I currently have a 1/2 acre garden in a off grid setting. We currently water with a hand dug well using a 12v dc pump to a water tower. In a serious drought this well runs dry. We also have rain water collection on a shed next to the garden. Our biggest problem is getting the soil watered enough when it's really dry. Last year we used #10 metal cans with a small hole punched in the bottom for per plant drip. This worked well but required having lots of 50 gallon drums scattered throughout the garden(with lots of mosquitos). We currently use a raised bed system but I've been thinking of switching to a lowered bed system to ease watering(flooding) and to add to rain water retention(this garden is on a slope) does anyone have any experience with this or any helpful hints.

thanks