Abstract: A plant production bed is provided in which a slotted drain pipe extends longitudinally between a pair of slab components of a soaking bed. The slabs slope downward from their outer edges toward the slotted drain pipe, but are substantially level in a direction parallel to the slotted drain pipe. The slotted drain pipe is oriented horizontally. Because of the slope of the slab components, substantially less nutrient solution or water is required than in known flat bottomed systems. In a preferred embodiment, two complementary slabs are provided on opposite sides of a central swale and are tilted so as to provide a "vee" shape when viewed in cross-section, with the top of the swale being at the apex of the "vee". Several parallel soaking beds are arranged opposite sides of a central walkway under which a common flume pipe extends for providing nutrient solution or water to the beds or receiving same from the beds.