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 12/6/25 Sabrina Farber 12/6/25

Freeze-Proof Your Sienna, Telfair, or Sugar Creek Yard: Essential Lessons from the 2021 Texas Freeze

The 2021 freeze devastated Sugar Land landscapes. Learn which plants survived in Sienna, Telfair, and Sugar Creek—and exactly what to do NOW to protect your yard before the next freeze hits. 30+ years of expert data from Texas A&M Horticulturist Todd Farber.

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

🌿 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 10/28/25 Sabrina Farber 10/28/25

How to Route Gutter Water 10 Feet Away from Your House (Houston Drainage Advice)

Got new gutters? Make sure that rainwater doesn’t end up back at your foundation. In this Houston homeowner Q&A, Garden Guy explains how to route gutter water a full 10 feet away from your Houston house — including slope tips, durable product options, and a simple way to protect your home during heavy downpours.

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

Top Shade-Loving Shrubs for North-Facing Houston Homes

If your Houston yard gets little to no sun, choosing the right shade-tolerant Houston shrubs can make all the difference! 🌿✨ Our expert guide highlights the best low-maintenance, evergreen, and flowering shrubs that thrive in north-facing Houston landscapes—no guesswork needed. Whether you're looking for lush greenery, colorful blooms, or privacy screening, we’ve got you covered. Discover top picks plus essential planting and care tips to keep them thriving. 📩 Get expert landscaping advice from Garden Guy today!.

Sabrina Farber 2/22/25 Sabrina Farber 2/22/25

Proper Planting Depth & Timing for Zone 9 with Aggie Horticulturist Garden Guy: The Key to a Thriving Garden

Excerpt: Planting depth is one of the most critical factors for a thriving garden in Zone 9 (Texas). Planting too deep can prevent seeds from sprouting, while too shallow can leave roots exposed and unstable. This guide from Aggie Horticulturist Garden Guy breaks down the ideal planting depths for different seeds and the best times to plant them. From lettuce and carrots in early spring to pumpkins in late spring, get the expert tips you need to ensure healthy growth. Learn the secrets to perfect planting and set your garden up for success! 🌱✨

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

3 Minutes of Houston Landscaping Wisdom for Homeowners: Does Spitting on Seeds Make Plants Align with Your DNA? 🌿🧬

Excerpt:
Is there any truth to the claim that spitting on seeds can make plants align with your DNA? 🌿🧬 Some believe saliva can communicate with plants, tailoring nutrients to the grower, but science says otherwise! Instead of relying on myths, focus on proven techniques like soil health, smart watering, and companion planting for a thriving Houston garden. What do you think? Have you heard this myth before? Let’s chat in the comments! 🌱👇 Read more.

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.

Sabrina Farber 2/20/25 Sabrina Farber 2/20/25

🌿 FREE Houston Landscaping Cheat Sheet! 🌱

🌿 Struggling with Houston’s tough gardening conditions? Get Garden Guy’s FREE Landscaping Cheat Sheet—packed with top drought-tolerant, shade-loving, and deer-resistant plants plus expert soil & watering tips! #HoustonLandscaping #GardenGuy

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