broadfork

A broadfork is a garden tool used for loosening and aerating soil. It consists of two long handles attached to a horizontal bar with a series of tines extending downwards. The design allows a gardener to leverage their body weight to drive the tines into the soil, then rock the tool back to lift and break up the soil without extensive turning.

This method of soil cultivation is considered less disruptive to soil structure than traditional tilling. It helps to improve drainage and aeration, making it easier for plant roots to penetrate the soil. The broadfork is particularly useful for breaking up compacted layers of soil, often found in vegetable gardens or areas that have been heavily used.

Compared to rotary tillers, broadforks are quieter, require no fuel, and are generally considered more environmentally friendly. They are also less likely to bring dormant weed seeds to the surface. The tool is available in various widths and tine lengths to suit different soil types and garden sizes. Using a broadfork typically involves stepping on the tines to insert them, then tilting the handles back to lift the soil.