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 6/23/26 Sabrina Farber 6/23/26

Martha Stewart's Plants vs. What Grows in Houston | Garden Guy

Martha Stewart's evergreen picks are gorgeous — but will they survive a Houston August? Garden Guy's heat-tough swaps for Sugar Land, Katy, Pearland & more.

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 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 11/23/25 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 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 11/10/25 Sabrina Farber 11/10/25

🌿 Introducing: Search Ask Garden Guy — Find Houston Gardening Answers Instantly!

Find local Houston and Sugar Land gardening advice fast with our new Search Ask Garden Guy tool! Type any keyword — like hibiscus, mulch, or lawn care — and instantly explore Todd Farber’s expert answers, Houston garden tips, and landscaping advice for Gulf Coast homeowners.

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 8/22/25 Sabrina Farber 8/22/25

Beautiful Plants for a Bird-Friendly Garden in Houston (Zone 9a)

Turn your Houston garden into a bird haven with beautiful, low-maintenance plants like salvia, Turk’s cap, and American beautyberry. These choices add color, texture, and year-round food sources for hummingbirds and songbirds.

Sabrina Farber 6/14/25 Sabrina Farber 6/14/25

Before & After: A Poolside Landscaping Makeover in First Colony – Sugar Land, TX

Transform your Sugar Land yard into a neighborhood envy with expert landscaping from Ask Garden Guy! We create stunning outdoor spaces tailored to your needs, from drought-resistant gardens to vibrant flower beds. Struggling with shade or soil issues? Our proven solutions and plant recommendations will ensure your landscape thrives. Whether you desire a tranquil oasis or a lively entertaining area, we provide bold strategies to elevate your space. Don’t settle for ordinary—cultivate extraordinary! Contact Ask Garden Guy today and start your journey to a breathtaking landscape that makes your property stand out. Your perfect yard awaits!

A poolside garden in First Colony, Sugar Land got a fresh new look with a custom Garden Guy makeover. We reshaped beds, added Texas-tough plants, and created a lush, low-maintenance retreat perfect for relaxing and entertaining.

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 3/5/25 Sabrina Farber 3/5/25

Best Backyard Privacy Tree

The Best Backyard Privacy Tree for Houston 🌿🏡 Looking for a low-maintenance, evergreen tree that provides year-round privacy? The Eagleston Holly is the perfect choice for Houston landscapes—resilient against heat, drought, and freezes, while offering beautiful greenery and natural screening.

✔ Thrives in Houston’s climate
✔ Low-maintenance & pest-resistant
✔ Great for privacy screens & wind protection

📩 Find out why this is the best backyard privacy tree! Read more

Sabrina Farber 3/4/25 Sabrina Farber 3/4/25

Eagleston Holly: The Best Backyard Privacy Tree for Houston | Garden Guy

🌳 The #1 Tree for Backyard Privacy in Houston: Eagleston Holly! 🌿

Looking for the perfect privacy tree for your Houston backyard? Eagleston Holly is Garden Guy’s top pick! This evergreen, low-maintenance tree grows 20-25 feet tall, stays lush year-round, and thrives in Houston’s heat and occasional freezes. Whether you need a natural screen from neighbors or a beautiful, dense hedge, this tree does it all!

🌱 Why Eagleston Holly?
✅ Year-round evergreen foliage for constant privacy
✅ Low-maintenance – just plant and watch it grow!
✅ Heat & drought tolerant – thrives in Houston’s climate
✅ Compact width (10-15 feet) – ideal for backyards

Want to know how to plant and care for this perfect privacy tree? Read more on our blog! 🌿

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