Growing and cultivating plants requires serious commitment, care and love above all. But as a handy gardener, you want to know your tools as well!
Many gardeners claim that a proper garden fork is an entrance ticket for the world of Horticulture. It helps you dig, loosen or turn over the soil as you work in your garden.
Now, there are different types of garden forks: digging forks, spading forks, border forks, pitchforks. As someone who never bought one, you might be confused:
"What each garden fork is used for?"
Well, answer to that any many other questions about garden forks you can find in the text below, and also get familiar with the best garden fork on the market we found!
So, keep reading and level up!
More...
Top 3 Recommendations
Here is a concise overview of the 3 best garden forks, UK selection. You can scan it over to get familiar with the price range and customer reviews of the items.
The Best Garden Fork Review for You in 2022
We can claim with certainty that this is the best heavy duty garden fork on Amazon as it exhibits incredible quality, extreme resistance and proven efficiency.
It comes from Spear&Jackson, a renowned manufacturer, producing high-quality gardening tools for more than 250 years, continually improving and innovating but keeping the old modest prices.
Having a long history in mind, consumers often opt for reliable tools from this company, and they are never left disappointed.
This fork features mirror polished, stainless steel head with four tins. It is rust-resistant and causes minimal soil adhesion.
Furthermore, it includes a polypropylene shaft, 28 inches long, so it provides comfort in use and prevents bending that may cause you back pain.
Additionally, the shaft features an ergonomic design with a forward tilting handle that is honestly comfortable to use and enables a convenient grip.
If you're worried about the actual durability of the tool, I guess you'd be interested to know that these products exceed the British Standard load tests, and therefore are pretty strong.
Finally, nothing is perfect, not even this garden fork. Customers mostly testified that the fork is not as strong as promoted, so if you accidentally hit a stone or some hard surface, the tins may bend.
- Polypropylene shaft
- Ergonomic design
- Stainless steel tines
- Comfortable to use
- Mirror polished stainless steel
- Can break when pushed against hard surfaces
Next off, we have another product from Spear & Jackson, the award winner of 2018, amazing Elements Border Fork. Just as our top pick, this is one highly reliable tool with proven quality and extreme resistance.
I'd like to begin this review from materials. Namely, this fork features a heat-treated carbon steel head for improved strength but also lighter weight that enables convenient manoeuvrability.
Furthermore, to make the head more resistible to rust, humidity and alkaline in the soil, the manufacturer hammer finished the head with epoxy coating.
When it comes to the shaft, it is made of Ashwood, but it is also clear lacquered for many years of use and slower wood degradation.
The handle, on the other hand, is made of polypropylene, and just as our previous model, has the internal ergonomic design with a forward tilt angle to make this border fork comfortable to use.
I'd also note that the overall look of this border fork is exquisite, but at the same time quite functional, as the too is weather-resistant and ergonomically designed.
As for the negative aspects, the customers noted that the tins are not sharp enough for hard soil materials such as clay, and break when challenged with such a material.
- Reliable manufacturer
- Weather-resistant
- Heat-treated carbon steel
- Lacquered shaft
- Ergonomic handle
- Soft soils only
This multifunctional garden tool is all you need for soil loosening and aeration without damaging the roots.
It features an ultra-functional design with removable handle and heavy-duty materials, but despite its functionality, it has the lowest price on the market. Let's look closely into it.
First of all, this combisystem hand grubber features three curved tins made of premium quality steel, droplet-coated to prevent corrosion. Its design was intended explicitly for soil preparation, loosening and aeration without damaging the roots and plants in it.
It features a short handle with ergonomic design and soft-touch that is exceptionally comfortable and therefore convenient for more prolonged usage.
However, if you want to work from a distance, without bending, simply remove the handle and attach a longer one.
The handles you can combine with this tool are handles from other items in Gardena combisystem that has more than eighty tools.
Another advantage of this tool is its low weight that makes the manoeuvring significantly easier, plus a 25-year warranty is something you will most certainly look forward to.
- High-quality steel fork
- Removable handle
- Ergonomic design
- Affordable
- 25-year warranty
- Convenient use
- Not for digging
Fiskars is one reputable manufacturer whose name you'll hear countless times in gardening circles, and this time it brings a lighter alternative to digging forks we reviewed by now in the form of Fiskars Light Digging Fork.
What we have here is one long digging fork with four sharp tines and an ergonomic handle, perfect for loosening and turning soil as well as lawn aeration and raking out stones or weeds.
It is exceptionally convenient for use due to its lightweight design which this tool owes to the aluminium shaft and an ergonomic D-shaped handle that allows a perfect grip.
When we look at this fork we can notice that it is quite long, to be precise it measures 113cm in total. Therefore you won't have to bend and put yourself in uncomfortable positions.
However insignificant this seems, your back will be grateful when you spend a few hours gardening.
Moreover, the tines feature high-quality steel that will last long and won't break easily. Both the tines and the shaft are finished for weather resistance so that corrosion won't be a concern in the future.
As for the price, this item is a bit more pricey than the other models on the list, but it features an honestly proven quality, so you get what you pay for.
However, pay attention to the Fiskars imitations that are available on the market as they don't feature the same quality and break easily.
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Ergonomic handle
- Long shaft
- Easy to use
- Expensive
The next product on our list is Rolson 82652, another garden tool with reliable quality, designed following the international standards, exhibiting proven quality and durability.
What we have here is a standard digging fork with four tins and a straight shaft, excellent for digging and breaking any type of soil. The head is made of carbon steel, which makes it sturdy and durable but a bit less heavy than stainless steel.
When it comes to the shaft, it is made of Ashwood with an ergonomic D-shaped handle at the top for better grip and excellent manoeuvrability.
The shaft is well-connected to the head and handle, so this fork has a pretty sturdy construction, well-designed and quite practical.
However, this product is more of a budget-pick than the highest-quality pick. The customers complain it does not measure up to the quality of some other tools they used as the shaft is not long enough, and the handle seems plastic.
Overall, I would say this is one solid tool, even excellent for the price, especially if you're a beginner and need something to start with. It has a simple design, does not break easily and most importantly, does the job well.
- Affordable
- Carbon steel head
- Strong
- Ergonomic handle
- Not the highest quality
Here we have another tool from Gardena, and it's a multifunctional digging fork in question with an excellent customer rating and many positive reviews.
The fork has four long tines made of high-quality, sturdy steel with a protective coating so that your fork stays the same despite weather conditions and does not wear over time.
When it comes to the shaft, it is made of premium Ashwood from sustainably managed forests; therefore, it is FSC-certified.
Thus, this is the best choice for environmentally conscious people who care where the materials they use come from.
Now, this tool is also exceptionally convenient for use as it also includes a D-shaped ergonomic handle that enables a comfortable and secure grip and helps the force transmission.
Finally, I would recommend this fork for loosening, turning over and removing the soil because its design enables practical job completion without damaging the roots and plants.
As for the manufacturer, it keeps gardeners satisfied for more than 45 years, therefore experienced horticulturist often choose their products.
- Steel tines
- Coated steel
- FSC-certified wood
- D-shaped ergonomic handle
- Reliable manufacturer
- /
Ever since the 1800s, some companies have been producing tools based on the same traditional designs and drawings.
Among them are the Kent and Stowe. This company provides garden tools in both stainless and carbon steel and a variety of shapes and sizes.
This border fork has been specially designed for cultivating, soil turning, breaking and aerating concise gardens and flower beds with ease.
It has four tines made of carbon steel that provides strength and resistance, while the large crank offers additional stability and durability.
The shaft is made of wood, and it has a D-shaped handle installed as the shaft extension so that the manoeuvring is comfortable and secure.
This product comes with a 10-year warranty. Therefore Kent and Stowe are pretty confident in their tools' quality and durability and try pretty hard to provide to you a risk-free purchase.
Overall, what we have here is a modern tool with a traditional design that relies on the proper old techniques and hence is a perfect solution for the lovers of tradition.
- Traditional design
- reliable manufacturer
- 10-year warranty
- Carbon steel tines
- D-shaped handle
- /
Draper tools are widely known across the UK, as they are incredibly reliable and practical. This fork, in particular, features durable, high-quality materials and ergonomic design, helping you do your job super-efficiently.
The head measures 280 x 180mm, and it's made of carbon steel, hardened and tempered for maximum durability and resistance. It's a model with four tins, very sharp and strong; hence it can be used for lighter gardening and heavy-duty tasks too.
When it comes to the shaft, it features a steel core, plastic coated with a unique "y-Dee" handle that's ergonomically designed and honestly convenient for manoeuvring.
By combining plastics with steel, Draper managed to reduce the overall weight of the fork while maintaining durability and strength.
What characterises Draper tools is an excellent quality-per-value ratio that's recognised and praised by customers. For that reason, Draper managed to stay on the market for over ninety years, delivering phenomenal products at affordable prices.
As for the customers, according to Amazon reviews, they are predominantly satisfied with the quality and strength of the fork, yet the bottom part seems to be falling out of the shaft, so that's something that could be improved.
- Heavy-duty
- Ergonomic
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- The fork falls out of the shaft
Our last product is a small hand fork, very practical and durable despite the size. It's intended for planting and transplanting, and it's a part of the multi-change set with all the tools a vegetable grower needs.
This Wolf Garten fork features four robust tines, with a 7.5 cm width, perfect for smaller and larger flowerbeds and borders. It weighs only 486g; thus, it's incredibly handy and convenient for manoeuvring.
What makes this tool perfect for root-friendly planting and transplanting is the narrow, pointed shape of the times. And it's great that you can interchange the handles between all Wolf Garden tools, so you can customise each product to your preference.
It is true that the fork is a bit pricey, yet if you read some of the reviews on Amazon and other platforms, you'll see how satisfied the customers really are. Although it seems like a small, light tool, this fork is, in fact, incredibly sturdy and reliable.
After all, you get a 10-year warranty for it, so it's obvious that the manufacturer is honestly reliable.
- Interchangeable handle
- High-quality design
- Strong materials
- Easy to work with
- Reliable
- A bit pricey
Buyer's Guide
If you haven't owned a garden fork before, choosing one can be tricky. There are a few different models specially intended for specific types of garden work, so you should make sure you get the one you truly need.
Also, models vary in weight, material and size, so these are some of the aspects you should check before you make your purchase.
However, there is no reason to worry. We have composed a comprehensive guide on this matter and below you can read about the types of garden forks as well as the features you should pay attention to before you get one!
1. Types of Garden Forks
2. Features of Garden Forks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brand of garden tools?
There are many reputable brands when it comes to garden tools such as GARDEN HOME, UKOKE, FELCO, but when it comes to garden forks specifically, Spear&Jackson tools are the most frequently bought on Amazon.
What is the difference between a digging fork and a border fork?
Digging forks are larger than border forks. Forder forks are specially designed for tight spaces.
What are the best spades for digging?
The best garden spade on the current market is the Fiskars Ergonomic Garden Spade.
It has the highest number of positive customer reviews and the highest rating on Amazon. Made of heavy-duty steel it lasts long, plus, its ergonomic design makes the use super-convenient.
What is a garden fork used for?
A garden fork is usually used for lighter gardening tasks such as loosening, lifting and turning over the soil. If the fork is well-built and durable, you can use it for some more demanding tasks too.
Sturdy digging forks, for example, as the name suggests, are often used for digging and moving soil, compost or mulch.
How do you straighten a garden fork?
Many users argue that stainless steel fork tines cannot be straightened as they break if more pressure is applied. However, people who managed to straighten their forks disagree.
According to the viral advice we managed to dig out, it's crucial to determine where exactly the tines are bent. If you have a flame-resistant fork, you can warm it up in a grill full of hot charcoal, then straighten it up in a good old blacksmith way.
Once again, it all depends on the material. If your fork is made of thin steel, you shouldn't risk these methods; however, thick, heavy-duty iron forks can be repaired in this way. Here is a useful link.
Final Word
That's it, folks! I hope we succeeded in our intention to cover the vast field of gardening tools briefly with a particular focus on garden forks.
As you could see, there are many different types of garden forks, and each has a specific purpose. As for the overall best garden fork, we selected Spear & Jackson Select Stainless garden fork as our top pick.
What makes it exceptional is the ergonomic design and heavy-duty materials like stainless steel and polypropylene shaft.
- Stainless steel head
- Polypropylene shaft
- 28 handle
- Blade/head size - 230 mm (9 Inch) x 138 mm (5.1/2 Inch)
- Grow Your Own 2022 Great British Growing Award Winners
And as the company exist on the market for more than 250 years, you can rest assured that you bought a reliable product.
Last Updated on February 24, 2022 by Sean
Leave a Reply