Different Sizes and Uses of a Garden Fork 

In some instances when the use of a garden tiller would be ideal, it cannot be done.  The reason is that some patches of land are very small or cannot be accessed, so there is no way to get a large motor operated machine in the area to break up the soil.  In these instances a garden fork is called upon to do all of the work that a tiller often does in modern day gardening.  

Gardening is not all flowers and fruits, it can be hard work.  In some instances you need to move the soil and this can take time and effort. However, with a garden fork, you have a strong implement in which to break up tough soil, a physical, easier way to till by hand without any motorized tools. 

The Right Size for the Job 

Luckily for gardeners, garden fork comes in a variety of sizes and styles and it will depend on your needs which one is the right one for you.   For small garden beds which needs some soil break up and simple root aeration, a small hand held garden fork would be perfect. However, for large patches of ground, a taller, stronger, heavy duty garden fork would be best for breaking up rocky soil, compacted dirt and aerating large plants and shrubs.  As you can see, you will need to look at the land and decide how big your job is. 

Gardeners will find that there are a lot of options.  In fact there is a special garden fork specifically for garden composting and it looks similar to the gardening version except for the fact that the tines are farther apart and curved. With compost, you are turning and mixing peat and compost and you need tines that allow for chunks to prevent from clumping on the fork while at the same time still serving to scoop and mix as is indicated for good compost. 

How It's Made 

Usually the garden fork is made with stainless steel or other heavy duty materials, although the handle may be made of other materials. For instance, some of these tools may have a solid hardwood handle made for durability and time while others may be made from steel. The large version and even the smaller hand held version of the garden fork typically has a "D" shaped handle which offers your hands the best grip and leverage when you are turning the ground. 

If you need help controlling slippage, you may want to consider the options that have rubber on the handles as this can assist with this problem. Another reason for the grips on this particular garden tool is to help prevent the formation of blisters, a common malady gardeners suffer when faced with repetitive movements against a tool without adequate protection. 

 

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