July means mid-summer. That spells oppressive conditions for both plants and people. It's not bad enough that the heat bakes you: The mosquitoes and ticks take that as a cue to feast upon you. The chief task of Southern gardeners is fighting drought. Northern gardeners should be watchful for dry conditions, too, but not to the same degree. Mid-summer is a good time for Northerners and Southerners alike to take stock of the garden and consider suitable adjustments for next year's garden. Discover the short ultimate mid-summer gardening to-do list.