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[dgibby]

21. Windy, wet, chilly

here in the Alleghany Highlands of Va.(zone 6).

I'm trying my hand at straw bale gardening this year, and will be setting out the bales this week (had to prepare an area for them as I'm told they're too heavy to move after they're "seasoned&quot . I'll be using worm poop compost, blood and bone meal, Epsom's salts,etc. No chemicals, so companion planting is the order of the day. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Am planting the usual edibles, tomatoes, potatoes, 'cukes, peppers, salad greens, summer squash, zucchini, spaghetti squash, limas, onions, radishes. Also, melons, berries, grapes, and maybe kiwi.

Temps are supposed to be in the 70's consistently this week, so am hoping to direct sow seeds and plant seedlings, too. Transplanting roses and other flowers, as well. I did get my Lillies of the Valley transplanted this month and they're going gangbusters, as are the Irises. Peonies are still potted, so need to get them in the ground after they finish blooming. Same with blueberries, raspberries,and grapevines.

Fruits , edible flowers, herbs, and veggies are going into one side of the backyard, flowers on the other side. Edibles have to be fenced off due to the doggies. Kittehs are harder to control, however. LOL! Flowers I'm growing are to attract pollinators, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

Any and all tips, advice would be greatly appreciated!