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

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

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

Sabrina Farber 3/11/26 Sabrina Farber 3/11/26

Just Say No to Dyed Mulch — And Please Stop Making Mulch Volcanoes

Dyed mulch and mulch volcanoes can damage your landscaping, stress your plants, and harm trees over time. Garden Guy explains what to use instead in Houston and Sugar Land landscapes.

Sabrina Farber 2/6/26 Sabrina Farber 2/6/26

Houston & Sugar Land Pollinator Garden (Zone 9a/9b): My short “actually works here” plant list

Want more bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in your Houston or Sugar Land yard? After 33+ years working in Houston soils, Texas A&M horticulturist Todd Farber shares a short, proven plant list for Zone 9a/9b that actually thrives here. These pollinator favorites are easy to find locally at Enchanted Gardens, Joshua’s Native Plants, and Buchanan’s—and they work in real Texas heat, not just on paper.

Sabrina Farber 11/17/25 Sabrina Farber 11/17/25

🎄 Gift Yourself a Holiday Home Makeover: Best Plants to Install Now in Houston (Zone 9a)

Planting season in Houston isn’t spring — it’s now. Cooler air and warm soil help plants establish strong roots before summer heat returns. Discover the best freeze-resistant flowers, shrubs, and trees to install this holiday season and download our free Holiday Planting Guide (with a $250 project coupon inside).

Sabrina Farber 11/5/25 Sabrina Farber 11/5/25

Shadow Creek Ranch Front Yard

Garden Guy replaced the red mulch with rich, natural hardwood mulch and added fresh color, balanced plantings, and crisp edges for a timeless look that complements this Pearland home’s brick and stone exterior. Pearland landscaper Garden Guy delivers the curb appeal here.