Preparing the Mangold Patch
In May 2007 work started on the Mangold Hurling Association’s new mangold plot at a secret location in Somerset.
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 pictures show the high-tech solutions employed by the Association. Although steeped in tradition, we are not afraid of using leading edge technology when appropriate.
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.
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.
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.
