Choosing the right kind of garden forks for your garden can be confusing at the very least. Garden forks are designed for either digging or scooping soil- loosening it up and turning for planting and to maintain the good health of your garden. The number and shape of the prongs (known as tines) depends on the intended use of the fork and forks are usually better at turning soil than spades.
Primarily, garden forks are used for tilling the soil and breaking up heavy dirt clods. Good quality forks are also invaluable in weeding through large areas without having to get down on your hands and knees. Choose and area for this task which is not dense with the roots of plants to prevent damage to your garden.
Choosing the Right Fork
There are many sizes available, with long or short handles, different tine length, and number of tines. Find one which feels comfortable to use. The tines (prongs) of less expensive brands may tend to bend, so it is worth investing in quality when you make your choice. Our Spear and Jackson ergonomically designed E-SERIES BORDER FORK is made from stainless steel and is designed for heavy and frequent use. The key feature of this fork is the centralized foot tread. The tread reduces slippage and helps you keep you balance better. It allows you to deliver more digging power, with less muscle effort and strain on your body.
Digging Forks Vs. Border Forks
A digging fork will typically have square tines. A fork can penetrate much harder soil than a spade because the pressure is channeled into the tines (pressure equals force divided by area of contact). Digging forks are larger than border forks and are best used for heavy duty turning of soil. Boarder forks are more suitable for use in flower boarders.
Protect Yourself
It is advisable to wear sturdy footwear with steel-toe protection when using a fork. Also, here are some tips and tricks for preventing aches and pains while using your digging fork:
Make sure gardening tool handles are comfortable to grasp.
Use telescopic or extended handles to eliminate strain from reaching. Watering wands, for example, are ideal for hanging baskets.
Keep digging and cutting tools sharp to reduce the amount of effort required.
Use knee pads or kneeling stools when working at ground level. Kneeling stools also provide support when you stand up.