.. .this can't be good

We have put in our first garden this year. Our potato plants are huge. The plants are about two feet tall and spread out over three feet. Being first time gardeners, we did not know we needed to add more dirt or mulch to cover the plants after they came up. I'm afraid we have a short growing area, because we put the seed piece about 4 inches under ground in a 8 to 10 inch mound. We thought the mound was high enough, but didn't realize all the tubers would be ABOVE the seed piece. Now, I know we should have added layers of dirt to allow them to grow better. Is it too late, now that the plants are so big? If we cover the plants now, would it damage the plants themselves?

Also, what all can you use to cover the mounds deeper? Does it have to be soil? Or can you use mulch or straw? What is best?

Let me explain. I was assaulted ( stabbed and beaten ). Then I was stalked for two years. During that time, the assailant came back to house several times and we have it on film. The police won't even look at the film or photos. They don't believe me about the assault - so I am naturally hesitant to report a rape.

I live in backwoods GA, and we basically have no police protection. The courts are no better. The assailant was a stranger to me. However, we hired a PI and he traced the stalker, and it is a different person. Don't know if there is a connection or not. We ran out of money, so had to stop the investigation. But, we do know who the stalker is. The assailant was much younger - and I have a composite and a still photo that is pretty clear with him trespassing or following us. I hate to let this happen to other people, but they actually arrested me for false report and i can't afford to fight another charge. The rape is long since past, so there is no evidence.

A mother's worse nightmare and that dreaded phone call. "Mama, come quick. I've been in a bad wreck". I don't even remember the phone ringing - just "where are you and are you hurt?". It was a classic antique car - but very unimportant. He's 18, and never had a ticket or wreck. He turned in front of oncoming truck; he misjudged her speed. The speed limit was 35, and it took her 190 feet to stop after impact. The state patrol said her speed was at least 45, but he couldn't cite her because he couldn't prove it. State Patrol says it wouldn't have mattered if she was running 100, he still has to yield right of way, even if she's breaking the law. So, he did fail to yield but had she been running the speed limit he would have had time to make the turn. Witnesses agree. Is it worth arguing the point?

I was stabbed, choked and beaten black and blue. I wasn't wearing shoes, and even the tops of my feet were bruised. During the struggle, I got the knife away from him, and he ran. There was sexual battery involved. The stalking had been going on for six weeks, and the police would not help me. They laughed at me and made light of my fears. Then, they accused my husband of 24 years, yet he offered to take a polygraph and they wouldn't administer it. After the assault, I panicked, and attempted suicide. Due to the suicide attempt, the police discounted the WHOLE stalking and assault. My family and I still live in fear and terror. I've been to the FBI, GBI, Congressman, Attorney General....every agency I can think of. No one will help me. The local police charged me with filing a false report and closed the case. We both did take polygraphs. Neither showed any deception. We hired an attorney and spent every penny we had to defend the charges. Now we are broke.

Any ideas