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

Real Houston Advice. Real Before & Afters.

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

📸 See real before-and-after projects.

🌿 Get plant help that actually works in Texas.

📻 Skip the static. Get answers anytime.

🚜 Get Expert Garden Help Now

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

Sabrina Farber 12/13/25 Sabrina Farber 12/13/25

GARDEN GUY'S FREEZE SURVIVAL GUIDE Protect Your Sugar Land & Houston Landscape

Houston, a freeze is coming. In February 2021, Sugar Land neighborhoods lost 60% of their plants overnight—some homeowners lost $20,000 in landscaping. The difference between survival and devastation? Preparation. This comprehensive guide gives you exact kill temperatures for ixora, hibiscus, and plumbago, plus Todd's 48-hour action plan to protect your landscape. Don't repeat the mistakes of 2021. Download your free guide now.

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 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 12/5/25 Sabrina Farber 12/5/25

Which Trees Will Survive a Houston & Sugar Land Freeze?

Wondering which trees can handle Houston's surprise cold snaps? Ask Garden Guy shares 9 proven freeze-hardy trees that thrive in Sugar Land, Sienna, and surrounding areas—from majestic live oaks to colorful crape myrtles. These cold-tolerant varieties are built to survive Texas weather extremes.

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 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 2/16/25 Sabrina Farber 2/16/25

Best Freeze-Resistant Shrubs for Houston: Expert Guide from a Texas A&M Horticulturist

Tired of replacing shrubs after every Houston freeze? 🌿 Discover the 9 best cold-hardy, freeze-resistant shrubs proven to survive Houston's unpredictable winters—from the devastating 2021 freeze to sudden cold snaps. Texas A&M Aggie Horticulturist Todd Farber shares 30+ years of local expertise on native and adapted evergreens that thrive in Zone 9 heat AND freezing temps. Plus: 4 popular shrubs to avoid and expert freeze protection tips. Download your free printable guide!