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.

What perennials grow best in Houston?

Texas sage, lantana, salvias, Gulf Coast muhly grass, drift roses, loropetalum, and Esperanza are consistently reliable performers in Houston's heat, humidity, and soil conditions.

When is the best time to plant perennials in Houston?

Fall and early spring are the best times to plant perennials in Houston because those seasons allow strong root development before summer heat arrives.

Do perennials survive Houston freezes?

Most Houston-friendly perennials survive freezes, but some go dormant. Avoid cutting back freeze-damaged plants until spring when new growth appears.

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 12/13/25 Sabrina Farber 12/13/25

GARDEN GUY'S FREEZE SURVIVAL GUIDE Protect Your Sugar Land & Houston Landscape

Houston, a freeze is coming. In February 2021, Sugar Land neighborhoods lost 60% of their plants overnight—some homeowners lost $20,000 in landscaping. The difference between survival and devastation? Preparation. This comprehensive guide gives you exact kill temperatures for ixora, hibiscus, and plumbago, plus Todd's 48-hour action plan to protect your landscape. Don't repeat the mistakes of 2021. Download your free guide now.

Sabrina Farber 12/4/25 Sabrina Farber 12/4/25

December Landscaping Checklist for Texas: Your Complete Guide

December is actually one of the BEST months for Texas landscaping. Get your complete guide on what to plant, prune, and protect this month—plus expert tips from 30+ years of experience caring for Texas landscapes.

Sabrina Farber 11/23/25 Sabrina Farber 11/23/25

Stop Planting Your Plants Too Deep — Here’s the Right Way (Houston Edition)

Most Houston homeowners plant incorrectly — fix it in 5 steps. Learn how wide to dig, how deep to plant, how to loosen roots, and how to water so plants thrive.

Sabrina Farber 9/19/25 Sabrina Farber 9/19/25

Compost Help in Houston

Compost troubles in Houston? Garden Guy Todd Farber explains why bugs, ants, and even palmetto roaches in your compost pile aren’t always bad — and how a few simple tweaks (like balancing browns and greens) can give you rich, healthy compost for your yard.

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.

Sabrina Farber 3/13/25 Sabrina Farber 3/13/25

The Best Soil Mix for Transplanting Fruit Trees: Pears & Peaches Done Right!

Transplanting Acre Homes pear, Sam Houston peach, and Tex King peach trees? 🌱 The right soil mix is key to strong root development and a thriving orchard. Should you use rose soil, compost, or something else? Find out the best soil blend for successful tree planting and expert tips for long-term fruit tree health! 🍑🌳