One of the benefits of utilizing raised beds in your garden is that they allow for proper drainage in areas that do not have good natural soil percolation rates. Take the following into account when you build and place your beds:
Be sure water can pass through the bottom of the bed-- This is usually accomplished by having a box with an open bottom. If you must build a base for the box (if it's going to be placed on a concrete patio for example) you should be sure to either drill holes in it or leave 1/4" gaps between your boards in order to allow for water to drain underneath. Sometimes it is necessary to elevate the beds so there is a small space underneath for the passage of water. If you don't want water to flow out onto the ground then you'll have to install a drainage system in the bottom of the box, which can be complicated.
Use soil that will drain properly-- If you are amending your own soil, be sure to create a mix that will absorb water but still let the excess pass through. If you have a lot of clay in your soil, mix it with some sand, perlite, rice hulls, or another inert amendment to lighten it up.
Keep the area around beds dry-- Place gravel, mulch, wood chips, or pavers around your raised beds so that you don't end up with a muddy mess to stand in while tending the garden. Mulch is great for areas surrounding gardens as it is cheap, easy to transport and install, keeps your boots relatively dry, and blocks weeds to a certain extent.
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