Micah,

When it rains in Houston it RAINS. 2"-6" in a single storm are not uncommon, even in the middle of summer. This keeps the barrels full. We did have a long drought this summer but even then the barrels didn't get completely empty. The raised beds definately help, as does careful watering (put it only where it needs to be).

The main thing is being careful when you plant stuff. I can plant in February and have it harvested before the summer burns come. Then in September I plant again and reap until the January frosts. The hot summer months I focus on daylilies, herbs and assorted wild edibles.

The soil recipe from Square Foot Gardening needs to be watered just about every dry day, but only a cup-full per plant. It's very water-economical but slightly time consuming for large plots. Also, you do need someone there everyday. My wife didn't water enough while I was stuck working in Mexico so we lost our peppers. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I'd love to try jerulsalem artichokes but I'm afraid they'd run rampant here. If anyone has a few tubers they could send I'd like to try planting them in some undeveloped lots.

-Blast