I am a firm believer in having as much soil as possible. The 3x3 grass roots beds are a little smaller than that, but I guess it is a trade off.
I just started using the Tropf Blumat watering system and I love it. Prior to that I would hand water with a Chapin sprayer.
I have a love/hate relationship with cover crops. The 12 seed clover mix from BAS is what I have used a lot in the past, but the clover is just seems to attract thrips. I have been playing with dichondra, it’s not a legume, but is a good ground cover.
Check out my tincture thread for a whole bunch of ideas on how to make your own medicines.