I thought they were doing better, since there were a few dark green (new growth?) leaves on top, but then it rained 1/2 inch yesterday (more expected today and tomorrow before a "dry spell" forecast for midweek) and I just tested and the ground still reads "wet." I sprayed the leaves (what's left of them ... most of the yellow leaves have dropped) with compost tea early this morning. Maybe if it's lacking in nutrients it can get it through the leaves?
Note to Cynthia on the potato "teepee": I'm trying it this morning. I plan to put the chicken wire around the plants, and replace the wood chips with this concoction of stuff I get free from the local park. It's not dried leaves, straw, etc. It's what's left when wood chips, leaves, etc. break down. It's very light and fluffy (although after a couple of rains may not be so fluffy). Do you think it will work?