When winter rain does not replenish reservoirs, water conservation methods must be used by gardeners. When planning the garden, group plants together according to low, moderate, and high water needs. Only amend soil with organic matter to increase its water-holding capacity where you are growing plants with high water needs. Most plants with low water needs prefer native soil. Limit lawn areas.
Lawns are water hogs.
Mulch beds to hold in moisture around plants. Use native plants. To simplify the issue, I prefer to think of natives as wildflowers, shrubs, and trees that grow naturally in your area. These are plants have adapted to the region's weather conditions and can stand long periods of drought, if that is what occurs where you live. Tend the garden.