A digging fork is used, among other things, for loosening and carefully digging out the garden soil. It is an indispensable tool for every gardener. You can find out what you should pay attention to when buying in our guide. We also provide you with specific product recommendations based on the reviews on Amazon.
The digging fork is an essential tool in the garden
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Fiskars spade fork for hard, stony ground, with 4 tines, length 122 cm, high-quality boron steel, grey/black, ergonomic, 1001413
39.00 EUR To the product| Material sheet/tine | boron steel |
|---|---|
| material stem | boron steel, rubber |
| handle shape | D handle |
| overall length | 122 cm |
| Weight | 2.2kg |
The digging fork from Fiskars inspires theoretically and apparently also practically with its robust materials. Amazon reviewers praise the first-class workmanship. Many describe the spade fork as extremely stable, but still handy. The very good price-performance ratio is also positively emphasized. The tines and handle made of boron steel make the model even suitable for harder soils. The length is ideal for people over 1.75 meters tall.
our recommendation
Gardena NatureLine spade fork: digging fork for digging and loosening, made from FSC-certified ash wood, ergonomic D-handle (17002-20)
26.99 EUR To the product| Material sheet/tine | hardened steel |
|---|---|
| material stem | ash wood |
| handle shape | YD handle |
| overall length | 124 cm |
| Weight | 2.2kg |
The Gardena version is one of the most popular digging forks among Amazon customers. The same model is also available with a plastic handle - but we deliberately opted for the wooden version in order to offer you a wider range of choices. With the handle made of certified ash wood, the spade fork is perfect for all gardeners who prefer garden tools made from natural materials. The steel tines seem to do their job perfectly - most users say they are satisfied.
our recommendation
Fiskars spade fork for hard, stony ground, with 4 tines, length 122 cm, high-quality steel tines/plastic handle, black/orange, solid, 1003458
24.32 EUR To the product| Material sheet/tine | steel |
|---|---|
| material stem | plastic |
| handle shape | D handle |
| overall length | 122 cm |
| Weight | 1.8kg |
In principle, this spade fork from Fiskars has the same features as the winner of our comparison - with the difference that the handle is made of plastic. This has the advantage that the entire digging fork weighs around 400 grams less and logically costs less. However, it is not quite as robust and stable as its boron steel sister. You should take this into account when making your selection.
Purchase Criteria
Type
In addition to the classic digging fork with handle, there is also the compact hand digging fork. This has the same functions as its big sister, but due to its format and its handiness (in the truest sense…) it is almost only used in small beds. In our article we deal with the "big" digging fork.
our recommendation
Gardena Classic Flower Fork: Garden tool for root-friendly planting and transplanting, made of quality steel, ergonomic handle, working width 7.5 cm (8952-20)
8.19 EUR To the productmaterial
Whether a digging fork is of high quality is primarily determined by the materials from which it is made. Most manufacturers use forged or hardened steel for the blade with the tines. You always drive or dig well with it, because it is robust and stable on the one hand and very elastic on the other.
Alternatively, there are digging forks with stainless steel tines. This material impresses above all with its corrosion resistance, which in turn promotes a long service life - provided the digging fork is properly cared for.
tips
It is particularly important that the tines are sharp enough so that they penetrate the soil easily and do not require too much effort from the gardener.
The handle can be made of different materials:
- Metal and steel are very robust and stable
- Wood is characterized by its natural look and high stability
- Plastic isn't quite as strong as the other materials, but it's generally solid; he often pushes down the price of the grave fork
tips
A non-slip plastic or rubber coating is advantageous.
stem length
The length of the handle is one of the most important criteria when buying a digging fork. It must optimally harmonize with your height. Otherwise you will get back pain after a short time - possibly even chronic if you use it frequently. Therefore, you should not make any compromises here. Your health is at stake.
Guide values:
- Height from 1.65 to 1.75 meters: total length of digging fork from 100 to 115 centimeters
- Height from 1.80 meters: digging fork with a total length of 115 to 120 centimeters (at least!)
tips
Digging forks with a telescopic handle are also occasionally available. If you don't come across a suitable version with a fixed handle, it may be worth looking specifically for models with an adjustable handle.
handle shape
There are digging forks with T, D and YD handles. All three variants are classics. In terms of ergonomics, there are no major differences. Ultimately, it comes down to the individual taste of the gardener.
tips
When in doubt, it is worth testing models with different handle shapes so that you can then make the right decision.
running board
A running board is neither standard nor absolutely necessary for a digging fork, but it is definitely a practical extra. If the garden tool has this addition, it is located on one or both sides of the upper edge of the spade blade. The purpose of the footboard is to prevent your foot from slipping when you dig into the ground. After all, he is involved in the gardening activities with the digging fork.
Weight
Of course it is more pleasant if the digging fork does not weigh too much. However, what weight is perceived as heavy depends on the individual requirements of the respective gardener. As a guide, we recommend that you do not buy a digging fork that weighs more than three kilograms. However, it must not be too light either, otherwise it will probably lack stability.
frequently asked Questions
What is a digging fork?
The digging fork, also called digging fork, spade fork and fork spade, is an essential garden tool with which you can loosen (aerate) and excavate the garden soil, among other things.
Visually and in terms of use, the utensil is similar to the spade, but unlike the spade, the digging fork does not have a smooth cutting blade, but rather several (usually three or four) strong and slightly curved tines.
What work can I do with a digging fork?
A digging fork is primarily intended for loosening and digging up the garden soil as well as for carefully digging up plants and turning compost. It is also used in the domestic potato harvest.
How do I use a digging fork correctly?
Sometimes a picture says more than 1000 words. Just watch this short video and you will know how to use a digging fork correctly (you will also learn about a few popular models at the same time):
youtubeDigging fork, spade or garden claw - which is best?
This cannot be answered unequivocally, since each of these gardening helpers brings different advantages and is therefore also intended for specific work. If it's just a matter of digging up or digging up earth without considering losses (root injuries, killing earthworms), you can use the spade. The garden claw (€45.30) is designed very similarly to the digging fork and is also used to loosen up the topsoil. In addition, it allows aeration and incorporation of compost or fertilizer in a single step. In short:
- Spade for rough digging and digging
- Digging fork for finely loosening the soil and for transplanting plants and turning compost
- Garden claw for efficiently loosening the soil and working in the fertilizer or compost at the same time
Which brands offer good digging forks?
The best-known and most popular manufacturers of digging forks include:
- Fiskars
- Gardena
- WOLF garden
Where is the best place to buy a digging fork?
Digging forks from well-known brands can be found in hardware stores - whether hagebaumarkt, OBI, toom, Bauhaus or Hornbach. Depending on the season, you can sometimes even buy inexpensive versions in discounters such as Aldi or Lidl. However, Amazon offers you the largest selection.
Is there a digging fork test by Stiftung Warentest?
No, so far Stiftung Warentest has not carried out a digging fork comparison. We will inform you here if anything changes.