Jan, I can't help with growing with the method you are suggesting.
I do have a suggestion for a "lazy way" to grow potatoes.
I read a post here on permies where it was suggested to use a
cardboard box filled with dirt. If I were using this method I would sink my box into a
garden bed.
The box is filled with dirt then after the flowers die back all you do is pick up the box and the dirt and potatoes fall out.
As for hilling the potatoes, I don't feel that is necessary. The reason it is done, so I have read is that there will be more potatoes.