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.

Sabrina Farber 2/3/26 Sabrina Farber 2/3/26

Virginia Buttonweed in Houston & Sugar Land Lawns (And How to Actually Control It)

Virginia buttonweed is one of the most frustrating weeds in Houston and Sugar Land lawns. It spreads by above-ground runners, not mower clippings, and sedge products won’t touch it. In this guide, Garden Guy explains why weekly spraying fails, what actually works, and how to control Virginia buttonweed safely in St. Augustine and Bermuda grass using the right product, proper spot-spraying, and patience.

Sabrina Farber 1/29/26 Sabrina Farber 1/29/26

Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening for Sugar Land and Fort Bend County: The Complete Guide

Learn how to grow vegetables in raised beds and containers in Sugar Land and Fort Bend County. Get our free starter kit with planting calendar, soil mix recipe, and top 10 easiest vegetables for Houston's Zone 9 climate.

Sabrina Farber 1/27/26 Sabrina Farber 1/27/26

Best Fruit Trees for Houston & Sugar Land: 2026 Enchanted Gardens Guide

Shopping for fruit trees at Enchanted Gardens or other Houston nurseries? This guide reveals which low-chill varieties actually produce in Zone 9a. Texas A&M-trained horticulturist Todd Farber breaks down the best apples, peaches, Asian pears, figs, and more for Sugar Land, Missouri City, and Fort Bend County—plus the #1 mistake that keeps trees from fruiting.

Sabrina Farber 1/5/26 Sabrina Farber 1/5/26

Can You Prune in January in Sugar Land? Here's What You Need to Know

Houston's beloved Randy Lemmon taught us to wait on winter pruning. Here's the Sugar Land-specific timing guide every homeowner needs—plus what you CAN safely prune in January from Todd Farber, Garden Guy.

Sabrina Farber 12/8/25 Sabrina Farber 12/8/25

Is Your Pine Tree Dying from the Top Down? Here's What's Really Happening

When Eric sent us photos of his pine tree, he hoped for good news. The brown crown and pitch bleeding told a different story—pine bark beetles had already won. Here's what every Houston homeowner needs to know about spotting the warning signs before it's too late.

Sabrina Farber 12/8/25 Sabrina Farber 12/8/25

SORRY IN ADVANCE to Every Sugar Land Homeowner Who Doesn't Read This

Learn the 72-hour method that saved Sugar Land yards during Winter Storm Uri. Free checklist: protect your landscape before the next freeze hits Houston.

Sabrina Farber 11/10/25 Sabrina Farber 11/10/25

🌿 How to Protect Tropical Hibiscus from Freezing Temperatures on the Texas Gulf Coast

Gulf Coast gardeners — learn how to protect tropical hibiscus from cold and freezing temperatures with Todd Farber’s simple winter care tips. Includes container and mulch methods for Houston, Sugar Land, and Livingston gardens.

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! 🍑🌳

Sabrina Farber 3/10/25 Sabrina Farber 3/10/25

Sweetwater Sugar Land Landscaping: Garden Guy’s Top Plant Picks

Garden Guy, Todd Farber, is transforming a front yard in Sweetwater, Sugar Land this week and sharing his top plant selections for a low-maintenance, beautiful landscape. From the drought-tolerant Aztec Grass to the vibrant blooms of Encore Azaleas, these plants are handpicked to thrive in Houston's climate. 🌿🌸

Want the full plant list with care tips? Read more & download the free guide! ⬇️

Sabrina Farber 2/27/25 Sabrina Farber 2/27/25

Keeping Pets Safe in Houston Yards: Pet-Friendly Landscaping & Toxic Plants to Avoid

🌿 Keep Your Houston Yard Safe for Pets! 🐶🐾

Many common landscaping plants can be toxic to dogs and cats, but with the right choices, you can create a beautiful and pet-safe yard. In this guide, we highlight non-toxic shrubs, flowers, and trees perfect for Houston landscapes—plus a list of dangerous plants to avoid.

From lush Cleyera and vibrant Zinnias to deadly Oleander and Sago Palms, knowing what to plant (and what to skip) can keep your furry friends happy and healthy.

📌 Read now to create a pet-friendly landscape! 🌿🐕➡️ https://bit.ly/asktoddnow

Sabrina Farber 2/26/25 Sabrina Farber 2/26/25

Houston Invasive Species: What Homeowners Need to Know

🌿 Protect Your Houston Landscape from Invasive Species! 🌿

Invasive plants and insects are silently damaging Houston & Sugar Land yards, outcompeting native species and disrupting ecosystems. From the aggressive Chinese Tallow Tree to the destructive Emerald Ash Borer, these species spread quickly and are tough to control.

Learn how invasive species spread, which ones to watch out for, and how homeowners can help stop them before they take over your landscape! 🚨

📖 Read the full guide & protect your yard! ⬇️

Sabrina Farber 1/25/25 Sabrina Farber 1/25/25

When to Start Gardening in Houston: Expert Advice from Garden Guy

When to Start Gardening in Houston: Expert Advice from Garden Guy

Houston’s mild winters and long summers offer year-round gardening opportunities, but timing is key for success. February is ideal for planting trees, shrubs, and flowers, as cooler temperatures and natural rainfall help plants establish strong roots before the summer heat.

🌱 Best Planting Window – February is perfect for installing trees like Live Oak and Crepe Myrtle, hardy shrubs like Yaupon Holly, and colorful flowers like Snapdragons.

☀️ Why February Works – Cooler weather reduces transplant stress, while winter rainfall provides natural irrigation, ensuring healthy growth.

🌟 Pro Tips – Choose freeze-resistant plants, protect against occasional frosts, and enrich soil for long-term success.

✅ Garden Guy’s 90-Day Guarantee – Every plant installed comes with a guarantee, so you can plant with confidence.

Get expert guidance and transform your yard today with Garden Guy! 🌿 #HoustonGardening #GardenGuy

Houston Garden Help

Ask Garden Guy