Dyeing with plants is an ancient craft, but since the invention of synthetic dyes in the late 1800s, the art of using plants for color has almost died out. Fortunately, there are still people who relish the colors produced by nature’s palette and are interested in preserving this ancient craft right in their own gardens! Growing dye plants is a rewarding and inexpensive hobby, as many dye plants are annuals or fast-growing & prolific perennials. We will discuss the full process of starting a dye garden: from sourcing the seeds or plants, soil preparation, space and garden plans, harvesting, seed saving and how to store the harvested dye material for later use. We will learn what plants will give a good color but will take over your garden, which discarded veggies have potential (onion skins, carrot tops and tomato plants), and more. Students will take home seeds and cuttings to help them get growing, and experiment with a few dye pots from easily grown plants!