Question
Lowndes County Ga, Valdosta.

Potatos
This is my first time growing potatoes and I am learning by trial and error. I have been fertilzing with miracle grow and with fish emulsion and adding mulch. The plants look great and some are beginning to bloom. The soil is rather dense, making it a bit dificult to dig into with my hand it is sandy/loamy and tends to pack down. I have added some soil to the plants but have not mounded the soil. At this point is it ok to loosen the soil and add more or is it past that time since they are starting to bloom. And should I fertilize anymore or should I stop at this point?

Thanks for your help in advance.
P

Answer
At this point, do not attempt to loosen the soil for fear that you may disturb the tubers and their roots.  Next year, add as much organic matter to your soil as possible to loosen the soil.  These amendments would include compost, peat moss, shredded leaves, aged manure, and dried grass clippings.

I would, however, continue to add organic matter to the top in an effort to mound the soil.  I would also mulch heavily with straw to hold in the moisture and keep down weeds.  Do not fertilize more than once every 10 days, and then use a fertilizer high in phophorus and potassium.  Too much nitrogen will result in lush foliage at the expense of increasing the size of the tubers.

Good luck, and have a great weekend.

Regards,

Mike