Now is the part of the year we refer to as the summer dormant season down here in the South. All but our southern heat-tolerant plants are dormant. That even includes most gardeners! When things really heat up, we limit gardening to early morning and early evening hours.

Plants such as tomatoes and marigolds that span the growing season from spring to fall in more northern areas may not last so long down here. My tomatoes have a few fruit left, but other than the cherry types, they are basically shut down until cooler weather arrives. Even tough "full sun" plants needs a little afternoon shade in this heat and humidity.

Summer places significant demands on a plant. Many of our garden and landscape plants can take the heat if provided with enough water. Just like we perspire when we go outdoors in the heat, our plants also pump water through their system and transpire it out through their leaves. A mature peach tree, for example, can transpire 40 gallons a day during hot weather.

Some parts of my landscape have poor, shallow soil that just doesn't hold much water volume in reserve for plant roots. One part of our lawn is very sandy and always is the first to show the signs of drought. These areas need more frequent applications of water to maintain plant health. As a general rule, I try to water plants with a good soaking once every week, making sure the water soaks a good foot or so into the soil.

Next year, I plan on revamping the soil in some areas to make the plants less drought prone. I will lift the plants, amend the soil, and then reset the plants. I plan on bringing in extra soil to increase the soil depth over some rocky areas, mixing compost and loamy soil into sandy spots, and eliminating turf in areas where I can't justify the frequent watering. I will replace the turf in those spots with native, drought-tolerant plants.

Well, that's enough talk of major landscape work for today. I think I'll grab a glass of iced tea and sit back to admire the garden from the safe haven of my back porch.