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 9/18/25 Sabrina Farber 9/18/25

🌿 September Makeover in Sweetwater, Sugar Land

Discover how a professional Houston landscaping makeover transformed this Sugar Land front yard. With stone-edged garden beds, hardy Texas perennials, and colorful seasonal flowers, this curb appeal upgrade shows the best plants and design ideas for Houston homeowners

Sabrina Farber 8/22/25 Sabrina Farber 8/22/25

Beautiful Plants for a Bird-Friendly Garden in Houston (Zone 9a)

Turn your Houston garden into a bird haven with beautiful, low-maintenance plants like salvia, Turk’s cap, and American beautyberry. These choices add color, texture, and year-round food sources for hummingbirds and songbirds.

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

Backyard Landscaping Makeover in Sweetwater, Sugar Land TX

A classic Sugar Land backyard gets a fresh update with Texas sage, Encore azaleas, and star jasmine. See how Garden Guy replaced tired shrubs with a clean, low-maintenance design that adds color, structure, and curb appeal—all along the brick wall in Sweetwater.

Sabrina Farber 6/16/25 Sabrina Farber 6/16/25

How to Get Rid of Doveweed Without RoundUp

Discover how to get rid of doveweed in your Houston lawn without using RoundUp. Garden Guy Todd Farber shares natural, effective solutions for killing weeds and replanting with healthy sod.

Sabrina Farber 6/15/25 Sabrina Farber 6/15/25

Best Perennials for Houston: 15 Proven Winners for Our Hot, Humid Climate

Looking for plants that survive Houston heat, come back stronger each year, and bloom beautifully? Garden Guy’s Todd Farber shares his top 15 perennial picks for Houston landscapes—including low-maintenance favorites like Salvia, Lantana, and Yarrow. These tough performers are proven in Sugar Land and across Southeast Texas.

Sabrina Farber 6/14/25 Sabrina Farber 6/14/25

Before & After: A Poolside Landscaping Makeover in First Colony – Sugar Land, TX

Transform your Sugar Land yard into a neighborhood envy with expert landscaping from Ask Garden Guy! We create stunning outdoor spaces tailored to your needs, from drought-resistant gardens to vibrant flower beds. Struggling with shade or soil issues? Our proven solutions and plant recommendations will ensure your landscape thrives. Whether you desire a tranquil oasis or a lively entertaining area, we provide bold strategies to elevate your space. Don’t settle for ordinary—cultivate extraordinary! Contact Ask Garden Guy today and start your journey to a breathtaking landscape that makes your property stand out. Your perfect yard awaits!

A poolside garden in First Colony, Sugar Land got a fresh new look with a custom Garden Guy makeover. We reshaped beds, added Texas-tough plants, and created a lush, low-maintenance retreat perfect for relaxing and entertaining.

Sabrina Farber 6/11/25 Sabrina Farber 6/11/25

✨ Before & After: Front Yard Makeover in Bridlewood Estates, Richmond TX ✨

This Bridlewood Estates home in Richmond TX got a full front yard refresh from Garden Guy Landscaping. We replaced tired shrubs with native, low-maintenance plants and bold new bedlines—delivering curb appeal that thrives in Houston heat. See the before & after! 🌿

Sabrina Farber 5/20/25 Sabrina Farber 5/20/25

🌿 Garden Guy Makeover of the Week: Sharpstown Edition!

This Sharpstown landscape makeover by Garden Guy turned a tired front yard into a colorful, low-maintenance showpiece! Designed by Aggie Horticulturist Todd Farber, it features layered beds, vibrant blooms, and curb appeal that grows better with time.

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

Landscaping for Homeowners: Sugar Creek Sugar Land Front Yard Makeover

We refreshed this classic Sugar Creek front yard with structured garden beds, evergreen plants, and a graceful brick walkway—creating a clean, low-maintenance landscape that boosts curb appeal and grows more beautiful over time.

Sabrina Farber 3/29/25 Sabrina Farber 3/29/25

Total Front Yard & Side Yard Landscaping Renovation in Commonwealth Estates, Sugar Land, Texas

Commonwealth Estates Front Yard Makeover: A Stunning Transformation- When a gorgeous home in Commonwealth Estates needed a fresh new look, Garden Guy stepped in to bring structure, color, and lasting beauty to the landscape. By redefining garden beds, enhancing plant selections, and refreshing the side yard, we created a cohesive and welcoming outdoor space.

Todd Farber, Texas A&M horticulture graduate and expert landscaper since 1991, designed a plan tailored to Houston’s climate, incorporating a variety of perennials, shrubs, and structural elements. The result? A landscape that complements the home’s stately architecture and thrives year-round.

✨ See the full transformation and explore the materials used! ✨

Sabrina Farber 3/21/25 Sabrina Farber 3/21/25

Before & After: A Stunning Landscape Transformation in Lexington Settlement, Missouri City, Texas

One year ago, this Lexington Settlement yard in Missouri City, Texas was full of untapped potential. Today, it’s a thriving, colorful landscape with defined beds, layered plantings, and year-round curb appeal. See how a thoughtful design and a little time made all the difference! 🌿

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

Sweetwater Landscaping Makeover: Fresh Curb Appeal with Smart Plant Choices

Garden Guy just completed a stunning landscaping makeover in Sweetwater, Sugar Land! 🌿✨ This refreshed front yard features drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plants with vibrant seasonal blooms and structured evergreens. See how we transformed this space with layered plantings, natural stone edging, and a design that will grow better with time. Check out the full project and get inspired for your own yard!

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