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 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

Sabrina Farber 2/18/25 Sabrina Farber 2/18/25

Protect Your Plants: Cold Front & Extreme Cold Watch for Houston! ❄️

❄️ Houston Cold Front Alert! Freezing temperatures and strong winds are on the way—is your landscape ready? 🌿 Protect your plants, palms, and tropicals from freeze damage with expert tips from Todd Farber, Aggie Horticulturist & Founder of Garden Guy. Learn the right way to cover plants, insulate palms, and safeguard delicate tropicals before the cold hits!

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!

Sabrina Farber 2/15/25 Sabrina Farber 2/15/25

Garden Guy’s Complete Guide to Covering & Prepping Plants for the Upcoming Freeze in Houston 🥶🌿

Houston, you’re prepping for a freeze wrong! ❄️🚨 Don’t let this last cold snap damage your plants—cover them the right way! 🌿 From tropicals to houseplants, Aggie Horticulturist Todd Farber shares expert tips to protect your garden and get ready for spring! 🌸☀️ #FreezeProtection #HoustonGardening #GardenGuy

Sabrina Farber 2/15/25 Sabrina Farber 2/15/25

Why Cleyera is the Ultimate Shrub for Houston & Sugar Land Landscapes 🌿✨

Looking for a low-maintenance, heat-tolerant shrub that thrives in Houston and Sugar Land? 🌿 Cleyera is a Garden Guy favorite for its evergreen beauty, drought resistance, and versatility—perfect for privacy hedges, foundation plantings, or statement greenery. Discover why Aggie Horticulturist Todd Farber has trusted this shrub for 30+ years in Texas landscapes! 🌱✨ #HoustonLandscaping #GardenGuy #CleyeraShrub

Sabrina Farber 2/14/25 Sabrina Farber 2/14/25

These 5 Landscaping Tricks Can Transform Your Houston Yard in Just One Week – Says Aggie Horticulturist Todd Farber

Want a stunning Houston yard in just one week? 🌿 Todd Farber, Aggie Horticulturist and founder of Garden Guy, shares 5 quick landscaping tricks that will instantly upgrade your outdoor space! From refreshing mulch to adding seasonal color and landscape lighting, these simple changes can transform your yard fast. Ready to see the difference? Read more and start your yard makeover today! 💡🌸 #HoustonLandscaping #GardenGuy #ToddFarber

Sabrina Farber 2/5/25 Sabrina Farber 2/5/25

Oak Wilt Texas: What Homeowners Need to Know 🌳

🚨 Texas Oak Trees Are Dying—And Your Yard Could Be Next!

Oak wilt is spreading fast across Texas, killing trees in neighborhoods like yours. This deadly fungal disease can wipe out entire oak populations before homeowners even realize what's happening. Learn the shocking signs, how to stop the spread, and what you MUST do to protect your trees before it's too late! 🌳⚠️ #SaveTheOaks #HoustonTrees

Sabrina Farber 2/5/25 Sabrina Farber 2/5/25

✂️ Are you accidentally harming your plants?

✂️ Think pruning is just about cutting back branches? Think again! Improper pruning at the wrong time or in the wrong way can weaken your plants, reduce blooms, and even lead to costly replacements. In Sugar Land’s climate, timing and technique matter more than you think! Before you grab those shears, learn the biggest mistakes DIY landscapers make—and how to avoid them. Or better yet, let Garden Guy handle it for you! 🌿 Call today for expert pruning that keeps your landscape thriving!

Sabrina Farber 2/4/25 Sabrina Farber 2/4/25

Lack of Curb Appeal? This Easy Planting Trick Could Help!

Lack of Curb Appeal? This Easy Planting Trick Could Help! 🌿✨

Does your yard feel flat, unbalanced, or lifeless? Many homeowners unknowingly make a common landscaping mistake that leaves their front yard looking scattered and disconnected. But there’s a simple fix—The Rule of Threes!

By planting in groups of three (or other odd numbers), you can instantly create a fuller, more cohesive, and professionally designed look without extra effort. Want to learn how to apply this trick in your Houston landscape? Read on for expert tips—and grab your FREE plant guide! 👇

Sabrina Farber 2/3/25 Sabrina Farber 2/3/25

Things No One Tells You About the Best Flowering Shrubs for Houston Landscaping

Things No One Tells You About the Best Flowering Shrubs for Houston Landscaping

Most Houston homeowners know they need heat-tolerant, drought-resistant plants—but what no one tells you is that the right flowering shrubs can transform your yard into a vibrant, low-maintenance paradise. From the hummingbird-magnet Firebush to the overlooked Plumbago with its rare sky-blue blooms, these shrubs thrive in Houston’s climate while adding year-round color and wildlife appeal.

Want the full list? Download our free guide: "The Best Flowering Shrubs for Houston Landscaping" and start planning your dream landscape today!

👉 Get Your Free List Now!

Sabrina Farber 1/31/25 Sabrina Farber 1/31/25

3 Subtle Traits Of A Truly Overcrowded Home Garden 🌿

Is your home garden feeling more like a jungle than a peaceful retreat? 🌿🚫 Overcrowding is a common yet subtle issue that can turn a once-beautiful landscape into a chaotic, high-maintenance headache. As a Sugar Land landscaper, I’ve seen firsthand how poor spacing and cluttered layouts can affect plant health and curb appeal.

In this post, I’ll share three subtle signs that your garden might be overcrowded—and simple solutions to restore balance. Whether you're dealing with struggling plants, visual clutter, or excessive upkeep, these expert tips will help you reclaim a beautiful, stress-free outdoor space.

Read on to find out if your Sugar Land garden is suffering from overcrowding and how to fix it! 🌱✨

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