Planning Your Dye Garden

Virtual Workshop | February 18th | 2 Hours – 6pm – 8pm EST

Design a dye garden that works with your land, your climate, and your capacity.

Planning Your Dye Garden is a focused, 2-hour virtual workshop guiding you through the practical steps of designing, planting, and caring for a garden grown for natural color. Whether you’re working with containers, raised beds, or in-ground plots, this session centers real-world approaches used by natural dyers, fiber artists, and small growers.

We’ll cover how to choose dye plants based on color goals, growing conditions, and seasonal timing, while drawing on techniques shared by experienced dye growers and educators who prioritize resilience, yield, and adaptability over perfection.

What we’ll cover

• How to plan a dye garden based on space, sun, soil, and water

• Choosing dye plants for reliable color and ease of cultivation

• Annuals vs. perennials and how to build continuity year to year

• Timing your planting, harvesting, and succession for maximum yield

• Integrating dye plants into existing food or ornamental gardens

• Basic care, harvesting tips, and storage considerations for dye use

• Common challenges and practical solutions shared by working dye growers

Who this workshop is for

• Beginning and experienced natural dyers

• Fiber artists interested in growing their own color

• Gardeners curious about dye plants

• Small farmers, homesteaders, and educators

No prior dye or gardening experience is required.

Participants will receive a follow-up resource list

This workshop is designed to help you leave with a clear, realistic plan for growing dye plants that fit your life and land, whether you’re starting small or expanding an existing garden.