Garden Forks - review

Garden forks are designed for either digging or scooping. The number and shape of the prongs (known as tines) depends on the intended use of the fork.

A digging fork will typically have square tines. A fork can penerate much harder soil than a spade because the pressure is channelled into the tines (pressure equals force divided by area of contact). Forks are better at turning soil than spades. The tines of the fork are like super-strength fingers. Digging forks come in two sizes:

• border fork (smaller and for use in flower borders)
• general fork (larger and for general digging use, including vegetables)

A scooping fork will typically have round or oval tines that are curved. The arc of the fork allows material to be easily transported around the garden. The finer the material you want to transport the more closely spaced the tines should be to prevent material from falling through the gaps.

The best garden forks are made of forged steel. If the steel is of an inferior quality, the tines may bend or snap. Stainless steel forks are also available. They are more expensive and unless of the best quality tend to bend or break. We recommend Bulldog Evergreen Border Fork.