LxCimi, I was hoping that you would weigh in on the straw bale gardening and the pictures accompanying your post demonstrates the effectiveness of the straw.
TWELVE FEET HIGH - WOW.
I must use grape tomatoes in the future.
My straw bales [four] will be used next year. I will buy them early next year, like in March, and let the rain condition them for growing. I too look forward to a mid April planting, as you did in the Northwest.