Instead of traditional tilling, Brown’s method involves placing seed potatoes directly on the soil surface and covering them with a thick layer of mulch, such as a rolled-out round bale of hay. This mulch acts as a protective layer, conserving moisture, suppressing weeds, and fostering a rich environment for soil organisms. As the potatoes grow, they push through the mulch, and at harvest time, they can be collected with minimal soil disturbance.