Also, it is a texas based article. We are just as bad here in canada with many things, but it is worth a check to see how we deal with chemicals on straw here. 

 I just read the article you posted about straw bale gardening. I don't actually do that, although I do use straw as mulch and protection in winter. I have seen bale gardening and it seems... 

 Maybe the coolest thing, for me, is a small peach tree that actually gave me my first four peaches last year, a nectarine tree that produces well after just three years in, and two pear t...