Potato Fork
The heads are normally made from forged steel and the blade tynes, or tines, and shaft socket should ideally be forged in one piece.
The heads are rectangular in shape, similar to a garden spade, but instead of a flat blade they have flat tynes, usually four. The size of the head is normally about 19cm (7 1/2inches) wide by about 29cm (11 1/2inches) high.
You can get them wider but there is no real benefit. In fact it just makes its use more difficult.
The shafts are usually made from hardwood and are attached to the head at a slight angle. Shafts range in length from around 71cm (28inches) to around 81cm (32inches). A shaft should be fixed to the head solidly, no matter what materials the head and shaft are made from, by a solid socket insert and fixed securely with pins. There should be no movement at all at this joint so check this thoroughly before buying.
If there is the slightest movement leave it in the display cabinet and try another make of potato fork. The importance of this joint can not be stressed enough, it must be solid! .
What's This Fork Used For?
The potato fork is used mainly for lifting potato crops, but is also be used for lifting many other vegetable root crops as well. It can also be used to lift flowering plants and shrubs.
With its flat tines it is less likely to damage vegetables and plants as you lift them out of the ground. The potato fork can also be used for digging unprepared ground and heavy clay soils. If you need to use a fork for digging, aerating or digging manure or compost between closely grouped plants or rows of vegetables you will find it easier and safer using a border fork to prevent damaging your prize vegetables or blooms.
How Do You Use This Fork?
If you have experience of hand tools you will have no problems mastering the use of this fork. The trick is to get the fork to do the work, making it easy for you.
For ease of use and comfort the overall length of the fork is critical. It needs to be long enough to prevent you from having to bend your back too much.
The easiest way to find the right length potato fork for you is to select one which reaches your waist when the head is fully in the ground. If it reaches slightly above your waist it will still be ok.
The best position for using a potato fork for any digging work is to place the blade of the fork vertically on the soil surface in the place you want to dig.
With both hands gripping the top of the handle and keeping your back as straight as possible put one foot on top of the head with the other foot just behind and to the side of the fork head. Use the ball of your foot, not the instep. Push the fork into the ground, using you whole body weight through your foot on the head and your hands on the handle, as deep as you need to go.
Pull backwards to break the soil or vegetable from the surrounding soil and then lift as you would a shovel.
Bottom Line
This tool is recommended for lifting vegetables and other root vegetables.
It is also ideal for lifting any plants or shrubs.
Use it for digging unprepared ground and heavy clay soils.
Do you need a potato fork?
Yes, if you grow a fair amount of vegetables.
Yes, if you propagate or grow on lots of shrubs or bedding plants.
No, if you don’t any of the above, you will be better off with a garden fork or a border fork .
Do You Want A Good Garden Fork (click the image)
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