Being where you live you might be ok, but I could not say. If they are on a slight grade or slope, it will allow the water to drain and therefore act like a tarace. But if they are on a flat that might allow water to stand when you do get your rains, I would beware. Where I am located it can get extremely wet for extended periods of time, so the tarace is essential. You are right on being a acid loving plant. I had to amend mine with sulfur to bring it down to the recommended PH. I try to lean towards organic farming so I have not done it, but have heard of blueberry farmers putting battery acid in the water system to lower the PH; yum yum. To tell you the truth to me fruit trees are a lot easier to take care of then blueberries. But yet they are soooo good.