by 
The Curious Bag
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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Mounds Offer Improved Drainage and Sun Exposure
Mounds improve drainage, have less compacted soil and provide greater surface area for sunlight to warm the soil. Experts generally recommend mounding a mix of garden soil and compost to a height of 3 inches for smaller plants to 6 inches for larger plants.
On the Other: Consider Plant Needs and Climate
Certain plants may need larger mounds. Potatoes produce more from increased mounding around the stem as the plant grows, so their mounds can be as tall as a few feet in height. In dry climates, sufficient drainage may be much less of a problem than lack of irrigation. High mounds can make the soil too dry in these areas.
Bottom Line
If your area frequently gets heavy rains, planting on mounds of 3 to 6 inches can be beneficial. Mounds are well suited to potatoes and vine plants like squash, melons, and cucumbers. Without proper watering, however, mounds are be inappropriate for dry climates.
Source:
The Gardener's Network: Hilling or Mounding Plants
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