Glad to hear your expanding and trying new things. The last 2 years I have used a woven fabric like they use in commercial greenhouses which really help the ground retain moisture. I have gotten 2 years out of the material and planned to use it for a 3rd year. Last year i ran soak hoses under it along each row and hooked them up to hose bib timer. I didn't have to do anything but tie up the tomatoes and pick the several hundred pounds of vegetables we harvested. The garden is roughly 24ft x 40ft and I planned on doubling it and adding a Strawberry patch. But to due a major injury to my leg in the fall which I'm still recovering from I don't think I will even be able to do a garden