I have a 30' x 50' garden in the Thompson valley and I would like to know if an elevated bed garden (beds without frames) would be advisable to implement. We tend to experience dry summers here and I've heard that beds can be sensitive to water seepage depending on soil type and elevation. We have moderately sandy soil and I was looking to make beds 8'' high. On the irrigation side, I am wondering if using furrows to irrigate between the beds is good or not. I've never tried irrigating this way before but I'm just curious if anyone has experience. Thanks Jason
One thought that occurs to me, if practical why not dig into the ground and create a situation where the beds will hold water rather than above where they will likely evaporate water. Also alternating the placement of plants to provide a canopy for shade during the hottest parts of the day will decrease the need for watering. Running your rows from southeast to northwest is a good idea, I read this in a gardening book about old English kitchen gardens in a time when every garden was watered by hand.
