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.

Ask a Question

Sabrina Farber 1/23/25 Sabrina Farber 1/23/25

Quick Guide: Post-Snowfall Landscaping Tips for Houston

Snowfall in Houston can be tough on your garden, but recovery is possible! Learn expert tips from Aggie Horticulturist Todd Farber on how to assess damage, care for your plants, and protect your landscape for future freezes. Your Houston garden can thrive again with patience and the right steps!

Sabrina Farber 1/22/25 Sabrina Farber 1/22/25

Stop Doing This! The Garden Guy’s Warning for Houston Gardeners

Stop Doing This After a Freeze! Garden Guy’s Warning for Houston Gardeners

After a freeze, rushing to prune, fertilize, or uncover your plants can do more harm than good. Many plants might appear damaged, but with patience and the right steps, they can recover. Learn the biggest post-freeze mistakes to avoid and how to give your Houston garden the best chance to thrive again! 🌱

👉 Read More for Expert Tips!

Sabrina Farber 1/21/25 Sabrina Farber 1/21/25

Steps to Care for Your Houston Plants After a Freeze

Steps to Care for Your Houston Plants After a Freeze

Houston’s unpredictable winters can leave homeowners concerned about their plants after a freeze. In this guide, Aggie Horticulturist Todd Farber explains how freezing temperatures affect plants, how to identify frost damage, and the essential steps to help your garden recover.

Key takeaways include:

Recognizing frost damage on leaves, stems, and roots.
Avoiding premature pruning and waiting for signs of new growth.
Using mulch, careful watering, and light fertilization to support recovery.
Protecting vulnerable plants like tropicals and perennials while planning ahead with cold-hardy species.

For expert tips and personalized advice to restore your landscaping, contact Garden Guy today and let’s get your garden thriving again!

👉 Ask a Question or Schedule a Consultation Here

Sabrina Farber 1/19/25 Sabrina Farber 1/19/25

Post-Snowfall Landscaping Tips Houston

Post-Snowfall Landscaping Tips for Houston

By Todd Farber, Aggie Horticulturist. Snowfall in Houston is a rare event, but when it happens, it can leave many homeowners wondering how to care for their landscapes afterward. While the sight of snow may be beautiful, it can be hard on plants that aren’t accustomed to cold weather. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help your landscape recover after a snowfall.