Sheri Ann Richerson with a few of her many books.
It looks like it is going to be a busy year! I already have several book signings and speaking engagements scheduled. Be sure to check this post from time to time to see where you can find me at this year. I hope to see some of you there and please feel free to stop in and introduce yourself!
January Events
February Events
Thursday, February 23 – Tweetchat – The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Seed Saving & Starting – 12 Noon EST – http://tweetchat.com
March Events
Saturday, March 10 – Master Gardener Conference – Alexandra, Indiana
Saturday, March 24 – Countywide Garden Meeting – Anderson, Indiana
Saturday, March 31 – Master Gardener Conference – Marion, Indiana
April Events
Tuesday, April 3 – Putman County Master Gardener Meeting – Presentation “Year-Round Gardening”
May Events
Saturday, May 5 – Hoosier Homestead Gathering – Salamonie Reservoir
Sunday, May 6 – Hoosier Homestead Gathering – Salamonie Reservoir
June Events
Saturday, June 30 – Water Works – Marion, Indiana
July Events
August Events
September Events
October Events
Thursday, October 4 – Purdue Master Gardener State Conference – Noblesville, Indiana
Friday, October 5 – Purdue Master Gardener State Conference – Noblesville, Indiana
Saturday, October 6 – Purdue Master Gardener State Conference – Noblesville, Indiana
November Events
December Events
Filed under Appearances, Book Signings, Speaking Engagements by on Feb 24th, 2012. Comment. 
- Pre-Order your copy now on Amazon.com – available in paperback and also for the Kindle.
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@SheriARicherson: @IdiotsGuides – I am ready for my Live Chat Interview about Seed Saving & Starting #AskCIG #ASKCIG
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@CIG_Lifestyle: Glad to see you’re ready, @SheriARicherson! We’ll get started in a few minutes. #AskCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – Great! I’m looking forward to today’s chat on seed saving & starting! Peeps – include #AskCIG to ask questions! #ASKCIG
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@CIG_Lifestyle: Let’s get started, @SheriARicherson. Why would a gardener want to save seeds? #AskCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – To be self-sufficient. To grow a certain variety or hybridize seeds plus – #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – Seeds saved from your own garden are superior because the parent plants adapt to your local growing conditions – #ASKCIG
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@CIG_Lifestyle: This may seem like a basic question, but what is a seed? #AskCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – thus producing seeds better able to cope with your local environmental weather conditions & pests. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: A seed is the ripened plant ovule which contains the embryo. A seed is the reproductive part of a plant. #ASKCIG
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@CIG_Lifestyle: When did seed saving originate? #AskCIG
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@SheriARicherson: Seed saving has been going on since the beginning of time. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: Man quickly figured out that saving seeds meant being able to grow preferred plants in open areas close to their living quarters. #ASKCIG
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@CIG_Lifestyle: Can you please explain the difference between botanical names and common names? #AskCIG
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@SheriARicherson: The botanical name is the Latin name given to a plant. Gardeners should learn and use botanical or Latin names – #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: instead of common names because this name does not change regardless of where someone lives. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: The common name of a plant changes according to the location one lives in. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: Using common names makes it difficult for people in two different locations to be sure they are talking about the same plant. #ASKCIG
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@CIG_Lifestyle: How can I create a pollinator-friendly landscape? #AskCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – While it is true that hybrized natives such as Echinacea are still natives – #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – old-fashion heirloom varieties are best because they contain more nectar – often times more pollen. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – Be sure to provide a source of clean, shallow water as well as a place for insects to hide #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – They will use these hiding areas as nests and places where they lay their eggs. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – Do not be too quick to clean-up the yard in the fall. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – Allow the dead plant material to remain intact over winter and also allow one area of your yard to go wild. #ASKCIG
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@CIG_Lifestyle: Doesn’t that create a bit of a mess? #AskCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – In addition to planting nectar sources feel free to provide supplimental insect nectar – you buy it #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – Not if it is done right. Organic gardens are full of good insects that keep bad insects in check. Nature knows best #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – Wildflowers are an ideal way to create a wild area in a city yard without it looking messy or unkempt. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – think of the winter interest dead plant material creates in the garden – places for birds to sit, snow to fall on #ASKCIG
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@CIG_Lifestyle: Okay, thanks for the tip. What is the easiest way to collect seeds? #AskCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – Allow the seed head to dry on the plant, then cut it off once it is completely brown but before it splits open. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – Use pantyhose to cover the seed head if you are unsure of when the seed head will split open. #ASKCIG
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@CIG_Lifestyle: Sounds easy enough. How do I gather seeds by dry collecting? #AskCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – Simply allow the seed head to turn completely brown on the plant, then cut if off before it splits open. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – Remember you can cover the seed head with pantyhose if you prefer. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – Be sure to secure the pantyhose at the bottom around the stem – #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – so if the seed heads splits open the seeds do not fall onto the ground below. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – Collect seed after a three or four day dry spell so the seeds and the seed pod are dry. Wet seeds spell trouble. #ASKCIG
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@CIG_Lifestyle: Why are wet seeds trouble? #AskCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – wet seeds mold. They can also begin to germinate inside the seed pod or even after you remove them from the pod. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – That is not to say that you cannot salvage wet seeds but it is best – especially for a beginner – to avoid this! #ASKCIG
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@CIG_Lifestyle: We’ll steer clear of wet seeds for now. Is there a best time to harvest seeds? #AskCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – Most people harvest seeds in the fall – #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – but it really depends on the type of plant you are growing and when their life cycle is up. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – If you allow plants – such as annuals – to set seed too soon in the season #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – there is a good chance they will die and you will not get the maximum bloom time out of them. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – A good rule of thumb is to let annuals and long blooming perennials begin to set seed in August – #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – so the seed has plenty of time to mature before the first fall frost. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – collect seed from winter blooming plants – hellebore, winter aconite & witch hazel in late spring or early summer. #ASKCIG
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@CIG_Lifestyle: After harvesting the seeds, what are the steps that need to be taken in order to save them? #AskCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – the key to seed collecting is knowing the plant and knowing when the seeds are ripe and ready to harvest. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – Remove the seeds from the seed head. Spread them out on a Styrofoam plate or seed saving screen to dry. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – This may take 7 to 10 days or longer for the seeds to dry. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – Make sure they have plenty of air circulation and are in a cool, dark, dry place. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – Once the seeds are dry, bag them. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – Be sure to label when you harvest them, during the drying process & once they are in the containers to save. #ASKCIG
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@CIG_Lifestyle: For our last question @SheriARicherson, what is the importance of labeling seeds? #AskCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – It is important to label seeds so you do not forget what you have saved. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – Be sure to put the date of collection on the label and any cross-pollination information – #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – that is relevant to the particular seeds you are saving. #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – It is a good idea to prepare this label when you harvest the seeds. #ASKCIG
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@fehlgeburten: RT @SheriARicherson : A seed is the ripened plant ovule which contains the embryo. A seed is the reproductive part of a plant. #ASKCIG
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@CIG_Lifestyle: Thank you for joining us today, @SheriARicherson. We appreciate your seed-saving advice! #AskCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @MumblingMantis – Ah – it is a good thing I am not an aphid then! #ASKCIG
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@CIG_Lifestyle: Thanks for the RT @fehlgeburten. Our TweetChat just ended, but if you have any ?s for @SheriARicherson please DM her. #AskCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – Thank you for having me on TweetChat today! I have enjoyed it. I welcome additional questions as they arise! #ASKCIG
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@SheriARicherson: @CIG_Lifestyle – I hope everyone there has a great day as well as all the peeps out there in Twitter land! #ASKCIG
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@CIG_Lifestyle: Miss our CIG to Seed Saving & Starting TweetChat? Read a summary on our blog: http://t.co/OL20fy3Z #AskCIG
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Filed under Sheri Ann Richerson On The Web by on Feb 23rd, 2012. Comment.
Pre-Order your copy now on Amazon.com - available in paperback and also for the Kindle.
Good morning peeps! Things have been a little bit quite around here for a couple months due to some unexpected life changes – but all that is about to change because my new book “The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Seed Saving & Starting” is going to be released to the public on March 6, 2012!
The good folks at Wilks Communications have invited me to be their guest on today’s TweetChat. The time is 12PM EST. I know some of you that are working are taking your lunch hour during that time, but I sure hope you can tune in – possibly on your mobile device. If not, don’t worry, the chat will be archived later today.
As always, questions are welcome – and if you miss the chat, feel free to email them to me or post them below in the comment section. Here in Indiana, we are officially 12 weeks away from the last spring frost, so seed sowing time is certainly upon us!
Filed under Sheri Ann Richerson On The Web by on Feb 23rd, 2012. Comment.
Join #homesteadchat every Thursday night on Twitter at 7pm Eastern.
Every Thursday evening at 7pm EST, I will be hosting a #homesteadchat on Twitter. You can use any tweet chat program including tweet chat at http://tweetchat.com
Be sure to include the hashtag #homesteadchat.
Tonight’s topic is on color in the winter garden.
Have a question you would like to see answered tonight, but can’t make the chat? Leave it in the comment box below this post. Questions that are not answered tonight will be addressed either through a post or You Tube video.
I hope to see you there.
Filed under Sheri Ann Richerson On The Web by on Dec 29th, 2011. Comment.
Join #homesteadchat every Thursday night on Twitter at 7pm Eastern.
Every Thursday evening at 7pm EST, I will be hosting a #homesteadchat on Twitter. You can use any tweet chat program including tweet chat at http://tweetchat.com
Be sure to include the hashtag #homesteadchat.
Tonight’s topic is on color in the homemade Christmas gifts.
Have a question you would like to see answered tonight, but can’t make the chat? Leave it in the comment box below this post. Questions that are not answered tonight will be addressed either through a post or You Tube video.
I hope to see you there.
Filed under Sheri Ann Richerson On The Web by on Dec 22nd, 2011. Comment.
A screen shot of my US Sales on December 17, 2011.
December started out the way most months have since I first self-published on Amazon in January 2011. Sure, a few books sold, but nothing worth getting excited about – then it happened. Out of the blue. The miracle I had been praying for and anticipating. Books started selling – not one or two – but literally thousands! In fact, the current sales figures for December show that 6,058 books sold – most of them since that fateful day – December 9, 2011.
Now you may be wondering what changed – especially since I had barely sold over 200 books prior to this. Honestly, I don’t know. I enrolled my books in the Amazon Prime program the day before. I decided that allowing my books to be “on loan” was not a bad thing since I would still get paid – and hoped it would lead to more sales. Ironically very few books have been borrowed – instead they have sold.
My price point is 99 cents – in part because I know the economy is bad and I want people to read what I write and be able to apply that to their life. Most of my books are on gardening or self-sufficiency so I see this as my way of giving back and helping others on their path at a price almost everyone can afford. Granted I only get 35 cents per book – but it all adds up.
To say I am still in shock is an understatement. I look at my author account on Amazon. I print the screen just so I can look at it again and again. I add the sales up several times a day just to watch the numbers go up and up and up. I even post on Facebook to let my peeps know how blessed I feel to have these kinds of numbers.
So – what lies in the future? More book sales, of course. My goal is to make it into the elusive Kindle Million Seller Author Club. I want to see my name in print beside all the great authors. I want to know my books have made it into the hands of those who cherish them and hopefully pass them on to younger generations. I have a ways to go, but I am going to make it. I am finally a successful – and may I say well-known, author who has been published traditionally and chose to self-publish “just because it felt right.”
Filed under Writing Successes by on Dec 17th, 2011. Comment.
Join #homesteadchat every Thursday night on Twitter at 7pm Eastern.
Every Thursday evening at 7pm EST, I will be hosting a #homesteadchat on Twitter. You can use any tweet chat program including tweet chat at http://tweetchat.com
Be sure to include the hashtag #homesteadchat.
Tonight’s topic is on color in the winter seed sowing.
Have a question you would like to see answered tonight, but can’t make the chat? Leave it in the comment box below this post. Questions that are not answered tonight will be addressed either through a post or You Tube video.
I hope to see you there.
Filed under Sheri Ann Richerson On The Web by on Dec 15th, 2011. Comment.
Join #homesteadchat every Thursday night on Twitter at 7pm Eastern.
Every Thursday evening at 7pm EST, I will be hosting a #homesteadchat on Twitter. You can use any tweet chat program including tweet chat at http://tweetchat.com
Be sure to include the hashtag #homesteadchat.
Tonight’s topic is on color in the winter care of livestock.
Have a question you would like to see answered tonight, but can’t make the chat? Leave it in the comment box below this post. Questions that are not answered tonight will be addressed either through a post or You Tube video.
I hope to see you there.
Filed under Sheri Ann Richerson On The Web by on Dec 8th, 2011. Comment.
Join #homesteadchat every Thursday night on Twitter at 7pm Eastern.
Every Thursday evening at 7pm EST, I will be hosting a #homesteadchat on Twitter. You can use any tweet chat program including tweet chat at http://tweetchat.com
Be sure to include the hashtag #homesteadchat.
Tonight’s topic is on color in the winter garden.
Have a question you would like to see answered tonight, but can’t make the chat? Leave it in the comment box below this post. Questions that are not answered tonight will be addressed either through a post or You Tube video.
I hope to see you there.
Filed under Sheri Ann Richerson On The Web by on Dec 1st, 2011. Comment.
Jerry securing row cover over the top of some winter vegetables.
Greenhouses and cold frames make working in the winter garden easy, but did you know, there are things you can plant and grow even if you don’t have either one of these items? Learn all about what you can do in the winter garden on this episode.
Filed under Radio Shows by on Nov 29th, 2011. Comment.
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