we always planted "cut" potato seeds. not just eyes.
we never coated them with anything. i've heard powdered sulfur works.
planting potatoes early gives them a head start ahead of the hot dry summer.
we planted them the old-fashioned way by hand. then dug them with a fork, hoe & shovel.
I dip them in diluted clorox and water before planting. Never had a rot problem.
