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Scattering Seeds and Growing Hobbies������������������������������������������������
Scattering Seeds and Story and photos by Katlyn Sanden Growing Hobbies
When driving through Sheffield, heading west along Route 6, you’ll find many adorable shops and tasty eats. As you keep driving out of town, you think you’ve seen it all, and then you come up to Scattered Seeds Farm – a hidden treasure amongst the corn and soybean fields.
Scattered Seeds Farm is the brainchild of Sheri Litherland, along with her husband and children. They offer pumpkins, Christmas trees, and one-of-a-kind antiques. The concept for the business was dreamed up when her children were young. Sheri remembers she wanted to instill a strong work ethic in her young kids and really enjoyed growing pumpkins, so the idea took root as a way to accomplish both her goals.
“My husband was not in favor of me planting a bunch of seeds that grow into intertwining, elaborate vines in the garden with all of his peppers and other vegetables, so I had no choice but to plant or scatter seeds anywhere and everywhere,” said Litherland. “We had pumpkin vines that covered our patio and some that even prevented us from using the back door to our house. It was then that I became known by my husband as the crazy pumpkin lady.”
The whole family decided the name Scattered Seeds Farm was the perfect name for, at the time, their little pumpkin venture, which is now anything but little.
“First and foremost, I wanted something that we (my family) could do and enjoy together,” said Litherland. “I wanted my kids to learn not only about the growth of seeds but also develop a good work ethic. Every year, the kids help me with the planting, watering, and harvesting. It is a family affair from beginning to end as the patch gets bigger every year.”
In the pumpkin patch, one can find carving pumpkins and a variety of other different types for those who are choosier in their pumpkin selection.
“From year to year, our pumpkin selection changes due to not knowing exactly which type of pumpkins survive the scorching sun, the ruthless bugs, and all of the fungus floating around,” Litherland said. “I have never been one to plot exactly where each type of pumpkin is planted like most farmers do.”
She says too much planning takes the fun out of it when harvest rolls around because no surprises are involved.
“You really have no idea what is hiding in the patch until you start digging through all of the vines,” Litherland said. “It is so much fun as you start to discover all the different kinds, sizes, and colors of pumpkins. My favorite pumpkins are usually the ones that are different or not like all the rest.”
As the interest and excitement continued to build for Scattered Seeds Farm pumpkins year after year, Litherland, who is also a full-time teacher, has now expanded her offerings into Christmas trees and one-of-a-kind antiques, so there is
See SEEDS page 8
On the cover: Sheri Litherland decorates the outside of her antique shop at Scattered Seeds Farm with some pumpkins out of their patch�
Along with her two kids, Sheri Litherland works to fill a wagon of pumpkins for a customer�
Scattered Seed Farm is located along Route 6 in Sheffield� Owner Sheri Litherland enjoys hosting fall festivals and holiday events for the community to enjoy�
Seeds
FROM PAGE 6 something fun at the farm year-round.
“We wanted to give local families a chance to pick out the ideal Christmas tree at Scattered Seeds Farm,” Litherland said. “It has been such a joy over the last few years to see so many families share in the tradition of finding the perfect tree or the perfect pumpkin.”
She admits she was a bit intimidated about adding Christmas trees.
“After the first season, we had a better idea of what our customers were looking for and the different sizes people preferred,” she said. “Some people came looking for a 10-foot tree, while others were looking for just a small 2-foot tree. Christmas trees are a lot like pumpkins in that they come in all different sizes and shapes.”
She says she loves a good Charlie Brown Christmas-size tree, but she always gets outvoted for a bigger tree. For the upcoming season, they will be offering fresh Fraser, Balsam, and White Pine trees from a family-owned Wisconsin tree farm.
As far as how the antiques fit in with pumpkins and Christmas trees, Litherland said she wanted to build a small business while still being able to teach during the week. She said opening an antique shop alongside the pumpkin patch and Christmas trees was the perfect solution.
“The best part about my shop is that you never know when you might find the perfect treasure,” said Litherland. “Our inventory of most things is not consistent. Friends and family members bring items to my shop to resell in addition to some of the treasures I find when I’m on the hunt or searching the web. I really enjoy finding items that I can repurpose, like the old turkey and pig feeder that you will see as you drive by or stop for a visit. These awesome feeders are now used as planters with beautiful potato vines draping down the side or filled with greens in the winter. In addition to all the wonderful treasures, we offer soy candles and melts.”
Scattered Seeds Farm is open Saturday-Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and is nestled right along Route 6 on the west side of Sheffield.
Scattered Seeds Farm owner Sheri Litherland shared one of her family’s favorite pumpkin bar recipes.
Pumpkin Bars
INGREDIENTS
4 large eggs, room temperature 1 and 2/3 cups sugar 1 cup canola oil 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt
For Icing
6 oz cream cheese, softened 2 cups confectioners’ sugar ¼ cup butter, softened 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 to 2 Tbsp milk
DIRECTIONS
In a bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin until well blended� Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to the pumpkin mixture and mix well� Pour into an ungreased 15 x 10 x 1 inch baking pan� Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until set� Cool completely� For icing, beat the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, butter, and vanilla in a small bowl� Add enough milk to achieve spreading consistency� Spread icing over bars� Store in the refrigerator�
Enduring Strength. Uncompromising Value.
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