Houston Garden Answers — Straight from the Source: Garden Guy
These are real gardening and landscaping questions from Houston-area homeowners — answered personally by Todd Farber, Texas A&M horticulturist and co-owner of Garden Guy. From pests and pruning to mulch, sod, and soil, you'll find local, time-tested solutions here.
Got a question of your own? Click below
📌Natural Brown Patch Treatments
Q: Is there a natural way to treat brown patch in St. Augustine grass without using harsh chemicals?
– Melissa R., Sugar Land
A: Yes—and it can work beautifully with a little consistency and timing!
Brown patch (caused by Rhizoctonia solani) loves warm, humid Houston weather and poorly drained lawns. While chemical fungicides can knock it back quickly, there are natural, eco-friendly options that support long-term lawn health and reduce chemical use.
Here are Garden Guy’s go-to natural fungicide strategies:
Top 5 Natural Treatments for Brown Patch
OMRI-listed for organic gardening, this copper-based solution helps suppress brown patch and other lawn fungi. Use with care—apply in cooler times of day and follow label instructions closely.
A natural antifungal and insect repellent. Just apply early in the morning (not in full sun).
Compost Tea -Organic Earthworm Tea Concentrate - make your own!
Spraying your lawn with compost tea introduces good microbes that crowd out disease.
Yep—cornmeal! It feeds helpful soil fungi that suppress brown patch. Spread it like fertilizer.
An organic fungicide that breaks down fungal walls—great for prevention and early symptoms.
Extra Garden Guy Tips:
Natural and organic insect repellent in commercial sizes
Water only in the early morning—and let your lawn dry out between waterings.
Mow your grass high (3–4 inches) and never when it’s wet.
Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizer during the fall when brown patch tends to explode.
Add a light top-dressing of compost to thin areas—it boosts beneficial microbes naturally.
Need help diagnosing your lawn?
Ask me directly at: www.askgardenguy.com/advice
Or grab our free Houston Lawn Cheat Sheet here:
#staugustinegrass #brownwatch#houstongardenhelp
🪲 How to Get Rid of Baby Grasshoppers in Houston Gardens
Q: “Hello Todd – baby grasshoppers are chewing the leaves on my flowers. I’ve never seen them in the past. Are they new to our area? How can I get rid of them?”
A: You're not imagining things — baby grasshoppers (called nymphs) are definitely active right now! They’re not new to Texas, but they tend to show up in larger numbers after warm winters or wet springs. These little guys can cause serious damage fast, but they’re much easier to control while still small.
Here’s what you can do:
✅ Spot treat with Spinosad — an organic insecticide that targets chewing pests like grasshoppers without harming beneficial bugs. Look for brands like Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew. Spray early morning or late afternoon.
🌿 Encourage birds and natural predators — Keep shallow water nearby and avoid spraying everything. Birds, toads, and lizards love these nymphs.
🚫 Avoid broad-spectrum pesticides — These can kill beneficial insects and make your problem worse long-term.
🖐️ Handpick if you can — It’s tedious but effective, especially while the grasshoppers are small and clustered.
Answered by: Todd Farber, Texas A&M Horticulturist & Co-Owner of Garden Guy
📍 Sugar Land, TX
💬 Want your own question answered?
🌿 What’s Causing Brown Patches in My St. Augustine Lawn?
Q: "I have brown patches appearing across my St. Augustine grass. Is it a fungus? Or could it be something else?"
A: Brown patch is a common issue in Houston, especially in the humid months. While fungal disease is often to blame, the real root problem is usually watering habits.
Here’s what to look out for:
🔴 Overwatering can create a perfect storm for brown patch. Shallow roots, soggy soil, and warm temperatures = fungus heaven.
🔵 Underwatering during extreme heat can also cause stress and browning, especially if the water isn't reaching the root zone.
Water deeply (about 6" deep) but less frequently
Early morning is best to reduce fungal growth
Use a rain gauge or moisture meter to avoid guessing
With a little adjustment, your St. Augustine lawn will bounce back faster than you'd expect.
Answered by: Todd Farber, Texas A&M Horticulturist & Co-Owner of Garden Guy
📍 Sugar Land, TX
💬 Want your own question answered? Submit it here
💧 How Often Should I Water My Lawn in Houston?
Q: "I never know how much water is enough in this heat. What’s the best schedule for watering grass in our area?"
A: This is the #1 question I get every summer! The key to a lush lawn is deep, infrequent watering that encourages root growth.
Water twice a week during summer unless it rains
Early morning (before 9 a.m.) is ideal
Use sprinklers long enough to moisten soil 6" deep
Check moisture with a screwdriver or soil probe
Avoid daily watering — that leads to shallow roots and fungal issues like brown patch.
Answered by: Todd Farber, Texas A&M Horticulturist & Co-Owner of Garden Guy
📍 Sugar Land, TX
💬 Want your own question answered? Submit it here »
🌿 What Grass Type Works Best for My Yard?
Q: "Is there a grass variety that actually survives our Houston weather? I have both sunny and shady spots."
A: Great question! Here’s a quick rundown based on conditions:
☀️ Full Sun? Go with Palmetto St. Augustine or Celebration Bermuda. They’re heat-tolerant and visually lush.
🌤️ Part Shade? Palmetto still works, but you can also try Zoysia for a slow-growing, softer feel.
☁️ Heavy Shade? Grass struggles in deep shade. You might consider groundcovers or mulched beds with shrubs instead.
Proper watering and mowing height matter more than just grass type! If you share photos, we can help you fine-tune your pick.
Answered by: Todd Farber, Texas A&M Horticulturist & Co-Owner of Garden Guy
📍 Sugar Land, TX
💬 Want your own question answered? Submit it here »
☁️ What Can I Plant in Shade? My North-Facing Yard Struggles.
Q: "My north-facing backyard gets barely any sunlight. What can I grow that won’t die on me?"
A: Houston shade doesn’t mean you have to give up on beauty! Here are some low-light-loving shrubs I recommend:
Cleyera — evergreen, glossy leaves, great for privacy
Camellia — gorgeous blooms in winter and spring
Dwarf Yaupon Holly — compact, tough, and deer-resistant
Japanese Aralia — bold foliage, tropical feel
Make sure to improve drainage with compost and water consistently. Most shade plants need moisture even when they don’t get full sun.
Grab our Houston’s Best Shade Loving Shrubs Guide FREE Here!
Answered by: Todd Farber, Texas A&M Horticulturist & Co-Owner of Garden Guy
📍 Sugar Land, TX
💬 Want your own question answered? Submit it here »
🧼 Why Is My Lawn Full of Weeds This Year?
Q: "We didn’t have this many weeds last summer! What’s going on and how do I stop it?"
A: Weeds often surge after mild winters or when lawns thin out from drought, compaction, or poor fertilization.
Here’s how to take back control:
Apply a pre-emergent in early spring and again in fall
Mow high to shade out weed seedlings
Fertilize in March, June, and October
Aerate compacted areas once a year
The best weed control? A thick, healthy lawn that chokes out competition.
Answered by: Todd Farber, Texas A&M Horticulturist & Co-Owner of Garden Guy
📍 Sugar Land, TX
💬 Want your own question answered? Submit it here »
🌸 Why Don’t My Flowering Plants Bloom Like They Used To?
Q: "My flowers look healthy but aren’t blooming this year. What should I check first?"
A: When flowering plants stop blooming, it's usually one of these:
Too much nitrogen (green growth, no flowers)
Not enough sun (many bloomers need 6+ hours/day)
Poor pruning timing (some plants bloom on old wood!)
Start with sunlight. Then cut back on high-nitrogen fertilizer and look up your plant’s preferred pruning time. Let me know what you’re growing and I can get more specific.
Answered by: Todd Farber, Texas A&M Horticulturist & Co-Owner of Garden Guy
📍 Sugar Land, TX
💬 Want your own question answered? Submit it here »
🌾 How Do I Get Rid of Nut Grass in My Yard?
Q: "Todd — I keep fighting nut grass in my garden and it just keeps coming back. What can I do to finally get rid of it for good?"
A: Nut grass (also called nutsedge) is one of the most stubborn weeds in Houston lawns and beds because it regrows from tiny underground tubers called nutlets. It’s persistent — but not invincible!
Here are several methods that work best when used together:
✋ Hand Pulling — Works well for small patches if you get the entire root and nutlet. Check often and remove new sprouts fast.
🌿 Mulching — Apply thick mulch in beds to smother nut grass and block light. Wood chips or pine bark work well.
✂️ Frequent Mowing — Keeping your lawn well-mowed weakens nut grass and helps your turf outcompete it.
🧪 Herbicides — Look for selective herbicides labeled for nutsedge control (like halosulfuron or sulfentrazone). Follow instructions closely and apply when nut grass is actively growing.
🔥 Boiling Water — For isolated spots, this old-school method scalds the roots. Use with caution near desired plants.
🌱 Improve Drainage — Nut grass thrives in soggy areas. Aerate, amend with organic matter, and make sure your beds aren’t waterlogged.
♻️ Soil Solarization — In summer, cover affected beds with clear plastic for 4–6 weeks to superheat and kill nutlets.
There’s no instant fix, but consistent control methods and a watchful eye will give you the upper hand over time.
Answered by: Todd Farber, Texas A&M Horticulturist & Co-Owner of Garden Guy
📍 Sugar Land, TX
💬 Want your own question answered? Submit it here »
🍂 What Can I Do About Brown Patch in My St. Augustine Lawn?
Q: "I’m seeing circular brown spots spreading in my lawn, and I think it might be brown patch. What’s causing it — and how do I fix it fast?"
A: Brown patch is a common fungal disease that thrives in Houston's humid conditions, especially in St. Augustine and Bermudagrass lawns. It often starts in spring and spreads quickly — sometimes within just 48 hours.
Here’s how to identify and treat it:
🔍 Symptoms: Look for sunken, circular patches of tan grass (2–3 feet wide) with smoky gray edges that expand outward. These can grow up to 20 feet if untreated.
💧 Water wisely: Overwatering is the #1 trigger. Water deeply but infrequently, and only in the morning to allow grass to dry during the day.
🌱 Improve drainage: Eliminate pooling and soggy areas. Aerate and amend with compost to reduce fungal conditions.
✂️ Mow high: Keep grass between 2.5–4 inches to reduce surface moisture and shade the soil. Never scalp!
🌬 Aerate regularly: Loosening compacted soil helps roots breathe and dries out fungal-friendly conditions.
🧪 Apply fungicide: If the disease spreads quickly, use a labeled fungicide and follow the schedule — often every 2–4 weeks. Apply early for best results.
🌿 Fertilize gently: Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer in humid weather. Use a slow-release organic fertilizer like MicroLife 6-2-4 to strengthen your lawn without encouraging fungus.
🧠 Stay vigilant: Monitor high-risk areas, especially where water tends to sit. If your lawn is healthy overall, it may recover within a few weeks.
The key? Water smart, mow smart, and treat quickly. With the right care, your lawn can bounce back beautifully.
Answered by: Todd Farber, Texas A&M Horticulturist & Co-Owner of Garden Guy
📍 Sugar Land, TX
💬 Want your own question answered? Submit it here »
🐜 How Do I Treat Chinch Bugs in My Lawn?
Q: "I think I have chinch bugs in my lawn. The grass is dying in patches even though I water it. What’s the best way to get rid of them?"
A: Chinch bugs are a major summer pest in Houston lawns, especially in St. Augustine grass. They suck the sap from grass blades and inject toxins that cause the grass to yellow and die — often looking like drought damage.
Here’s how to treat and prevent chinch bugs:
💧 Water deeply and consistently: Chinch bugs thrive in hot, dry lawns. Keeping your grass well-watered and healthy makes it less appealing to them.
✂️ Mow the lawn shorter (but not scalped): Keeping your lawn on the shorter side reduces shelter and helps expose bugs to predators and treatment.
🧼 Try insecticidal soap or a soapy water flush: Mix mild dish soap with water and apply to affected areas. This can bring chinch bugs to the surface.
🪱 Use beneficial nematodes: These microscopic worms naturally prey on chinch bugs in the soil. You can apply them with a hose-end sprayer.
🧪 Apply a labeled insecticide: Look for products that specifically target chinch bugs. Always follow the product instructions and reapply as needed — especially during warm months.
🔁 Repeat treatments as needed: Monitor the area every 7–10 days and treat again if signs persist.
🌿 Build lawn resilience: Fertilize appropriately (not too heavy in summer), water deeply, and mow regularly to encourage thick turf that’s less vulnerable to infestation.
Answered by: Todd Farber, Texas A&M Horticulturist & Co-Owner of Garden Guy
📍 Sugar Land, TX
💬 Want your own question answered? Submit it here »
📅 What’s the Best Lawn Fertilization Schedule for Houston?
free printable download below too!
This is Garden Guy, Todd Farber's Recommended Lawn Fertilization Schedule for Houston.
Q: "When should I fertilize my lawn in Houston for the best results — and what should I use?"
A: Timing is everything when it comes to lawn fertilization in Houston. Here’s a seasonal breakdown to help keep your lawn green, healthy, and weed-free all year long:
🌱 Spring (February–March)
Apply pre-emergent herbicide to stop spring weeds before they start
If your lawn has been mowed at least twice, apply a slow-release fertilizer (15-5-10)
🔥 Late Spring to Early Summer (April–June)
Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (21-7-14) to promote growth
Always water thoroughly after applying fertilizer to prevent burning
☀️ Mid-Summer (July–August)
Be cautious — avoid over-fertilizing during extreme heat
Only fertilize if your lawn is actively growing and healthy
🍂 Fall (September–October)
Time to winterize! Use a low-nitrogen, high-potassium blend (10-5-14) to strengthen roots
❄️ Winter (November–January)
Don’t fertilize
Apply pre-emergent in late January to prevent early spring weeds
💡 Pro Tips for Success:
Always water after fertilizing to avoid burning your lawn
Consider organic options like compost or fish emulsion
Do a soil test for the most precise treatment plan
Stick with this seasonal schedule, and your lawn will be on track to thrive through all of Houston’s unpredictable weather.
👉 Download Garden Guy's Houston Lawn Fertilization Schedule (PDF)
Answered by: Todd Farber, Texas A&M Horticulturist & Co-Owner of Garden Guy
📍 Sugar Land, TX
💬 Want your own question answered? Submit it here »
Q: Can soil be too hot for vegetables? I was thinking of putting a 1” layer of sawdust in the beds. I live in Show Low and the plants get direct sunlight.
— Marcel Beaudoin
A: Yes, soil can absolutely get too hot for vegetables—especially in raised beds with direct sun and low humidity like you have in Show Low. When soil temperatures consistently rise above 90°F, root systems can struggle, water uptake slows, and plants may wilt or become stunted even if you're watering enough.
A 1” layer of sawdust mulch can help—but with a few cautions:
✅ Good for Cooling: Light-colored sawdust reflects heat and reduces soil temperature, protecting roots.
⚠️ Nitrogen Tie-Up Risk: As sawdust breaks down, it can steal nitrogen from the soil. To offset this, add a little nitrogen fertilizer or compost before applying sawdust.
🌱 Better Alternatives: Straw, shredded leaves, or composted bark are often better mulch choices for veggie beds since they insulate without robbing nutrients.
Pro Tip: Try inserting a soil thermometer about 4–6 inches down. Keeping soil temps between 70–85°F is ideal for most vegetables.
If you'd like help adjusting your mulch or irrigation for high-altitude summer gardening, just reach out anytime!
🌿
—Todd Farber, Texas A&M Horticulture Grad
Ask Garden Guy | www.askgardenguy.com
