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 3/13/25 Sabrina Farber 3/13/25

The Best Soil Mix for Transplanting Fruit Trees: Pears & Peaches Done Right!

Transplanting Acre Homes pear, Sam Houston peach, and Tex King peach trees? 🌱 The right soil mix is key to strong root development and a thriving orchard. Should you use rose soil, compost, or something else? Find out the best soil blend for successful tree planting and expert tips for long-term fruit tree health! 🍑🌳

Sabrina Farber 3/10/25 Sabrina Farber 3/10/25

Sweetwater Sugar Land Landscaping: Garden Guy’s Top Plant Picks

Garden Guy, Todd Farber, is transforming a front yard in Sweetwater, Sugar Land this week and sharing his top plant selections for a low-maintenance, beautiful landscape. From the drought-tolerant Aztec Grass to the vibrant blooms of Encore Azaleas, these plants are handpicked to thrive in Houston's climate. 🌿🌸

Want the full plant list with care tips? Read more & download the free guide! ⬇️

Sabrina Farber 3/8/25 Sabrina Farber 3/8/25

From Outdated to Outstanding—A Sugar Creek Landscape Makeover

Stuck in the 1980s! This Sugar Creek home had an outdated landscape with overgrown dwarf yaupon hollies, compacted soil, and zero curb appeal. We gave it a fresh, modern update with low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants and a polished new design. See the full transformation! 🌿✨ #HoustonLandscaping #BeforeAndAfter

Sabrina Farber 3/6/25 Sabrina Farber 3/6/25

A Front Yard Transformation in Sienna Village of Anderson Springs

From Sparse to Stunning: A Front Yard Makeover in Sienna Village

This front yard in Sienna Village of Anderson Springs needed a refresh, and we delivered! With defined garden beds, layered plant selections, and fresh mulch, we turned a struggling landscape into a lush and inviting entrance.

See the before & after photos and discover how the right landscaping can enhance curb appeal and add lasting beauty.

📍 Serving Sugar Land, Houston & Beyond!

👉 Read more & get inspired!

Sabrina Farber 3/5/25 Sabrina Farber 3/5/25

Best Backyard Privacy Tree

The Best Backyard Privacy Tree for Houston 🌿🏡 Looking for a low-maintenance, evergreen tree that provides year-round privacy? The Eagleston Holly is the perfect choice for Houston landscapes—resilient against heat, drought, and freezes, while offering beautiful greenery and natural screening.

✔ Thrives in Houston’s climate
✔ Low-maintenance & pest-resistant
✔ Great for privacy screens & wind protection

📩 Find out why this is the best backyard privacy tree! Read more

Sabrina Farber 3/4/25 Sabrina Farber 3/4/25

Eagleston Holly: The Best Backyard Privacy Tree for Houston | Garden Guy

🌳 The #1 Tree for Backyard Privacy in Houston: Eagleston Holly! 🌿

Looking for the perfect privacy tree for your Houston backyard? Eagleston Holly is Garden Guy’s top pick! This evergreen, low-maintenance tree grows 20-25 feet tall, stays lush year-round, and thrives in Houston’s heat and occasional freezes. Whether you need a natural screen from neighbors or a beautiful, dense hedge, this tree does it all!

🌱 Why Eagleston Holly?
✅ Year-round evergreen foliage for constant privacy
✅ Low-maintenance – just plant and watch it grow!
✅ Heat & drought tolerant – thrives in Houston’s climate
✅ Compact width (10-15 feet) – ideal for backyards

Want to know how to plant and care for this perfect privacy tree? Read more on our blog! 🌿

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 2/24/25 Sabrina Farber 2/24/25

The Ultimate Houston Landscaping Guide – Download Your Free Copy Now!

Create a Thriving Houston Landscape! Want a low-maintenance, beautiful yard that thrives in Houston’s climate? Download my FREE Houston Landscaping Guide for expert-recommended Houston trees, shrubs, and flowers that can handle the heat, humidity, and occasional freezes. 📩 Get your copy now! Happy Planting! 🌱 – Todd Farber, Aggie Horticulturist

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.

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