Shall I get a Forksta or a Broadfork?

Choosing between the Forksta and the Broadfork?

Both are solid, hardworking tools depending on your needs, size of garden and soil type. To make the decision easier, we’ve put together a comparison guide to help you find the right fit for your space, soil, and the kind of gardening you do. If you are starting a large garden and your budget allows, a lot of people have both a Forksta and a Broadfork.

And if you’re still unsure, feel free to get in touch info@craftygatherer.co.nz — we’re always happy to chat tools and help you decide.

Forksta

Best For:
Small gardens, tight rows; perfect for everyday maintenance without stepping on your beds or disturbing your soil structure.

Why You’ll Love It:
It’s light, compact, and easy to maneuver — even when you’re gardening in a small space or just have 10 minutes spare. Made for home gardeners.

Weight:
Lighter — easy to handle, especially in raised beds or narrow rows.

Tine Spacing & Length:
Closer spacing with shorter tines for finer aeration and more control around delicate plants.

How to Use:
Step on with both feet and lever back using the top handle. Less leverage than the Broadfork, but still gets the job done.

Storage:
Slim, compact design — hang it on a hook or tuck it in a shed corner.

Made In:
Proudly made by us, right here in New Zealand.

Broadfork

Best For:
Ideal for breaking new ground, larger areas, biointensive gardens, market gardens, compacted/heavy soils that need deep aeration and serious soil work.

Why You’ll Love It:
If you’re starting fresh, prepping for a big season, or want deeper soil structure and better drainage — this is your powerhouse tool. 

Weight:
Heavier — gives you natural leverage for deep soil work.

Tine Spacing & Length:
Wider spacing, longer tines — perfect for deep penetration and broad coverage.

How to Use:
Step on with both feet and pull back with your body weight using both handles. Let the tool do the work — you’ll feel it loosen the soil right down where the roots want to go.

Storage:
Breaks down into three pieces for easy transport and storage.

Made In:
Also made by us in New Zealand.