Reader Reviews • Author Endorsements • Professional Praise
Book Reviews
Discover what gardeners, authors, journalists and readers have said about Sheri Ann Richerson's practical, approachable books.
All the Dirt on Gardening is no longer online. Select the archived review image to read it full size.
Featured Reviews
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Year-Round Gardening
Co-authored by Sheri Ann Richerson and Delilah Smittle, this comprehensive guide helps gardeners extend both ends of the growing season through sound soil practices, protected growing spaces, greenhouses and thoughtful year-round planning.
Reviewers repeatedly praised the book for presenting a large amount of useful information in clear language, organizing the material logically and making year-round gardening approachable for beginners without talking down to experienced growers.
Praise for Year-Round Gardening
Independent reviewers highlighted the book's breadth, clarity, organization and practical value.
★★★★★
"This vast amount of information is clearly presented in a casual, readable tone."
Ramble On Rose
Independent book review
The reviewer also praised the book's organization, greenhouse guidance, seasonal techniques and useful callouts.
★★★★★
"An excellent, reader-friendly introduction to this type of gardening."
Dan Clost
The Good Earth columnist
Clost noted the clear language, relevant illustrations, logical progression and helpful information for both new and experienced gardeners.
★★★★★
"This is the book you want to get if you plan on doing year-round gardening."
Artemisia
Verified Amazon purchase
The reviewer praised the breadth of coverage and the detailed plans readers can build themselves.
★★★★
"Perfect for the beginner indoor gardener!"
brrritt86
Verified Amazon purchase
Highlighted the simple steps and easy-to-use instructions and chose the book as a gift.
★★★★★
"One of the best books I've seen on basic growing techniques."
Jam Maker
Amazon reviewer
Praised its clear explanations, strong fundamentals and usefulness for new gardeners of all ages.
Praise for The Chocolate Lover's Garden
Professional and reader reviews celebrate this sensory guide to creating a garden inspired by chocolate.
"It's a horticultural Hershey's kiss wrapped in research, passion, and dedication to creating a landscape that looks, smells, and tastes like chocolate."
Cavit Ireland
Washington Gardener Magazine
★★★★★
"Such a fun, well put together book. Great for the home or as a gift."
Carol
Verified Amazon purchase
Carol also recommended it as a housewarming present and as a fun book for families.
Praise for 101 English Garden Tips
"A handy, useful, interesting and delightful book."
Thomas Leo Ogren
Author of Allergy-Free Gardening and Safe Sex in the Garden
"Chock full of essential information, broken down into logical, manageable chunks."
Ellen Zachos
Author of Down & Dirty
"It's packed with plenty of tips on every aspect of gardening."
Doreen G. Howard
Award-winning journalist and former garden editor for Woman's Day
Praise for 101 Organic Gardening Tips
Verified readers found practical help with composting, companion planting, natural pest control and building more self-reliant gardens.
★★★★★
"This is by far one of the best 'how to' books on gardening I have read!"
Mrs_Lidwell
Verified Amazon purchase
Praised its detailed beginner guidance, composting advice and natural approaches to wildlife and garden pests.
★★★★
"Packed full of interesting and useful information."
Noël
Verified Amazon purchase
An experienced composter still learned something new and especially appreciated the companion-planting section.
★★★★★
"This is a great starting point for the person out there that wants to be more self reliant."
Sarah K
Verified Amazon purchase
Called it a keeper and appreciated having the reference available digitally.
Praise for The Complete Idiot's Guide to Seed Saving and Starting
★★★★★
"Very helpful and easy to follow instructions."
TJ Schwindy
Verified Amazon purchase
A first-time gardener valued the guidance from caring for seeds through seedlings and fruiting plants.
★★★★
"Well-presented information, charts, and ease of use."
C. S. Wilson
Verified Amazon purchase
Recommended it as a worthwhile addition to a gardener's reference library.
★★★★
"There is much more to saving them than just drying them."
Marlene Laverty
Verified Amazon purchase
Appreciated learning both proper seed-saving techniques and how to start seeds successfully.
Praise for Magical Gardens
Readers responded to the imagination, detailed plant guidance and meaningful garden themes found in this work.
"The concept of creating a garden incorporating your beliefs … how beautiful and inspiring!"
Colleen
Reader review
She particularly appreciated the detailed suggestions for choosing plants and creating meaningful themed gardens.
"I highly recommend this article to anyone who's interested in gardening."
Betty L. Dravis
Reader review, December 2008
Dravis praised Sheri Ann's gardening knowledge and the imaginative possibilities of moon, fairy, zodiac and other themed gardens.
★★★★★
One verified Amazon reader praised the book's ideas for creating a dream garden within the gardener's abilities and available environmental space.
Amazon Customer
Verified Amazon purchase
The reader said they enjoyed the book immensely.
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