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Step 1
When selecting your plants, make sure that they can handle the hot, dry conditions. Select disease-free plants without pests.
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Step 2
Choose an area that can provide some relief from the sun, especially mid-day, for southern-facing sites. The plant can benefit from being shaded by a nearby bush, and a tree or a trellis can give the plant a break during the heat of the day.
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Step 3
The soil should be fairly soft for the plants to dig into, for the drought-tolerant, dry-climate varieties tend to have sturdy deep roots. Adding organic matter to the soil will make it more fertile, a better texture for the plant to grow in and retain moisture to keep the soil cool.
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Step 4
Plant at a cool time of day–—early morning is best, though at night is another option. When you have taken the plant out of its container but before you place it in the ground, gently pull, tug or scratch at the root bottoms. This will stimulate the plant and allow it to know it isn’t in the container anymore. Water the plant after planting, and give it shelter for at least the next few days. The shelter can be a piece of outdoor furniture or a box that has a side cut away to provide some air and filtered sunlight. Anything will do as long as it is not being scorched for the first few days.
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Step 5
Place 1 to 2 inches of mulch on top of the soil around plants during the hot summer months. The mulch will keep the soil moist and the plants healthier. The mulch should be made of natural ingredients like bark chips or (herbicide-free) grass clippings. Avoid placing rocks around the plants as they reflect heat.
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Step 6
If you must fertilize your garden, use only a slow-release fertilizer, and do it early in the season.
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Step 7
Keep a full watering can near your front door, so when you are on your way out and spot plants that need some water, you can water them quickly. The container should be attractive enough to leave out and big enough to do the job. Whenever you are finished watering, just leave it near your water spiggit. This way you will remember to water all the plants and fill up the can for next time.
