Kelli Klein, Author at Epic Gardening

About Kelli Klein

Kelli Klein

Pollinator Protector

Hi, I’m Kelli!

I grew up in Chicago with two parents who loved to garden. My dad was an avid vegetable gardener who loved his homegrown jalapeños, and my mom tended to many varieties of flowers. In my early 20s, I moved out on my own and almost immediately missed having a yard and a garden to spend time in. I filled every window sill in my condo with plants. I would even start little seedlings in the windows and then bring them over to my parents’ yard to transplant them out.

Eventually, my friend, who lived down the street, gave me free rein in his backyard. I put in a raised bed and designed my first vegetable garden from scratch. After that, I knew how important it was to me to always find a way to have a garden, and the goal of one day growing all of my food began to take shape. An interest in growing my food also blossomed alongside an interest in cooking the foods that I was harvesting. I attended culinary school and have been working in the food industry for the last 10 years.

In 2017 I bought a house in Colorado and have been slowly turning the outdoor space into my dream garden. Each year I add something new. Last year I tore up the lawn on the side of the house and added 5 new raised beds. The year before that I had my property certified as a Wildlife Habitat through the National Wildlife Federation. My entire front yard is landscaped with native plants and wildflowers, and providing habitat for animals and food for pollinators is very important to me. This year my goal is to invest in perennials and I’ll be planting my first fruit tree!

Q: What is your favorite plant?

A: Hands down, lilacs! My mom had a gigantic lilac bush growing alongside the house I grew up in back in Chicago. The smell of lilacs brings back so many memories. Currently, a row of lilacs lines the fence between my yard and my neighbor’s. When they’re in full bloom, my whole yard smells of them and they usually signal that we’re at the height of spring (my favorite time of year!) I only recently learned that they’re also edible and can be dried and used in teas. Last year I steeped some of the cut flowers in lemonade to make a floral, and slightly purple, delicious drink.

Q: What is your spirit vegetable?

A: Kale. It was once relegated to the sidelines as a garnish, but once its true value was understood, it took the food industry by storm. It’s easy to care for and survives a wide variety of climates. It’s even easier to prepare and cook with.

Q: What is the most unusual plant you’ve grown?

A: Not unusual per se, but I love to grow unusual variations of common plants. The first time I grew Chioggia beets I was immediately hooked on growing different types of common vegetables. Next up on the list are black radishes, white cucumbers, purple peas, purple basil, and purple broccoli.

How to Plant an Herb Garden This Memorial Day

by Kelli Klein

Looking for a fun Memorial Day project? Why not plant an herb garden this year! In this article, gardening expert Kelli Klein shares her top tips for planting a fun and bountiful herb garden this Memorial Day weekend.

43 Different Types of Hot Peppers to Grow This Season

by Kelli Klein

Thinking of adding some hot peppers to your garden this season? There are many different types you can grow, depending on your local climate. In this article, gardening expert Kelli Klein shares her favorite types of hot peppers you can grow in your garden, organized by BTUs.

46 Types of Sweet Peppers to Grow This Season

by Kelli Klein

Thinking of growing sweet peppers indoors or outdoors this season? There are many different types of sweet peppers you can grow, depending on your hardiness zone and local microclimate. In this article, gardening expert Kelli Klein shares her favorite sweet pepper plants you can grow, with names and pictures of each!

When and How To Harvest Okra For its Best Potential

by Kelli Klein

Do you know when to pick okra to maximize your harvest? Our harvest guide explains when to harvest it, and how to store it for yummy meals!

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Weeping Cherry Trees

by Kelli Klein

The pink weeping cherry tree is known for its plethora of pink flowers in early spring, though, unlike most cherry trees, this one isn’t grown for its fruit. This ornamental cherry tree can produce pink or white flowers and is grown primarily for the visual interest that it adds to the landscape. These beautiful trees … Read more

44 Types Of Beans: Top Varieties To Grow At Home

by Kelli Klein

Green beans growing off a bush in the garden with dark and moist soil

There are many types of beans to be had out there! Our list of favorite varieties will inspire you to broaden your bean horizons and give you plenty of growing options to plant in your garden this season.

Bean Leaf Beetle Problems? Here’s How To Handle Them

by Kelli Klein

Bean leaf beetle is crawling on a green leaf with a spot next to its body.

The bean leaf beetle, or more specifically, Cerotoma trifurcata can be a major pest of soybeans and green beans as well as cucumbers, squash, and pumpkins. Cerotoma trifurcata is not to be confused with the Mexican bean beetle, which is a completely different species! Bean leaf beetles can be various colors (yellowish-green, red, orange, or … Read more

Pineleaf Penstemon: How To Grow Pineleaf Beardtongue

by Kelli Klein

Bright Orange pineleaf penstemon growing in the garden

Pineleaf penstemon is a perennial that can handle dry, hot climates! Our in-depth growing guide shares everything you need to grow them.

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Lipstick Plants

by Kelli Klein

If you’re looking for tropical plants to add to your indoor houseplant collection, then look no further than lipstick plant. The lipstick plant, Aeschynanthus radicans, got its name because its bright red tubular flowers grow from dark purple-red buds that resemble a tube of lipstick. It is also often referred to as lipstick vine because … Read more

Hummingbird Bush: How To Grow Flame Acanthus

by Kelli Klein

Hummingbird bush, Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii, is a native plant that is quickly gaining popularity outside of its native habitat of the west central Texas Edwards Plateau, and for a good reason. Not only do these bushy plants produce beautiful blooms, but the tubular flowers are known to attract hummingbirds. They are also the host … Read more

30 Flowers to Start From Seed in April

by Kelli Klein

Are you thinking of growing some flowers from seed in the month of April? There are many different flowers to choose from as spring begins to arrive for many hardiness zones. In this article, gardening expert Kelli Klein shares some of her favorite flowers to plant in the month of April!