that will work if the mulch is thick enough to block the sun

Thanks, Randy 41 for your advice!

I'd look for a different mulch for the potatoes. Grass clippings, even if dried, when used thickly can mat together and form a barrier that prevents air and moisture from going into and out of the soil. Not saying that you can't use them. They'd work for most crops as a light mulch and I use them a lot in my own garden. It's just that potatoes need a thick mulch and the grass might become a problem.

Rodney

Oy. What to do, what to do! My only other option is to go to the edge of the forest and dig up soil. However, that involves using a saw to cut thru tree roots, the digging, the hauling. Gah. Not a young girl anymore! And it's hot here!

also pine straw will work

I'd use the grass clippings, but bag or rake after they've dried. When green and put down thick, they "clot up" and form the impenetrable mass mentioned previously. I cut the grass and then the next day when they've dried run over and bag them. Be creative. JMHO

Hi. Re straw. I have found that straw provides a nice little home for mice. But pine "straw" - you mean dried needles? - I love that stuff when I can find it. Tks for reminder. I bought a whole bunch years ago to mulch around squashes and they were problem-free. No vermin, good circulation, etc. etc.

@exmar. I am afraid I don't quite understand what you say. Why would I bag the clippings after they've dried? I want to put them on top of the potatoes. I'd never use green grass for anything. Many thanks for your input. Glad the whole lot of you are here to advise! - BlueSkink.

I'm just curious....you mentioned that it was hot where you are at...how hot is it?

I am in Manitoba, Canada. It is only 76 deg. F. today right now and going up. Over the past month (except for 2 cool rainy days) it has been lurching between 80 & 93, with about 85 the average. To us, that is fairly hot if the sky is clear and you have to work in the garden! And other outdoor chores. I love it, though. How about where you are?

That's hot enough. :) We hit about 95F today...humidity got down to below 60%...but it will be near 100% in the morning...we're saturated right now. Be careful in the heat, it will get you before you know it. We've just been having a lot of hot, rainy, muggy, moist days for the last month and a half...few sunny days. It's so bad that mildew is growing inside the rubbing alcohol bottles...

I've been using straw for a couple of years now and no mice damage. If the plants are already tall, you have to do a careful job of tucking the straw around the base so, as previously noted, sun doesn't get thru. First year I lost a few fingerlings to sun. I think the tend to grow up the stems. I'm in NH.

Good advice, as I am finding out after having a good look and assessing things. A row of tall potatoes that have flopped over after a good rain - you have to get this one right. Why did I wait. Wish I had dealt with this when the plants were little. Stuff happens! :)