Catharine, Yea, I agree that soils in Bexar county are pretty shallow, but, didn't she state that they had sand?? Leastways, that's what I thought she'd said. But, yea, raised beds are a great idea. We've had several wastewater applications permits go in here in Travis, Williamson, Comal, Hays, Kerr and Blanco counties that used raised beds. Right now I'm in a pretty good tussle with some folks over this as well. Well, I can't argue with your comments on just a couple of inches either, but, I'm the lazy type and like to till instead of pull weeds. *grin* But, if your emitter lines are lined out on the rows, then there is no problem with that til ya get to the end. I take it you are from this part of the world then?? Gods country is the best way to describe Texas, right?? Adios Paul Reynolds Austin Texas (live in Smithville, but, most folks don't know where that is)