What is a compost fork?
What is a compost fork? |
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Its uses |
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A compost fork is also known as a manure fork or a mulch fork. Compost, manure and mulch are essentially decayed organic matter used as a fertiliser for growing plants. Matter will compost (break down) in time but will compost faster if it is turned over frequently. | |||
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Uses include:
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The tines |
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Some compost forks have four long tines with fine points allowing the fork to push through the fibres of rotting compost. Choose widely spaced tines so that chunky material does not get stuck between the tines. Look for curved tines that form a ‘basket’ shape to cup and contain material. | |||
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Other compost forks will have more than four tines, sometimes as many as ten!
The head will be slightly wider and the tines more closely-spaced, which is ideal for picking up stones and loose material such as wood chips, bark and leaves. However, for coarser material such as hay or straw, choose a fork with more space between the tines, that is, fewer tines, |
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The most robust tines are forged from one piece of steel. That is, either a solid socket connection… | |||
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…or a strapped socket connection.
For more information on socket connections, please see our section: How are the tines attached to the shaft? |
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The shaft |
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A steel fork should have high quality welds (metal joins) that have no open points to allow water to enter. This will reduce the risk of internal rust and damage. There should not be any fractured seams: welds must look immaculate and as smooth as possible. | |||
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The handle grip can be D- or T-shaped. Look for soft, cushioned grips for added comfort. For those with particularly large or small hands, which don’t fit easily around a D- grip, choose the T- grip. Alternatively, look for a wider-shaped D-grip to protect your hands. | |||
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The length of the shaft usually measures at:
For more information on choosing a shaft, please refer to our page: Is the length of the shaft important?
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