Best Garden Hand Fork UK 

Thanks for taking the time to read my article on the best hand garden forks. These are of course the much smaller garden forks, that are primarily used for weeding.

Most of these forks will have 3 or 4 tines and a short handle. They are ideal for getting up close and personal with the earth. These can of course be bought as a single item, but they usually come with a small digging trowel and are sold as a pair.

There are many brands available on the UK market, and they do come in slightly different shapes and sizes. Below we hope to guide you through the choices available.

That way you can decide which is the best type for your own specific needs.

In this article though, we are going to focus on the best garden hand forks for gardens, and which types of hand forks are the best to use.

What Hand Fork Do You Need?

My strong advice is therefore to spend just a little bit extra on your purchases, and buy forks that will last. In other words they won't bend, break or rust.

Hand forks allow you to get close to the soil when working in flower beds, garden borders, tubs, planters etc. They are used to help loosen the soil, for weeding and for planting and transplanting.

They are simply a hand version of the larger garden digging or border fork.

Top 10 Best Buyer Rated Garden Hand Forks

1. Spear & Jackson Kew Gardens Stainless Steel Weed Fork (98%)
2. Spear & Jackson 2053NS Select Carbon Steel Weed Fork (94%)
3. Kent & Stowe Stainless Steel Hand Fork (88%)
4. Spear & Jackson Select Stainless Steel Weed Fork (96%)
5. Spear & Jackson Neverbend Stainless Steel Weed Fork (94%)
6. Wilkinson Sword Stainless Steel Long Handled Fork (94%)
7. Spear & Jackson Stainless Steel Long Handled Weed Fork (92%)
8. Fiskars Solid Planters Weed Fork (90%)
9. Spear & Jackson Traditional Stainless Weed Fork (88%)
10. Pedigree PGLHF Long Handled Stainless Steel Hand Fork (68%)

Buying Guide

Every gardener knows that a garden hand fork is a versatile tool. It's used for a range of tasks such as loosening soil, weeding, planting and transplanting small plants. When buying a garden hand fork, consider the following factors to ensure you choose the right one for your needs:

• Material: The material of the fork is crucial for durability. Look for a fork made of stainless steel or high-quality carbon steel. These materials are rust-resistant and long-lasting. Simply they will last much longer and save you money in the long run.
• Handle: The handle should be comfortable to grip and of the right length for your height. Wooden handles are traditional and aesthetically pleasing but can be less durable than metal or plastic handles. It really is a matter of personal taste, but I prefer a plastic handle for a better grip.
• Tines: For me, this is one of the most important considerations. The tines (the prongs) of the fork should be sharp and sturdy. Look for a fork with at least four tines to effectively break up soil and remove weeds.
• Size: As you can see from our list above, garden hand forks come in various sizes. Choose a size that suits your gardening needs and the size of your hands. A medium-sized fork is generally best for most tasks.
• Weight: Consider the weight of the hand fork. You want a balance between being lightweight for easy handling and heavy enough to effectively penetrate the soil. This isn't a major consideration but becomes more important the olde you get as your strength does reduce.
• Grip: Check the grip on the handle. It should be non-slip, especially if you'll be using the fork in wet or muddy conditions. Some of these have a rubber grip which I have found to be the best
• Guarantees: Look for a hand fork that is built to last. Check for any warranties or guarantees offered by the manufacturer.
• Brand and Reviews: Research reputable brands and read customer reviews to get an idea of the quality and performance of the hand fork you're considering. We have summarised those in this article.
• Price: Set a budget, but also be willing to invest a bit more for a high-quality, durable hand fork. It's a tool you'll use frequently, so quality matters.
• Additional Features: Some hand forks come with added features like serrated edges for cutting through tough roots or a hanging hole for easy storage. Consider whether these extras are important to you. Some are more important than others.
• Maintenance: Check if the fork requires any special maintenance, like oiling the metal parts to prevent rust. Most do not. We would recommend cleaning and drying the fork after each use. Then keep it somewhere dry.