Top 10 Best Garden Forks in 2021 (Ames, Fiskars, and More)

We’ve searched the Internet to find the best garden forks available based on customer reviews. We’ve picked a variety of forks, so no matter what you’re looking for, we have a garden fork for you!

Before buying a garden fork, there are a few points you should take into consideration, such as the purpose of the fork and the material. To help you with this, we’ve put together this handy buying guide!

"Garden fork" is an umbrella term that covers many forks that are designed for different jobs around the garden. The right one for you depends on whether you want a fork that can tackle several jobs or something more specific.

This is the simplest and most common type of garden fork you will find, and it's considered an all-around model. If you're looking for one fork that can handle many tasks, it's the best choice.

Garden forks have four long and sturdy tines that end in sharp points, allowing them to penetrate the soil easily. This style is best for clay, hard soil, or undisturbed soil. You can use them for digging, breaking up soil, and digging up vegetables or roots.

Digging and spading forks are a little lighter in weight and are designed to dig into sandy or loose soil. They have four triangular-shaped tines with a flat front. These fork styles aerate soil, mix in nutrients, and lift soil and vegetables.

Border forks are very similar to garden forks in their structure and use, but they’re smaller and more lightweight. They’re ideal for use in small, tight spaces or a small garden. They’re also great for anyone who might find a regular garden fork too heavy and tiring to use.

These have four or more long and slender tines that are designed for scooping and moving loose material. The tines are turned up slightly to help them turn a compost pile or move material such as mulch or hay. These forks are lightweight and aren’t suitable for heavier duties such as digging soil.

These are easy to identify as they look different from all of the other forks. They have two handles and need to be used with two hands. The tines are long, are attached to a horizontal steel bar, and usually number five to six. 

Broadforks are best for heavy-duty use and are used to turn and rework ground that’s already been broken. If you have a large garden that you want to work over in a short period of time, a broadfork will get it done.

The material the fork and its tines are made from will dictate how solid and sturdy it is. The most common material is steel, and high-carbon forged steel is the strongest option. Stainless steel is also popular, and forks made from this will move through all types of soil and terrain.

You can also get garden forks made from lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, aluminum, or plastic. Since they are lightweight, they are easier to handle and will put less strain on your arms. However, they aren’t as durable and can bend or break.

Any tines that are made of metal are prone to rust. To prevent this, you should always clear the tines of any bits of dirt or vegetation that are stuck to them. You can use a garden hose to wash them off or a blunt knife to scrape off the mud.

You should immediately remove any rust with either a wire brush or oily sand. If they're going to be stored for a period of time, then a coating of a lubricant, like WD-40, can protect them.

The material of the handle is also important. Traditionally, the handles were made of wood, and you can still find many garden forks with wooden handles. However, wood can only take so much pressure and strain before it splinters. If you choose a wooden handle, make sure it’s a hard wood, such as ash.

Many modern garden forks have a steel handle. This is heavier than wood but is stronger and more durable. No matter how much pressure you put a steel handle under, if it’s made well, it won’t break.

You should also consider how long the handle is. When using a garden fork to dig and work soil, you don’t want to put additional strain on your back by having to bend down. The average handle length is 30 inches, which is adequate for most people. However, if you're tall, then look for forks that have longer handles.

We’ve discussed what materials and other features you should consider when looking at the forkhead and the handle. Another essential consideration is how the forkhead and handle are attached. If not attached solidly, it doesn’t matter how good the forkhead and handle are.

One of the best attachment methods is a riveted socket. In this case, the handle fits into the metal of the fork and is then secured in place with a metal rivet. This is an excellent attachment method that rarely breaks. Welding is another very secure attachment method.

However, other methods can weaken with use and time. We would advise avoiding garden forks where the head is strapped to the handle.

If you're looking to improve the condition of your garden, then a garden fork is just one of the many things you will need. We have some more recommendations to help you make your garden beautiful!

We found that the best garden forks are appropriate for whatever garden tasks you need. They're made of strong materials and are durable. Whatever garden fork you choose, we hope it helps make your gardening easier!

Author: Kellie Lacey

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