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.

Houston Garden Help

Real Houston-area lawn, plant, pest, and landscape answers from Todd Farber, Texas A&M horticulturist, Expert Houston landscaper and owner of Garden Guy.

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Sabrina Farber 12/3/25 Sabrina Farber 12/3/25

🐾 Pet-Safe Plants for Houston Gardens & Homes

Houston's warm climate is perfect for lush landscaping, but not every plant is safe for curious pets. If you're a pet parent, you need to know which plants your furry friends can safely explore—and which ones to avoid. This comprehensive guide covers the best pet-safe plants that thrive in Houston's unique climate, from heat-loving landscape plants like Blue Daze and Mexican Heather to humidity-loving houseplants like Boston Ferns and Prayer Plants. You'll also learn which popular Houston plants are toxic to pets (looking at you, Azaleas and Sago Palms!) and get practical tips for creating a pet-friendly landscape that can handle Houston's weather AND your pet's playtime. Plus, sign up for our newsletter for a bonus entry into our Holiday Pet Photo Contest—win a $20 Amazon gift card! Whether you're redesigning your yard or adding houseplants, create a space where both you and your pets can thrive.

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