Most kitchens have a bent, mismatched or slightly rusty fork that nobody uses anymore, sitting at the back of a drawer. Before it goes in the bin, it’s worth knowing that a fork is a surprisingly good garden tool. The tines already loosen soil, the handle fits a hand comfortably, and the metal is strong enough for light work in pots and beds. With a little bending and filing, a discarded fork can turn into a small cultivator, a weeder or a plant marker. Here are five simple ways to give it a second life.
Because a broken tool can be dangerous, if the metal starts to crack or the tines wobble, retire it and make another,. Metal can be sharp, so always wear gloves when bending or filing a fork, and smooth the tips and edges so they won’t scratch your hands. If you’d like something decorative, a fork makes an eye-catching garden label. Write the plant’s name on the flat handle with a permanent marker or paint pen, or paint the fork in a bright colour first. Then push the tines into the soil with the handle sticking upright, so the name is easy to see. It’s a good way to mark herb pots or vegetable rows, and a few painted forks in a row look charming. Seal the writing with clear varnish so it survives rain. Keep homemade tools away from children and out of reach after use. After gardening, rinse off the soil and dry the fork, and rub on a drop of cooking oil to prevent rust. This article is intended for general informational and DIY purposes only. Bending and filing metal can cause cuts or injury, so wear protective gloves and eye protection and take care with tools. Homemade garden tools suit light tasks only, and not heavy digging. Keep them away from children, and discard any fork that cracks or bends unsafely.