A garden fork (sometimes called a spading fork or digging fork) is a tool used for loosening, lifting and turning over soil in gardening and farming. It has a handle and several short, sturdy tines, usually four, that can pierce through the soil to break up clumps of clay and other heavy materials.

A digging fork is typically more efficient for garden work than a spade and may be better for jobs that require a lot of force, such as digging through extremely compacted or heavy soil. It can also be useful for moving soil, mulch, stones or rocks around a garden.

Garden forks are available in different sizes and shapes, with some designed specifically for smaller spaces such as borders. Some have ergonomic handles to help gardeners with taller legs or other physical challenges.

Border Fork – A border fork is smaller and lighter than a digging fork. They are useful for cultivating small areas of soil and transplanting plants, but they tend to be less durable than larger digging forks. They are often made from stainless steel, which makes them resistant to rust and corrosion.

Digging Fork – A digging fork is great for turning large patches of soil, especially when you’re working in sandy or loamy soil that requires more strength to break up. It is useful for lifting and moving soil, as well as mixing compost, fertilizer and other soil amendments.

It is important to pick a fork that will last you for a long time. Durable garden forks should have a handle that is not easily bent and a sturdy shaft that will not break under significant leverage forces.

In addition, the fork should have a head that is riveted or fastened to the shaft. The head is a key part of the fork, since it’s where you’ll be striking the tines into the soil. It should also be a sturdy material such as stainless steel or carbon steel.

Stainless steel is the most common type of material, but boron steel is also strong. It’s not as rust-resistant as stainless steel, but it’s tougher and can withstand the impact of breaking up hardened soil or compost.

The best digging forks are made of high-carbon or stainless steel and can withstand the weight of compost, which can sometimes bend the tines. A few models feature aluminum tines, but they’re not as durable or easy to use as the harder metals.

They are also less effective at removing weeds than a spade because their tines cause more damage to the roots and stems of weeds. If you’re weeding, consider buying a fork that has angled tines, which will help prevent the tines from hitting the plant.

Some types of forks have a handle that can be adjusted to change the angle of the tines or to change the leverage or strain of the tool. These features make them easier to use and increase comfort while gardening.