A soaker hose is not the answer. It will not cover a large area. The Rainforest ecological sprinkler may be your answer. It works with low water pressure. Check it out on at rainforestsprinklers.com. Mulching your new plantings with wood chips will help hold in moisture. Use a spade and check the depth of the moisture in to soil. After a good rain you may be able to cut back on your watering if you mulch. Check periodically to monitor the soil moisture. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.
You can find some rainforest sprinkler products online at Amazon.com if your local garden center does not carry them.
I would monitor the plants throughout the winter. If your ground froze in the winter and you had snow cover you could put the hose away, but if not keep checking. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy