Today we are on a mission to find the gardener’s best friend. The best garden fork is a multi-purpose tool that can undertake many jobs from turning soil, aerate your lawn, remove weeds, dig and landscape your backyard. There are many other jobs this great tool can be used for growing potatoes, and then this is the perfect tool to uncover your crop.
There are lots of different shapes and sizes, and which one will best suit you will depend on the jobs that you are going to be tackling. We are here to help you make the right choice the first time around.
IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR TOP PICKS…
Last update on 2024-06-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Right up top are our garden pitchforks reviews in case you just want to know the best on the market today. If you want a little more information, then we have a buying guide below to help you make that final decision.
Fiskars Ergonomic Garden Fork
- 4 prongs digging fork (Total Length: 122 cm (49'')) for turning and loosening the soil, For use in hard and stony soils, Suitable for users of...
- Ergonomic shape for light labour, Easy digging and tillage due to sharp prongs
- Optimal long handle for comfort while using, no straining of muscles or back, Easy to use thanks to the practical D-shaped handle suitable for...
- Long life product thanks to the quality Boron steel design, Finnish design
- Contents: 1x Fiskars Ergonomic Garden Fork, Length: 122 cm, Weight: 2.08 kg, Material: Boron steel, Colour: Grey/Black, 1001413
Last update on 2024-06-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This 122-centimeter pitchfork might be what experienced gardeners are looking for when it comes to utensils, although the use they’ll find for it will depend on the type of tool they want. Its four prongs will allow them to both turn and loosen the soil, specifically the harder and stony ones. People of different heights can rest assured since this fellow is suitable for all of them; thus, they will be capable of working comfortably. This is also thanks to the Fiskar’s ergonomic shape that allows them to dig and till with ease, mainly due to its sharp prongs.
Another great thing about the Fiskars Ergonomic Garden Fork is the optimal long handle this model has, making the handiwork involved in maintaining a garden more comfortable. The user won’t have to worry about strained muscles due to the D-shape handle that can fit into any hand size. Comfort is not the only thing that can be praised about this product is the long lifespan its boron steel design provides, allowing both experienced and new gardeners to use it for years. It is tempting to assume that even their children would be inheriting from them, but it would be too far-fetched for a review like this. With that being said, let’s keep the objectivity and delve into its contents.
As was mentioned earlier, the Fiskars Ergonomic Garden Fork is 122 centimeters long, and it has four prongs. It weighs 2.08 kg, and it’s made of Boron steel. According to its Amazon page, this model is available in grey and black. This pitchfork also has a Finnish design that is both simple yet effective. Of course, before buying this one or any other, it cannot be stressed enough how important it is to check the product specifications.
True Temper Tine Spading Digging Fork
- Forged spading fork head
- 4 diamond pointed steel tines for easy soil penetration
- 30-inch hardwood handle for strength and durability
- Poly D-Grip for added leverage and control
- Made in the USA
Last update on 2024-06-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The True Temper has a rather interesting yet simple design. This pitchfork possesses a forged spading forkhead with 4 diamond pointed steel tines that allow the user to penetrate the soil with ease. It also has a 30-inch hardwood handle for strength and durability, a quality that many seek when it comes to gardening tools. Another great thing about the True Temper is that it’s Poly D-Grip provides both leverage and control, making the handiwork rather easier, whether it’s a small or big project.
The True Temper is described as one of the most versatile tools one could own, but that will depend, of course, on the gardener’s needs. Its eponymous manufacturer is well-known for providing both balance and temper, something that can be attributed to the quality of the product. This little fellow was designed, among other things, for digging, turning, and aerating soil in beds and gardens. The True Temper also allows the user to break clay with ease, something that comes in handy considering that a lot of people want to put a spin on their garden but struggle with the soil.
Roamwild Multi-Digger Garden Digging Spading Fork
Last update on 2024-06-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Roamwild Multi-Digger is a powerful, hybrid garden digging spading fork with a light-weight design that has a diamond pointed tapered lump chopping bladed tines that allows the user to break lumps of soil with ease. These also are extremely handy for digging through the topsoil. Another great thing about its design is that it incorporates two sets of grips with an AIR light handle that provides both experienced and new gardeners special control over their tools, mainly due to its comfortable, extra-large grip.
Speaking of grip, it has ergonomic arrangements that also provides flexibility to different styles of fork digging. Alongside its Fibreglass shaft and durable coated blades provides a structure that is both lightweight and can withstand the test of time. The Roamwild is both a digging fork and a tiller, making it a double purpose tool for those who look for efficiency. On the other hand, worrying about a warranty won’t be a problem for the user since the company will graciously give them their money back if they’re not fully satisfied with it. That policy shows their commitment to their happiness, something that should also be taken into consideration while deciding which tool to buy.
Radius Garden 204 PRO Ergonomic Stainless Steel Border Fork
- Every serious gardener needs a serious digging fork. This ergonomic twist on a classical, English design with square tines is ideal for turning...
- Unbreakable resin-encase Steel shaft
- Seamless, extra-long socket perfectly designed to tackle tight spaces
- The ergonomic natural radius O-Handle grip provides four-times the grip surface of traditional d-handles. Made from a comfortable non-latex,...
- Lifetime guarantee (Continental us only)
Last update on 2024-06-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Radius Garden 204 Pro is full of surprises. Its gripping surface is four times stronger than conventional tools and allows the buyer to use both hands. Another great thing about it is how durable it is since it has an unbreakable resin-encased steel shaft, as well as a stainless steel blade. The Radius also has a seamless, extra-long socked, without forgetting about the polypropylene encased carbon steel shaft. It also comes with a thermoplastic elastomer grip.
The Radius has been described as being smaller than a traditional digging fork, something that might come in handy, especially with smaller projects. Research suggests that this little fellow has been designed for tighter spaces, making it great for those who don’t have a big garden. According to its Amazon page, it can be used to pop perennials and small woody plants similar to how a shovel would do so.
Truper 33570 Tru Pro Ensilage Fork
- 30-inch pro grade north american white ash handle with d-grip for balance and control
- White ash handles give optimum ratio of resistance and flexibility
- 10 tine ensilage fork with 30-inch handle
- For Commercial, Industrial use; AG, Dairy, Farm, ranch for a lifetime of use
- Tru pro is the contractors choice for professional use
Last update on 2024-06-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Of course, this 30-inch fellow can’t be forgotten. It has a pro-grade, North American, white ash handle with a D-Grip, which provides the user with both balance and control. This also gives them an optimum ratio of resistance and flexibility, something that is a must when it comes to gardening tools. Unlike the ones that have been shown in the list, the Truper has been described as having both commercial and industrial use, such as in a dairy, farm or even a ranch.
Another great thing about the Truper is its durable structure. This 10 tine ensilage fork with a 30 inches handle comes from the largest Mexican company in its field, which is known to rely on advanced technology to provide their customers with a product of high quality. This dual-purpose tool surely lives up to its expectations, but that will be for the customer to decide, so, choose wisely.
Best Garden Forks Buying Guide
Choosing any tool requires a little research, and getting the best garden fork is no difference. I have included some of the crucial elements that you should give a little thought to so that you get a tool that is not only the best, but that is going to last your many years of tending to your backyards.
How to choose the best garden forks
When it comes to choosing garden forks, one thing to be on the lookout for is whether the task would require to exert a lot of force, which is something that happens most of the time.
The best garden forks tend to be those that are forged, meaning that they’re made of one solid piece of metal and they’re worked on when heated.
However, if this is not what the buyer is looking for, it is important to make sure that there’s a join between the prongs, shaft and handle.
The reason? If the tool has more than one, it means that it’s weaker and it would break easily, something that it’s not exactly the best outcome for a long day in the garden.
Another thing to look out for is how comfortable the handle feels and that the shaft is at a reasonable length, but more on that later.
Now, when it comes to cost, the experts at Aussie Green Thumb advise against buying cheap, mainly because of how weak these tend to be.
It might seem like a no brainer, but sometimes paying for quality is essential. However, this doesn’t mean that the buyer can’t take advantage of a deal to buy them.
Then again, this is all up to the customer. Now, when it comes to choosing the best garden forks, there are several factors to take into consideration:
The tines and head
According to 10 Garden Forks to Buy in 2020, some of the best models have boron steel tines that are long and pointed, allowing them to penetrate hard and dense soil with ease.
This is mainly because they’re sharp enough, making the task more efficient. Most garden forks have around 3 to 4 tines, some with a slight bend that reduces the amount of energy used considerably.
It is also important that they can maintain a sharp edge, which means that the buyer won’t have to be sharpening them constantly.
Now, when it comes to the head, most garden forks are welded, made of boron steel. Alongside a heavy-duty steel shaft, this gives them more durability, translating into a longer lifespan.
Some models even have a forged head that can last as long as the handle. This is mainly because this variant is strong and durable, which means that it can withstand harsh work conditions, as well as the test of time.
Some forks have a clear coat that adds more protection to the mix, ensuring that they last longer.
On the other hand, some models have narrow heads, especially when it comes to digging forks. This is the perfect fit for those who want to work on areas that don’t have that much space.
One thing about the stainless steel in some models is that the material has minimal soil adhesion, which translates into less cleaning after the job is done and it’s also rust-resistant.
It might seem like a no-brainer, but one thing some fork models have in common is the fact that the head connects to a weatherproofed shaft, increasing its durability.
Tine shape
If the buyer needs to use their garden fork for digging, the best tines are flat-faced, instead of round. This is mainly because the gardener will need their tool to act like a spade or shovel for them to complete the task.
Now, why does it have to be flat-faced? Because it makes it easier to lift, turn and aerate the soil, as well as allowing the buyer to mix manure or compost, as well as digging up root vegetables.
On the other hand, if what they’re planning is to harvest, blunt tips are better suited for the task.
Handle
When it comes to choosing the handle, the length is something that needs to be considered when choosing a garden fork. The longer it is, the better it will be to carry on with the chores without bending.
The best handle allows the user to handle the fork while keeping a good posture, thus, diminishing the risk of stress and articular or back pain.
Another thing to consider when it comes to the handle is the grip it has. Regardless of the material, the user should be able to handle it with ease.
These are heavy-duty tools and a weak grip can make things more difficult, especially for those with small hands. On the other hand, people with an above-average height are better off with a long-handled tool.
Handle shape
The handles come in a variety of shapes, the most common ones being T and D-shaped, as well as round and straight. Most gardeners prefer a D-handle, mainly because it’s easy to control and use.
When it comes to T-shaped handles, they’re not as reliable since they tend to break more easily and are harder to use.
One thing to take into consideration is that cheaper tools use cheap plastic for the handles, which is known for not being as durable as other materials due to them breaking easily under heavy or continuous use.
Construction and Assembly
Older models with wood handles were made with the “heat and insert” method. What does it mean?
This involved heating the metal collar of the head until it was red-hot, then inserting the handle into the sleeve and plunging it into cold water, thus, shrinking the metal and sealing it.
However, the handle can loosen up over time, so they’re not as recommendable as a riveted head or one that is bolted in place, allowing the user to tighten it up.
There are fiberglass handles that are riveted, bolted and pressed into the collar with a locking ring. The first two hold up well, but the latter option tends to work loose over time too.
On the other hand, some steel-handled forks are riveted or bolted together, often coming as one single piece (head and handle) of forged steel.
Before selecting this type of fork, the buyer needs to ponder the impact of the weight and how they’re going to use it.
Conclusion
This brings us to the end of our best garden forks guide and I hope you find a lot of value in the whole guide. It should allow you to find a garden fork that is going to last you many years and make the correct buying decision the first time around.
Taking a little time over the buying decision is always wise I have rushed into garden tools over the years and they have always let me down.
Taking a few moments to see what’s important in any given tool and marry up the perfect tool to your needs, you will have a tool that will last you many happy years in the backyard.
I don’t have a single best garden fork, but any of the forks on the list will last you many years and are built to last. But if you were to twist my arm, I would say I like the True Temper Tine Spading Digging Fork. It’s a powerful tool that stands up to a lot of abuse.
If you are on the lookout for other tools then we have plenty of reviews in our Gardening section.