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Our top picks for garden ramification can aid you get all your garden chores done cursorily and efficiently .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
Garden forks can avail you with a extensive range of gardening chores , including dig , air soil and lawns , moving mulch , turning compost , and transplanting perennials . Because of their design , which boast several tines rather than one liberal blade , they often can dig into soils that are too operose to penetrate with a shovelful .
The tine also do a better job of loosening the grease than the blade of a spadeful or spade , and they can dig up root vegetables like spud without as much risk of damage the hush-hush harvest . Many garden fork will work for multiple tasks , but some help with specific jobs better than others . That ’s why it ’s important to choose the correct one for the caper .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
“ A dig out fork is idealistic for grievous - responsibility job , while a spading crotch is better for lighter project , ” saysBill Freimuth , VP of sale for Centurion Brands . “ A border fork is designed for play in rigorous space , while a compost crotch is for lift and turn compost . ”
What We Researched
When researching the in effect garden forks , we considered factor such asmaterial , handle distance , deal build , and character .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Roamwild Multi-Digger Garden Fork
This digging fork feature an modern head to serve break away up soil glob and a dual handle that move over you a better travelling bag and more ascendancy .
It does n’t play as well for chores other than dig out , such as turning over soil or transplant .
If you need to dig into hard soil , this is one of the best garden fork for the job . The steel head features a wedge design with pointed tines that more easily split up clumps of ground than traditionally designed garden fork drumhead .
Credit: Amazon
The handle on this forking have a dual hold that gives you more post to grip , increase comfort and providing more leverage and control when digging . There is a grip on the jibe of the cock as well , to offer extra tractability and comfort . A narrowing , ergonomic pattern helps you get more top executive without exerting more effort and the wide footpads on the head help you easily push the garden forking into the soil .
However , the innovation of the question that makes the tool work so well for dig out , also increases the space between the tines and makes other garden tasks , such as transplanting perennials or turn over dirt somewhat more difficult . That ’s because the soil or plants have more space to decrease between the tines .
Overall , this garden fork is a great option — specially for people on the shorter side , as it ’s only 40 column inch long ( slightly short than many other garden forks on the market ) .
Credit: Amazon
feature a handle made of lightweight fibreglass , it only consider 3.5 pounds so it ’s sluttish to wreak with and hold around while completing your garden chore . Innovative air - cut holes around the edge of the handle also help to make this garden fork lighter than many on the market .
Cartesian product Details : Type : Digging fork |Handle stuff : Fiberglass |Head Material : brand |Length:40 inches |Weight:3.5 pounds
Key Terms to Know
Best Splurge
A.M. Leonard Forged Steel Scoop Fork
This gruelling - duty garden ramification features curved tines , which make it ideal for outdo up big load of compost , manure , or mulch .
At 8 pounds , this pecker weighs considerably more than many other garden ramification .
This garden crotch will cost you more than some , but it ’s a durable , overweight - responsibility choice that will stand up to frequent usage . Featuring a generously sized spirt steel head ( 15.5 inches long and 15 inches astray ) , the kink tine work well for picking up large tons of compost , manure , straw , mulch , or other materials .
Credit: Amazon
It features 10 tines on the caput which are set closely together so that fabric does n’t accrue through the hatchway between the tines .
The handgrip , made of ash wood that ’s well-off to obtain , is 48 inches long . well longer than many other garden forks , it ply good leveraging when you are picking up a load of compost or mulch — but its length may also make it more unmanageable for people of short height to apply .
The straight - palm garden crotch is also heavier than many other forks at 8 hammering . It may be too hard for some substance abuser . If you could handle the distance and weight unit , though , it will last for a good prospicient time , thanks to a straits that ’s made from a single piece of sword to give it extra strength . The manufacturer back the tool with a lifetime guarantee .
Credit: Amazon
Of course , the twist tine that make this garden fork a great alternative for move compost and mulch do not work out as well for toil into concentrated soil . Because of that fact , it ’s not as various as some garden forks on the market .
Product Details : Type : Compost fork |Handle fabric : Ash Sir Henry Joseph Wood |Head Material : Forged blade |Length:63.5 inches |Weight:8 pounds
Best Handheld
DeWit Welldone Hand Fork
This hand ramification is built tough with potent , high - quality material , so it will last a foresighted time .
It ’s more expensive than many hand fork and is relatively poor — so it might not provide quite as much purchase when dig into hard stain .
If you need to knead in a modest area , one of the unspoiled tools for the job is a handheld garden crotch . TheDeWit Welldone Hand Forkis strong , durable , and lightweight , arrive at it perfect for digging in your garden layer .
Credit: Amazon
Its normalize atomic number 5 steel question with three sharp-worded tines is tough enough to aerate clay grime , dig into rocky primer , and help you with all your weeding job . The grip , made from sustainably sourced and FSC - demonstrate European ash , features some snap , so it can bend a little as you work in knockout grunge without break away .
The wood also generate the deal fork a fashionable look , pretend it a goodgift for a fellow gardenerif you ’re not keep the garden fork for yourself . you could also purchase this garden fork aspart of a setthat come with a hand agriculturist and trowel , as well as the garden crotch .
Because the manus forking is made of high - caliber material , it does cost more than many other hand ramification . But it ’s designed to last many years , and the company offers a lifetime warranty .
Credit: Amazon
At 11.4 inch long , it ’s shorter than some other mitt forks so it wo n’t let you reach quite as far when you ’re ferment in a garden bed . But if you ’re looking for a lineament tool that will last a foresightful time , this is a groovy pick .
intersection Details : Type : mitt fork |Handle Material : European ash tree |Head Material : Boron steel |Length:11.4 inches |Weight:0.5 dog pound
Best Ergonomic
Radius Garden Pro Ergonomic Digging Fork
An O - material body handle offers more traveling bag country and helps cut strain on the hand and wrist .
The sword shaft of light that make it unassailable also makes it heavier than some other forks with a Sir Henry Wood or fiberglass shaft .
This garden crotch is technically a get the picture crotch , but it can be used for a wide variety of garden tasks , include aerate soil , turning grunge , digging up potatoes or bulbs , transfer perennials , and moving mulch . It feature a traditional design with four tine that are sharp enough to cut into into compacted grunge well .
Credit: Amazon
An O - human body handgrip — a comparatively young conception in the world of garden ramification — makes this model an ergonomic alternative . The O - bod design offer more suitcase arena than traditional T- or D - style handles and help reduce accent on your hand and wrists as you shape .
The top of the head is extra broad at 7 column inch ( compared to 5.5 inch on theWorth Garden 42 - inch Spading Fork , our top budget pick ) . This extra width allows you to shroud more ground faster and ameliorate your purchase and balance .
Several features avail increase long suit and durability , including a resin - encased carbon copy steel shaft and stainless steel tines on the branching ’s head . If a tine does soften during normal habit , the maker offers a lifetime warranty in the United States .
Because the fork features a steel lance , rather than Natalie Wood or fibreglass , it is a short heavier than some garden forks — however , this one is still under 5 pounds so it can easily be used by many nurseryman . At 42.9 in long , it ’s a comfortable distance for most gardener as well .
intersection detail : character : grasp fork |Handle Material : Polypropylene |Head cloth : unsullied blade |Length:42.9 inch |Weight:4.85 pound
Best Heavy Duty
Hoss Tools Garden Digging Fork
This tool is built to last with high-pitched - quality materials and a smart design that lets you dig deep into the stain with less effort .
It ’s heavier than other garden forks on our list .
If you demand a garden fork that will stand up well to veritable use and you do n’t mind paying a bit more for a higher - quality tool , take theHoss Tools Garden Digging Fork . With long 11 - inch tine , it ’s a great forking to apply for oxygenise soil or mixing in compost into mysterious , raised beds .
The heat - treat steel tines are durable and the D - shaped handgrip and shaft are made of aircraft - timber tubing , which is secure enough to fend up to regular use and also aid to distribute the weightiness evenly so you’re able to do more with less try .
This garden fork also come with a gumshoe metrical foot pad of paper that provides a wide aerofoil to place your ft and push the tine into the dirt . The invertebrate foot launchpad can be put on either the left or correct side of the garden fork , which add versatility — although a pad of paper on both side would undeniably make it even more convenient .
It is easy to exchange the ft pad from the left to the right side — you just relax and tighten two bolt of lightning with lock nuts . At 42 in , this tool is a great superlative for a wide range of people , but at 7 pounds , it may be heavier than some people require to lift for an extended menstruum of time .
Cartesian product item : Type : Digging fork |Handle Material : Steel |Head Material : Heat - treated steel |Length:42 inches |Weight:7 pounds
Best for Digging
Speak & Jackson Neverbend Professional Digging Fork
Designed for professionals , this digging crotch is durable and strong enough to hold up well to all your toughest gardening tasks .
At just over 39 inch long , it ’s relatively shortsighted for a garden branching and may be too brusque for some gardeners .
Designed for landscape painting professionals and contractors , this garden fork is built using timbre material and construction so that it can stand up to heavy use . Like many other grok crotch , it boast four straight tine with pointed ends — this design helps it more easily pierce heavyset soil and makes it especially well suitable for digging .
The carbon paper steel top dog on the garden fork is strong , so it can dig into hard grease without breaking . It ’s also coat with epoxy glue to help it resist rust fungus , scratches , and alkalis in the soil that can damage the head over prison term .
The garden fork feature a woods shaft that has been weatherproofed to enhance enduringness . A metal and Sir Henry Wood handle improves the garden crotch ’s strength as well .
Although this hand fork is very strong , it ’s on the short side when liken with other garden forks . measure out just over 39 inch , it will be a groovy choice if you ’re on the shorter side , but the poor length may result in too much bending if you ’re on the taller side .
Either elbow room , the reach will be poor than some other garden forks that are longer . At just over 5 pounds , it ’s not super lightweight , but not punishing either , and it should be doable for most gardener . The D - shape handle make up it well-situated to hold while you ’re act upon .
merchandise Details : Type : Digging ramification |Handle Material : Steel and wood |Head Material : Carbon steel |Length:39.17 inch |Weight:5.39 pounds
Best for Aeration
Bully Tools Broadfork With Fiberglass Handles
Five tines and two handle on this large-minded forking help you get more purchase and compensate more ground quickly .
This tool is both leaden and farsighted , so it might be difficult for some gardeners to use this dick and carry it around the yard or garden .
A wide branching is one of the full tools forlawn aeration . Because it ’s big than other types of garden fork , a extensive fork can aid you cross a lot of ground rapidly .
unspecific fork generally admit two handles , rather than one , for good purchase . The grip on this model are made of fiberglass , which are encased in steel and include a wood gist to maximize durability . We care the fact that both hold are detachable to make storage sluttish .
Rubber fascinate on the handles add comfort and decrease manus fatigue duty as you work . The steel drumhead is 20 x 11 inches ( much larger than other types of garden forks ) and have five brand tines ( rather than the four on traditional garden fork ) that are discriminating enough to easily kick downstairs through severely - packed soil .
Because of its size and two-fold handles , this across-the-board ramification weighs more than other styles of garden forks . At 13.4 pounds , it may be too great for some gardeners , but if you could palm the extra weighting , it works well for not only aeration , but also for loosen the soil to harvest root vegetables .
Product Details : Type : Broad fork |Handle Material : fibreglass |Head Material : blade |Length:54.5 inches |Weight:13.4 pounds
The Bottom Line
After researching a variety of garden forks for different horticulture tasks , we opt theRoamwild Multi - Digger Spading Forkas the overall best garden fork because it features an modern head that helps erupt up clumps of soil and a dual hold that chip in you more places to fascinate and secure control .
What to Know About Garden Forks Before Shopping
Ergonomics
Because you may be using garden ramification for an extended clip as you work in the garden , the respectable ones should be well-fixed to hold for long flow and help decrease the amount of force you need to use as you make for .
D- and O - shape handles , such as the handle pick up on theRadius Garden PRO Ergonomic Stainless Steel Digging Fork , are loose to maintain than metric ton - shape grip and can facilitate reduce radiocarpal joint strain . Many garden branching are designed with shafts that have a tenuous twist to provide more leverage and help you exert less endeavour .
“ A cushioned grip , lightweight design , and a well - balanced head are other key features that make a garden crotch more ergonomic and will serve reduce the sweat required to use the branching , ” Freimuth says .
Material
When it comes to pick out garden forks , high - timber materials can make a bighearted difference . “ The tone of your handle and blade flirt a crucial role in how durable your tools remain , ” saysKristen Reser , lacrimation and tools merchandiser at The Home Depot .
Steel or unsullied steel is the most durable choice for the straits ( and tine ) of the garden ramification . Several materials are useable for the prick and hold of the garden fork . Steel is unattackable and durable , but it may not be as prosperous as wood .
“ I recommend wood or fiberglass for the shaft and hold of a garden fork , ” Freimuth says . “ Wood and fibreglass are lightweight and exceedingly substantial , make them prosperous for long days in the garden . ” formative handgrip are also available — these are lightweight , but not as indestructible as other pick .
Length
Garden forks can be a variety of lengths , depending on your elevation and how you plan to employ the puppet in your garden . Some garden ramification are less than 40 inches , while some broad forking on our listing are more than 54 inches . The shortsighted garden ramification on our list is theSpear & Jackson Neverbend Professional Digging Fork , which is only 39.17 inches long . TheA.M. Leonard Forged Steel Scoop Forkis the longsighted on our leaning at 63.5 inches .
In world-wide , most garden forks are around 40 inches in duration . retentive garden fork can help you avoid bending over if you are tall , but they may be too difficult to handle if you are short . You should see how the garden crotch ’s length will bear upon your oeuvre in the garden .
" If you plan to apply the fork for heavy - tariff tasks , you will need a longer fork to provide more leverage , ” Freimuth says . “ If you plan to utilize the branching for lighter labor , you may prefer a shorter fork for more controller . ”
Handle Type
You ’ll chiefly rule T- and 500 - shaped handles on garden forks , although O - shaped handgrip are becoming more democratic as well . T - anatomy handles can be good for tasks that necessitate pushing or pull motions , such as pass around mulch , Reser says .
However , D - shaped handles , such as the hold on theHoss Tools Garden Digging Fork , are considered more ergonomic than tonne - shaped handles because they allow you to have a more comfortable clutch which can reduce hand weariness .
O - shaped handles , as look on theRadius Garden PRO Ergonomic Stainless Steel Digging Fork , are tout as being even more ergonomic because they have more traveling bag open than D - shape grip .
Type
There are several unlike types of garden forks , and the good garden fork for you will depend on what sort of work you will be doing in your garden .
turn over fork , such as theSpear & Jackson Neverbend Professional Digging Fork , can help you dig into severe soil to prepare garden beds . spade forks are often used for plagiarise and turn soil . These two term are often used interchangeably depending on the marque , so it ’s good to learn the intended use on the label , Reser give notice .
edge forks are normally smaller and are design to work in smaller distance , like prime borders . Broad fork , meanwhile , are larger with two handles . They can plow more ground because of their size and are often used for aerating soil or lawns .
Hand forks , like theDeWit Welldone Hand Fork , are hand-held tools that are utile when you are process in humble expanse and need more exact command . You do n’t inevitably need to have one of each character of garden crotch , but hold more than one garden fork can come in handy .
Compost or manure forks , such as theA.M. Leonard Forged Steel Scoop Fork , more often than not have farseeing handles ( to furnish in effect leverage ) and are plan for scoop up compost , manure , mulch , and other fabric . The tines are often flimsy and curving to make scooping up materials well-fixed .
“ While many garden fork can be used for various tasks , having several different type of forking speciate in unequaled task and environments is often helpful , ” Freimuth say .
Your Questions, Answered
How much does a garden fork cost?
The price of garden forks can range quite a bit . Our top budget filling , theWorth Garden 42 - inch Spading Fork , will only set you back $ 39 , but theA.M. Leonard Forged Steel Scoop Forkcurrently is about $ 150 . In universal , expect to pay at least $ 30 for a long - deal garden ramification . hired man forks can cost less , of course , because they are quite a bit small . Some garden fork made of eminent - caliber materials can be $ 100 or more .
Broad forks , with their bigger sizing and double grip , can sometimes be upwards of $ 200 . As with most products , you should expect to pay more for garden forks that are made of eminent - quality material and that are likely to last longer and hold up to heavy use of goods and services .
How long does a garden fork last?
you’re able to await the good garden branching to last several years , but in world-wide , their life span look on several different factors .
“ The lifespan of a typical garden fork can vary wide depending on the calibre of materials , the frequency and intensity of enjoyment , and how well it ’s maintained , ” Reser read . The best garden forks for durability and longevity are made from strong materials , such as sword .
That said , even if the tool are made from the toughest stuff , they ’re likely not to last quite as tenacious if they are used for cloggy - tariff task every day . Proper maintenance can avail them last longer , though . “ Regular cleanup , oiling of alloy role to forbid rust , and right computer memory can hold out your garden fork ’s lifespan , ” Reser says .
What can you use garden forks for?
Garden forks can help you with a variety of garden task , including aerate soil and lawns , breaking up ground for planting , incorporating compost intoraised garden beds , make a motion mulch or yard detritus , transplanting perennial , turning over your compost great deal , digging up Solanum tuberosum or other antecedent crop , and more .
Who We Are
Renee Freemon Mulvihillis a writer specializing in place and garden topic . To write this clause , she explore garden forks online , considering factors such as material , handle length , handle shape , and case . to boot , she spill withKristen Reser , tearing and tools Merchant at The Home Depot , andBill Freimuth , VP of sales agreement at Centurion Brands , to learn more about features and materials to look for when shop for garden fork .
