Yes sounds like a raised bed would be for you. Which as you fill it with dirt you can fill it with a nutrient rich soil. We have a pretty good growing season here. Rain as you know is iffy. We are on the hotter side of what most plants want but we can get away with growing them. So back on to the bed... A raised bed with great soil and you can ammend the soil each growing season with your compost and a tiller. For water I would use a soaker hose or drip irrigation, this allows for the least evaporation.

As far a strawberries you want a sandy soil to allow for drainage. They hate being water logged and the roots will quickly rot on you.

Just keep everything watered and if you ever need any books I still have them around here somewhere from college but alot are pretty in depth on soil science and plant anatomy.

Oh almost forgot to keep the weeds out which take water and nutrients away from your veggies. Good luck