I grow natural dyes for anyone seeking a non-petroleum based source of color.
Howdy 𖡼𖤣𖥧𖡼𓋼𖤣𖥧𓋼𓍊
Maddy Bartsch (they/them) lives in Minneapolis and has been farming at Get Bentz Farm for the last three years. Even though they have been growing and teaching about plant-based dyes since 2016, they were never able to grow at their current scale (their previous scale consisted of community garden plots and apartment window sills). For Maddy, growing local color is their way of contributing to the creation of a thriving decentralized textile economy in the midwest.
Got Dye Seedlings?
No space for seed starting? Bad germination rates got you down? Have a cat that eats your seedlings?
We’ve partnered with our friends at Little Hill Berry Farm to offer a variety of 16 species of dye seedlings as part of their spring plant sale! Preorder via Little Hill Berry Farm’s website and pick up at the farm in Northfield, in Minneapolis at Mill City Farmers Market, or at an upcoming fiber festival in May.
Dye Kits
Curious about plant-based dyeing? Our kits have everything you need to get started.
Dye CSA
You’ve heard of community supported agriculture for vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs, and fiber…but how about for dye plants? Find all the deets via the link below ->>
𓋼𓍊 Monthly Upick + Mill Tours 𓍊𓋼
What is upick?
An invitation to visit the farm and explore the dye garden! Come harvest a selection of what’s currently in season, take a tour of the fiber mill, stroll in the woods, have a picnic, and leave with fresh dye stuff for your next project. Think upick strawberries but for dyes :)
When + where does upick happen?
From 10 - 1 on the first Saturday of the month. Our first upick of the season will be on June 1st and will go as long as our growing season allows.
The farm is located at 30700 Northfield Blvd, Northfield, MN 55057.
What should you bring?
A container for harvesting and transporting your harvest home, bug spray, sunscreen, water, a hat to keep the sun out of your eyes, and a snack for enjoying after picking.
How much does it cost?
Rates for dye plants are sliding scale, $4 per ounce to $10 per ounce fresh weight. Pay on site via Venmo, cash, check, or Square card reader.
If cost is a barrier, just let us know, we never want that to be an issue. We’ll figure something out to make sure you have access to fresh local dyes.
