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.

When should I apply pre-emergent in Houston?

Apply pre-emergent by February 1st, before soil temperatures consistently reach 55°F. That's the threshold at which warm-season weed seeds like crabgrass begin to germinate. Use a soil thermometer to confirm — once the soil hits 55°F, the window has closed.

When should I fertilize my St. Augustine lawn in Houston?

When the lawn tells you it's ready — not when the calendar does. Watch for nighttime temperatures above 55°F for at least 5 consecutive days and your grass actively greening with new growth. In Houston this typically happens between late March and early May, but it varies year to year.

When should I fertilize Bermuda grass in Houston?

When it's fully green and you've mowed it at least twice. Bermuda wakes up later than St. Augustine — usually late April or May in Houston, but a cold spring can push it later.

Do I need to add a surfactant to my weed killer?

Yes — always. A non-ionic surfactant helps herbicide spray stick to the waxy surface of weed leaves and penetrate the plant. Without it, much of your spray runs off and loses effectiveness.

Should I get a soil test for my Houston lawn?

Yes — especially if you've been fertilizing and still not seeing results. Houston clay varies yard to yard. A Texas A&M soil test tells you exactly what's missing before you spend more money on product.

Todd Farber, Aggie horticulturist, with Sabrina — Garden Guy

Houston Garden Help

Straight answers on lawns, plants, pests, and landscapes — from a real Houston horticulturist, not a search result.

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Since 1991 · Sugar Land · Missouri City · Greater Houston

Sabrina Farber 7/11/26 Sabrina Farber 7/11/26

Fall Seed Potatoes in Houston: When to Plant on the Gulf Coast

Think potatoes are a spring-only crop? Not on the Gulf Coast. Here's exactly when to plant fall seed potatoes in Houston — late August — plus the four varieties that actually produce here and how to grow them from seed piece to harvest.

Sabrina Farber 6/25/26 Sabrina Farber 6/25/26

Houston Fall Vegetable Garden: What to Plant by Month

In Houston and along the Gulf Coast, fall vegetable planting doesn't start when the pumpkins hit the grocery store — it starts now, but not with everything. Here's exactly what to plant in June, July, August, and September, from long-season squash to fall seed potatoes and your broccoli-and-cabbage tray starts.

Sabrina Farber 1/2/26 Sabrina Farber 1/2/26

Your Complete Vegetable Gardening Guide for Sugar Land, Richmond & Katy

Why do tomatoes die every July in Sugar Land? This free vegetable gardening guide reveals the 3 secrets to year-round harvests in Fort Bend County's unique climate. Month-by-month planting calendars, clay soil solutions, and 30+ years of local expertise. Sugar Land Planting Guide Inside!

Sabrina Farber 2/21/25 Sabrina Farber 2/21/25

How to Keep Leaf-Footed Beetles Off Your Tomatoes

Excerpt:

Leaf-footed beetles can be a serious nuisance in the garden, especially when they target your prized tomatoes. If hand-picking them off seems like a losing battle, don’t worry—there are several effective strategies to prevent and control them. From using row covers and trap cropping to encouraging natural predators and organic sprays, these methods will help you keep your tomatoes safe. Learn how to protect your plants and keep your garden thriving. Read more from Aggie Horticulturist, Todd Farber | Garden Guy.

Houston Garden Help

Fall Seed Potatoes in Houston: When to Plant on the Gulf Coast

Houston Fall Vegetable Garden: What to Plant by Month

Your Complete Vegetable Gardening Guide for Sugar Land, Richmond & Katy

How to Keep Leaf-Footed Beetles Off Your Tomatoes

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