Who is answering my gardening questions on Ask Garden Guy?

Todd Farber — a Texas A&M horticulture graduate and Houston native with 33 years of landscaping experience. He’s the trusted voice behind Ask Garden Guy, helping Houston and Sugar Land homeowners with real, local answers.

Is Ask Garden Guy related to GardenLine on KTRH?

We’re not affiliated with KTRH or GardenLine, but we’re proud to continue the spirit of helpful garden talk! Many former GardenLine listeners now use Ask Garden Guy to get timely advice without calling in or waiting on hold.

How does Ask Garden Guy work?

Just submit your question online—photos welcome—and you'll receive a real response from Garden Guy or our small Houston-based team. No bots, no scripts, just time-tested advice tailored to your yard.

Is there a fee to ask a question?

Nope. Ask Garden Guy is free. For personalized in-person consultations, our paid landscaping design team at Garden Guy is also available at gardenguy.com.

Are bugs in compost normal?

Yes! Bugs like wood roaches (palmetto bugs) and ants are common in compost piles. They help break down materials. To reduce them, keep your pile moist and add more greens.

What’s the best compost ratio for Houston yards?

Aim for 2 parts browns (dry leaves, pine needles) to 1 part greens (grass clippings, kitchen scraps, coffee grounds). This balance helps compost break down quickly.

Can I compost Bermuda grass?

Only if your compost pile reaches 140°F+. Otherwise, Bermuda runners can survive and regrow when you spread compost later.

Pink rose blossoms climbing on a weathered wooden fence with green foliage and grass in the foreground.

The Dirt from Garden Guy

Real Houston Advice. Real Before & Afters.

Todd Farber brings over 33 years of local horticulture experience—sharing no-fluff tips for your Houston lawn, garden, and landscape.

📸 See real before-and-after projects.

🌿 Get plant help that actually works in Texas.

📻 Skip the static. Get answers anytime.

🚜 Get Expert Garden Help Now

Trusted advice from Todd Farber—Houston's go-to horticulturist.

Sabrina Farber 9/18/25 Sabrina Farber 9/18/25

🌿 September Makeover in Sweetwater, Sugar Land

Discover how a professional Houston landscaping makeover transformed this Sugar Land front yard. With stone-edged garden beds, hardy Texas perennials, and colorful seasonal flowers, this curb appeal upgrade shows the best plants and design ideas for Houston homeowners

Sabrina Farber 6/25/25 Sabrina Farber 6/25/25

Backyard Landscaping Makeover in Sweetwater, Sugar Land TX

A classic Sugar Land backyard gets a fresh update with Texas sage, Encore azaleas, and star jasmine. See how Garden Guy replaced tired shrubs with a clean, low-maintenance design that adds color, structure, and curb appeal—all along the brick wall in Sweetwater.

Sabrina Farber 6/15/25 Sabrina Farber 6/15/25

Best Perennials for Houston: 15 Proven Winners for Our Hot, Humid Climate

Looking for plants that survive Houston heat, come back stronger each year, and bloom beautifully? Garden Guy’s Todd Farber shares his top 15 perennial picks for Houston landscapes—including low-maintenance favorites like Salvia, Lantana, and Yarrow. These tough performers are proven in Sugar Land and across Southeast Texas.