I'm GA too and all my beds are 10 inches and they are fine. You will have to get used to watering them though ... you want to try to keep consistent moisture and when we get into the heat of the summer they can dry out quickly.

If you've never done the melons before (cantaloupe and watermelon) you can save lots of bed space by putting them in the corner of a bed and training the vines out of the bed onto the ground. Only the actual root needs to be in a bed. I have several mini-beds (2x4 feet) that I purpose built that way for melons, and I just pull the vines gently away from the center as they grow. I've also built trellises for cantaloupe and sugar baby melons, but find it's easier just to give them the room and let them spread.

Good Gardening.

David

Thanks so much! This was very helpful.

Sandy

One of the nice things about this method of gardening is that you have options! Six, eight, 10, 12 inches is your choice depending on your preferences. Happy Gardening!

Personally, I feel the deeper the better.

The soil will not dry out as quickly, it will maintain temps much better, and it gives the roots more vertical room to grow. It can also be tremendously easier on your back when you are working in them.

You can always use inexpensive materials to fill the bottoms, and only put your good soil in the top 6 inches or so.. Most of mine are at least 10 inches deep, with the deepest one being 24 inches.