If I could share just one tip, it would be to lay down a good layer of mulch. It sounds almost too simple, but it makes such a difference. In dry climates, the sun pulls moisture out of soil so fast you can practically see it vanish. Mulch works like a shield. It keeps the soil cooler, slows evaporation, and helps hold on to the water you've already given your plants. Different types of mulch work well depending on your garden — bark, straw, compost, or even gravel can all provide that protective layer. I remember the first summer I tried it in my garden. Before, I'd water in the evening and by the next day, the ground looked bone dry again. After spreading a few inches of wood chips, the soil underneath actually stayed damp for days, even in the heat. My plants stopped looking so stressed, and I didn't have to drag the hose around nearly as often. A good rule of thumb is to spread mulch about 2-4 inches thick to get the best results without smothering the plants. The best part is that mulch keeps helping over time. As it breaks down, it enriches the soil, making it even better at holding water. It also keeps weeds from stealing moisture your plants need. It's such a small habit, but it saves water, reduces work, and creates a healthier environment where plants can really thrive. In hot, dry regions, this simple step can even reduce overall watering needs by a noticeable margin.
If you're living in an area with consistently dry climate, I would tend to recommend switching from a traditional sprinkler system to a drip irrigation system for your landscaping or lawn. Drip irrigation can be much easier on water usage and the environment just because it's delivering water more directly to the soil and your plants' roots where they need it, versus a sprinkler which delivers water pretty superficially and can be quickly evaporated in a dry climate. This can help keep your soil at a better moisture level for your plants, promoting healthier growth as well as lower water usage.
One of the best things you can do to manage soil moisture in dry climate is to apply a thick layer of mulch. Depending on your preferences, wood chip, bark, or compost are a great choice for this. Not only they will create a protective barrier, reducing the amount of water that evaporates from the soil by blocking sunlight and wind, but also reduce the number of weeds germinating as a bonus. As the time goes by and your mulch decomposes, it will add organic matter to the soil, improving its structure and ability to retain moisture too.
What's worked best for me here in terms of managing soil moisture in a dry climate is watering less frequently, but for longer. It works out to about the same water usage, but you're allowing your plants to get that deep moisture that's going to keep the soil moist for longer, which is definitely what you're looking for in a climate where things dry out fast. This also tends to be the best way to water plants that are naturally adapted to dry climates, so if you're working with xeriscaping or just landscaping with native plants, it can help keep your plants happier as well.