I'm in Paso, hot summers here too. Yes, you can grow herbs, tomatoes, fruit trees. The herbs that I have grown that have done well for me have been parsley, basil, thyme, mint, sage, oregano & chives. (My chives did look a little burnt out by the end of last summer, they probably would have liked more afternoon shade.)

Once the temps stay in the 100's, tomatoes will not be able to set fruit, but they do not die, just wait it out & they will start producing again in the fall. Good plan is to have your early tomatoes (that will produce by July) and your late (that will produce after September.) Cherries just produce all season long.

I'm not as hot as you are out in Redlands, but herbs are basicaly well-behaved and tasty weeds :-) Almost all will do quite well in the sun, just be sure to give them enough water. They don't need to be fertilized unless your soil is really deficient in nutrients. Basils might get a little sunburned, so afternoon shade would be good for them. But Thyme, Sage, Oregano and Marjoram will all do quite well. DON'T plant mint in the ground unless you want it everywhere in your garden and yard, put it in a pot. It will do very well in the sun. And dak is right about chives, they will be a little burnt, so put them in the same place as your Basil where they can get some afternoon shade. Same with your tomatoes, as they may not like super hot afternoon sun in your area. They will stop producing with temps over 90-100, but will come back in the fall as temps drop. Bak has given you excellent advice for tomato varieties that should give you tomatoes just about all year 'round.

Patty S.

Lavender and rosemary, too.

I grow mint in a pot with no drain hole--it does just fine with soggy roots. You really don't want it in the ground.