The Gulland Forge Broadfork

Broadfork close Use the broadfork for loosening soil to prepare for planting or for adding soil amendments such as compost or mulches. It will open and loosen soil while minimizing damage to the living strata of flora and fauna that provide the nutrients for the garden bed. For more on living soil see Harvey Ussery's site. The broadfork is also a great tool to choose for harvesting potatoes, beets, carrots, etc.

It's easy! Just step on the crossbar, one side then the other and the tines are set completely into the soil. Using the tremendous leverage of this tool, the soil is loosened by working the handles back and forth in a rowing motion. The broadfork requires minimal effort for the work it produces. It’s the kind of tool that almost anyone can use effectively.

It’s not supposed to replace a tiller in compacted, dense, or rocky soils. Picks and spades are best for initial groundbreaking and once the sod busting is done, the broadfork makes quick work of further improving the texture of the soil.

broadfork in grass
The 48” long handles are made from select local ash from the Tennessee River Valley and finished with a coat of hand rubbed wax. Ash is an incredibly strong wood, and each handle is selected for density and grain quality. Wood is far superior to metal handles with it’s dynamic ‘feel’ when worked. It’s also warm to the touch, and the ends are contoured to better fit the hand. The business end of the broadfork is made of very heavy walled 1 1/2” square tubing, very comfortable under foot. The bend in the tines is a constant radius curve which allows for easier soil penetration.

Larry Cooper, Blacksmith since 1986. I have always appreciated good quality, efficient hand tools and I wanted mine to be the best available. In this throw away world, my broadfork is a tool that can be used for years. Phone: 608-220-9190. Visit the broadfork blog here.