How do I make my garden soil retain water

The soil needs to have things to make it hold water. There are soil additives you can add, or you need to amend the soil itself.

Add peat moss.

yOU CAN SPRAY THE SOIL WITH MILD liquid soap and watch the water rush into the soil.

https://www.growveg.com/guides/3-ways-to-minimise-soil-moisture-loss/

Mulching may help if you live in an see if region.

Adding peat moss to the soil will increase its water retention. Also a 3 inch or more mulch will prevent weeds and slow evaporation. I use straw, but any mulch is better than none. Don't use hay. It has seeds in it, straw does not or has few. A bale of straw goes a long way. So does a bale of peat moss. Peat moss must be wetted before use. I soak mine in a plastic cement mixing tub so I can stir it and assure that is is thoroughly wet.

Thank you, John. I will give it a try. I do use wood chips for mulch.