Yes indeed! I have the opposite problems to you. :-)
Manure will compost well in dry environments if there is a large enough pile! Maybe you have some stables nearby? They are always trying to get rid of manure and might deliver for a small fee.
I reckon your space limits mean that the hydroculture balls are best ... or an automatic microwatering system.
When I was in Crete in the summer they were using a microwatering system and managing to grow quite some stuff.
I did NOT see a lot of lettuce in the local shops admittedly!