When we take up gardening, one of the best garden forks is often the first tool we treat ourselves to, and most seasoned gardeners know the devastation of breaking their beloved fork. So when upgrading your tool shed, it’s worth finding one that will last.
A garden fork should handle digging, breaking up large pieces of soil and aerating it. They need to be tough, durable and good value. From budget buys to premium price points, there are a range of brands on offer, including Hawksmoor, Kent & Stowe and DeWit.
I’m a gardener of 20 years and author of the book Grow a New Garden. Generally, I’m an advocate of no dig gardening, however, whether you’re planting a tree, building a pond, shifting soil for raised beds or aerating, no gardener should be without a good garden fork. I put them to the test to find the best ones for every task and budget.
The best garden forks: At a glanceHow to choose the best garden fork
Let’s dig into how to choose the right garden fork for you, as the tool can be the difference between getting work done or quitting a job halfway through. Firstly, you need to know your tines from your shafts and the different types of garden forks available.
Tines: Tines describes the prongs of a fork situated on the head. They come in many shapes and sizes; chunky tines and a wide head are better for digging while more slender tines and a smaller head offer more accuracy when working in beds and borders. Garden forks can be used alongside lawn mowers for grass maintenance. If you want to use your fork for this (known as aerating your lawn) you need slender or flat tines. Sharp tines are essential for breaking through the soil and they must be easy to pull out too, so the fork can be repositioned if needed.
Shafts: The shaft is the part of the fork between the handle and the tines. This is the area most prone to breaking, so pay close attention when making your purchase and choose something solid and firmly secured to the head.
Handle design: A garden fork with a comfortable handle is a must. Most are either D- or T-shaped and it’s down to your personal preference. Try to find a fork that feels balanced in your hands and not too heavy at one end, based on where it feels comfortable to position your grip.
Fork type: Finally, let’s look at the two main types of fork: Digging forks usually have four chunky, square-shaped tines and are good for digging and breaking and aerating compacted soils. Border forks are similar to digging forks but a little smaller. Designed for working in beds and borders, the heads are narrower, letting you work around your plants. They are ideal for weeding, digging and moving plants.
Ultimately, the fork that is best for you will depend on what you need it for. If you’re looking for a fork for general use, you will want a good all-rounder. We’ve also tested gardening gear like the best gardening gloves, long-handled weeding tools and garden hoses.
How I test garden forks
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