Garden forks How to buy
Ideally, wear your gardening shoes or boots while making your choice.
Check the tread on your fork isn't too high before you buy
Overall length
Hold the fork as you would if about to push it into the ground. You should be leaning forward slightly if the handle height suits you.
Now try holding the fork as you would if lifting soil. Ensure the handle feels comfortable and you can reach the base of the shaft easily.
Tread
Check this feels comfortable and isn’t so high that you have difficulty using your body weight to push down on it firmly.
Should I opt for stainless steel or carbon steel?
The price of stainless steel tools has plummeted during the last 20 years or so. Nowadays a decent stainless steel fork can be bought for under £30.
In our trials, when we’ve asked gardeners to compare stainless steel spades and forks with carbon steel ones, they’ve usually preferred stainless ones. They push into the soil more easily, are easier to clean, and don’t rust. And – let’s face it – if nothing else, stainless steel tools usually look more classy.
- Take a look at our best buy garden forks.
- Read our factsheet on caring for your soil.
- Subscribe to Which? Gardening magazine.