Left:  In May 2007 work started on the Mangold Hurling Association’s new mangold plot at a secret location in Somerset.

Here we see committee members breaking the sod.

The process of preparing new ground for mangold growing is called Derricking.

Right: In keeping with mangold hurling’s egalitarian ethic, even the Squire helps with the digging!

Left:  Sometimes the nature of the sod is such that it is impossible to dig without quickly becoming tired, irritable and argumentative. The only thing to do in these circumstances is to mechanise the process.

The picture on the left shows the high-tech solution employed by the Association. Although steeped in tradition, we are not afraid of using leading edge technology when appropriate.

Right: This power harrow takes a lot of the work out of preparing the mangold plot and is recommended by the Association. Users should be careful to keep away from the moving parts.

Left:  Seeds should be sown 18 inches apart and about 1 inch deep. You can use a piece of string to make nice straight rows.

The thing on the left of the picture is just a piece of plywood; it has no particular purpose and does not have a special name. It should not really be in the picture at all - it is a mistake.

Right: If you like you can start your mangold seeds off in pots or seed trays and plant them out later.  The ones on the right were sown 10 days previously, and if you look carefully you can just about see the seedlings poking their heads above the surface.

If you put your seed trays in the garden, mind the cat doesn’t use them to do its business.