Plantng in hay or straw- I used straw.
I used to do that- the kids thought that was great when they had to go out to “dig” potatoes. Just roll the straw back, get the potatoes- which might be a bit burrowed into the soil but certainlhy still all you do is pick them up. then put the straw back in place. Be certain to have minimum 6-8 inches and you might have to add to that depth as the season goes on. I always did add more.
What kind of straw? Where would I get it?