Cover the soil

I learned that I need to cover the dirt better to hold in moisture and nutrients. This creates a better environment for worms to thrive and for the soil to become increasingly richer. In No San Gabtriel Valley, the hot sun makes the soil crusty, dry and dead. It packs down, grows weeks and needs continuous working. Crops will be hit and miss unless covered. No amount of feeding will overcome. Some options are:

1. Mulch - Can be expensive for big areas and not last long.

2. Wood chips - More sturdy with better coverage. Can be easily moved aside to feed and put back in place. Hinders animals that dig. Break down nicely to turn under after the season.

3. Straw - this is what I will try. I will get 2 bales, use one now and put one in the corner to break down for next year's mulch. I hope there aren't any rogue seeds in the bale I use now.

Does anyone know more about using straw or wood in a vegetable garden?