop them up and add to a pasta dish with garlic. YUM

[@eleanorbertuch135]

awesome and interesting. Thank you 🙏🥰

[@candyjamaican]

I’m watching this while munching on an okra from my backyard in Japan🇯🇵 . Back home in Jamaica 🇯🇲 we hardly planted on our 1/2 acre and now on just 82 tsubo of land, we farm every available inch it.

[@deborahcaira5086]

How much space is a tsubo?

[@candyjamaican]

@@deborahcaira5086 It’s about 0.1 acre. Very small but big according to Japanese standards.

[@charlesbale8376]

I really enjoy what you have done to make your world better and more enjoyable.

[@Boo-pv4hn]

For anyone reading this carrots and potatoes are the easiest things to grow strawberry plants grow all year round but benefit from being elevated for proper pollination tomatoes and peas are pretty easy too but peas do suffer from slugs so be wary! Try and keep your numbers down luckily my levels are ALOT lower now. Salad you can grow on a window ledge strawberries and Tom tomatoes can be grown inside or outside in hanging baskets there are lots of space saver ways to grow ! I used to live in a bed sit and still managed a year of one type of veg and one type of fruit and herbs each year. So yoh can do it on any level, also remember there are allotments if sign ups are taking too long I’ve found some people are willing to give up there land for someone to make use of! So consider it and good luck

[@jc-kn5bq]

Definitely gonna follow them!

[@susanyates4233]

Beautiful video. Garden is amazing.

[@tomhorton7875]

What a great life! Best wishes for the future.