I like that irrigation system, including having the kids involved. It’s good for them! I remember having to pick a 5 gal bucket of butterbeans (or field peas, etc) before I could go swimming. Hated it at the time, but am awfully glad for it now.

Raised beds are great. We have some permanent raised beds…we interplant in them and just keep plant rotations going, while amending the soil with compost each planting. Really cuts down on the weed problems, and takes less water if you mulch it heavily.