Vegetable Directory from U of I Extension Grows More Information on Your Garden - Today's Vegeta

The weather is warm enough to start your potatoes in the garden. U of I Extension provides some excellent information on growing potatoes on top of the soil with a deep straw mulch. This weeds your potato garden, provides a cleaner potato when you harvest, allows for easier growth, and keeps the soil and the potato plants cooler. Certified seed potatoes are currently available in local sources so check your local paper for information on which varieties are available and the price per pound. Mine are going on top of the ground today planting red potatoes, Yukon Golds, and Kennebecs in my home garden.

https://extension.illinois.edu/veggies/potato.cfm