Early growth is generally high in starch and sugar and can withstand a bit of frost. Depends on the variety. I believe as long as the tubers didn't freeze, you should get something out of them. The "soil" in the bag was probably just a medium to store them in during dormancy.

I am not familiar with huckleberries so idk.

The chairs are fabulous, they really are! Not everyone can appreciate them though. I'm sure many think I'm nuts for loving them so much.