This article on how to make a broadfork is excerpted from a 1980 MOTHER EARTH NEWS interview with French intensive gardening expert John Jeavons, author of “How to Grow More Vegetables and Fruits (and Fruits, Nuts, Berries, Grains, and Other Crops) Than You Ever Thought Possible on Less Land Than You Can Imagine.”
Because the good folks at Common Ground feel that even intermediate technology is often beyond the financial reach of the people who need it the most, they’re constantly looking for sophisticated low technology solutions to the problems presented by small-scale agriculture, including tools like the broad fork tool used in efficient soil preparation.
One such innovation — the broad fork or “U-bar” — was designed at John Jeavons’ request by two Stanford University engineering students who worked from traditional French and Canadian designs for similar tools. The broadfork garden tool is used after a bed has been initially well prepared with a spade and fork, and can–for all subsequent preparations–reduce the required digging time from approximately two hours per 100 square-foot bed to 20 minutes or less. This makes broad fork gardening a highly efficient and sustainable method for soil cultivation.
Jeavons graciously allowed MOTHER EARTH NEWS to publish drawings of the broadfork garden tool DIY so anyone who wants to try biointensive gardening can learn how to make a broadfork and cut his or her labor time while keeping yields up.
Originally published as “How to Build a Broadfork” in the March/April 1980 issue of MOTHER EARTH NEWS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a broad fork and how does it work?
A broad fork is a manual gardening tool designed to loosen soil deeply without turning it over. The broad fork tool uses long tines and two handles to aerate soil while preserving its natural structure, making it ideal for organic gardening.
What is a broadfork garden tool used for?
The broadfork garden tool is used to break up compacted soil, improve drainage, and prepare planting beds. It is especially popular in small-scale and organic gardening because it reduces the need for heavy machinery.
How to make a broadfork at home?
If you are interested in how to make a broadfork, you can follow simple DIY plans using steel tines, a metal frame, and wooden handles. Many gardeners prefer a broadfork garden tool DIY approach to save costs and customize the tool.
Is broad fork gardening better than tilling?
Yes, broad fork gardening is often considered better than tilling because it loosens the soil without disrupting beneficial microorganisms and soil layers, leading to healthier plant growth.
Can beginners use a broad fork tool?
Absolutely. The broad fork tool is beginner-friendly and requires no fuel or complex setup. With proper technique, even new gardeners can efficiently use a broadfork garden tool.
Why should I consider a broadfork garden tool DIY option?
A broadfork garden tool DIY option allows you to build a durable tool at a lower cost. It also gives flexibility in size and design based on your gardening needs.
