The garden is looking a bit dry. The tomatoes have those deep indentations that show they haven’t been growing properly with the right amount of water. And pulling weeds is easy because the soil is almost like sand.

If you are able to water your garden, it should be done regularly these days. I keep a rain barrel for watering the vegetables that absolutely have to be watered. Our well doesn’t provide enough water for a real soaking. But the barrel doesn’t hold enough for the whole garden.

Each growing season is different. Now, with summer mostly past, is the time to stack the wood, harvest what can be harvested and pray that everything else will eventually produce something.

Some years, we get too much rain and that causes molds and dying plants. Other years, like now, are just the opposite.

But every year, regardless of how dry or wet, something survives and we can eat some of the produce we so lovingly planted in late May.

The wild blackberries and raspberries are also showing the effects of a lack of moisture. Although the canes are filled with an abundance of berries, they are small. Even so, I know I will be able to make a couple of batches of jam once they ripen.

Our Wealthy and Baldwin apple trees are also showing an abundance of fruit, but again, the apples are small and I wonder how much they will grow in the next few weeks.

Our flowers, both the wild variety and the domestic, planted kinds, seem to be doing well. They, apparently, don’t need as much water as the vegetables do.

Despite this very dry season, some vegetables will do well. I can always depend on the cruciferous vegetables — the broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts.

But of course, my most valuable and useful vegetable (fruit?) is the tomato. My goal is to can as many jars as possible each gardening season for making pasta sauce. This year’s results won’t come close to the one I had a few years ago when I had so many tomatoes I was canning every night for weeks, and sharing with others.

Anyone who is a gardener knows not to depend on successful crops for everything you’ve planted. And those of us who struggle, complain and then give thanks each season, know that there’s always next year.

Some suggestions for gardens in mid-August include: 

* Following a rain or a good soaking, mulch all that soil with hay. Doing this will retain moisture far longer than being left alone.

* Remove whatever vegetable crops that are done growing for the year; compost the vines and plants (unless diseased).

* Try planting one more crop of radishes and/or lettuce so you’ll have fresh salads in September and even October (killing frosts seem to be arriving later and later each year).

* Gather bouquets of wild flowers such as black-eyed Susans, goldenrod, the occasional daisy or buttercup, and other blooms and create lovely displays for the kitchen table or other parts of the house, or give some to a neighbor.

* Can or freeze some of those vegetable crops that did well. We still have Brussels sprouts and green and yellow beans remaining from last season either frozen or canned. For me, there’s nothing quite like your own vegetables in the heart of winter.

* To freeze most vegetables, prepare by blanching in boiling water for five minutes, drain, run cold water over them to prevent further cooking, then lay them on a clean towel and let dry. Then place in freezer bags, label and date, and store in the freezer. For canning, follow instructions that came with your pressure cooker.

* For a boiling water bath, can vegetables that are high in acidity, such as tomatoes, pickles, jams or jellies; be sure the jars are under water, then follow directions provided in the Ball book of canning or other resources.

* Many University of Maine Cooperative Extension offices also provide classes and resources in preserving the harvest.

* Give some of the produce you’ve grown to a local food pantry for those who cannot plant a garden.

* If part of your garden was not planted with vegetables this year, plant buckwheat or clover in that spot; such planting enriches the soil for next year’s crops.

* Begin thinking about next year’s garden. Inventory whatever seeds you may have remaining and keep that list handy when you decide to order seeds for 2017. Most seeds will keep well for several years.

* Pick some of your green tomatoes, wash and slice them, dip the slices in egg and then corn meal, and fry in olive oil: fried green tomatoes! This makes a lovely summer side dish.

* Chat with neighbors who are also growing a garden. Perhaps your garden did better with one crop than hers did and vice versa, and maybe you can share your insights while swapping some vegetables.

* Talking with neighbors is also a great way to keep interested in your garden. We learn from each other.

Whether you have a small lot with a garden tucked in a corner or several acres that include wild berries and lots of trees and bushes, get outside and just look around.

And whether the plants you see were intentional or the random work of nature, the Magical Earth has so much to offer.

Eileen M. Adams has been gardening and observing the plants, wildlife and trees around her for decades, It never gets old. She may be reached at [email protected]