Damn I was posting to this but I guess I didn't finish and closed out. I was all over the place that evening. Sorry for the delay is what I mean.
Yeah they should work. I was thinking of trying some but wasn't sure. I just might after seeing Rhody's plan/image. I'm not much of a carpenter though. I would bet they would work good in your area though. Damn there goes my market.. lol One reason I'm reluctant to try them and even raised beds is due to the wood in the ground attracting termites. The Mrs. bought this house before we got together and had termite problems. No need to attract the little boogers more.
No pack hunting here in S. IL . At least not yet.. lol A buddy of mine raises mules for his own use and to trade/sell. He rides them every weekend and even goes on poker runs. He has a cabin and land down around Shawnee and goes there early Spring and uses them to mushroom hunt too. I need to get me one, but can't in the little village I live in. I could get to many secluded fishing holes with one.
That said, I am allowed to raise rabbits.. That's supposed to be a much better manure than anything. Plus, I can butcher and BBQ them.

Plenty of auctions around here to buy the babies cheap, just have to get cages built.
I do need to converse with you on making beer sometime.