Content reference: demo v0.5.4
Your first productive patch
If Bush is still locked, visit The Worm and buy Bush before selecting a plant. Its initial v0.5.4 unlock cost is 5 juice; check the price displayed in your shop. Move the snail near the pond and follow the planting overlay. Choose an available plant, paint a small area, then move over it to water it. Return to the pond when your water is low. Wait for plants to grow and collect their fruit to earn juice. Keep the first patch close enough that you can repeatedly water and collect without long empty trips.
Planting a huge area immediately can leave you with more dry ground than you can maintain. A small working circuit gives you a clearer view of which upgrade would help next.
Spend to remove a bottleneck
Read the next upgrade value in the shops. If water keeps running out, improve that part of the loop; if mature fruit remains out of reach, inspect collection range and helper snails. Grow the working route before decorating. Sprinting is sold by The Water in v0.5.4; new and older saves both need to buy it.
Recognize the demo
The creators describe this demo as the first 30–40 minutes, although your pace can differ. It includes saving, helper snails, plant upgrades and a storybook ending. Extra systems in the full Steam game do not automatically apply here.