February 14, 2011: Potatoes

Hola, All! Last weekend, my brother, Terry, wife, Lynna, and daughter, Emily, spent the night at my house. As Terry and I were talking, he asked me what kind of vegetables I was going to plant this year. I mentioned tomatoes, zuchinni, squash; also, basil and oregano. He said, "Why not new potatoes?" I really hadn't given potatoes any thought but remembering how delicious my dad's new potatoes were really got me to thinking. I remember that my dad planted them in February, but I couldn't tell you anything more than that. My dad didn't start a garden until I was in college, so it wasn't something I grew up with. And, unfortunately, while he was alive, I wasn't interested in growing some of my own food. Now that I am, he isn't around; sometimes things work that way. Terry said to plant potatoes, all one needed was some potatoes from the store; that I had. While I cut 2 red potatoes into fourths, Terry dug 8 holes in my garden. Then he threw one fourth potato into each hole, covered it up and said that's it. Since then I've done some research on the internet. It seems that the potatoes needed to have developed some 'eyes' since that is the 'seed'. (I'm sure that the ants are having a 'potato party' since i'm not digging them up!) I bought 2 more red potatoes today, and put them in the pantry, hoping they develope 'eyes' in the next two weeks. For north Texas, the best time to plant potaotes is from February 15 to March 1. Then I read on another website not to plant potatoes that are bought in the grocery store since they are sprayed with something that keeps them from reproducing. What to do?? If you have experience growing red potatoes in this area, would you please tell me your process? I would appreciate it greatly.
You are Love, I am Love,
Dawnie