The Best Spade Shovels for All Things Gardening

While you could get most jobs done with a sharp or flat-blade shovel, choosing a tool specifically for the job can make things a little easier and faster to complete. Not sure where to start? Here’s everything you need to consider when picking the best spade to make your work a little less strenuous.

Types of Spade Shovels

Digging spade

Digging spades usually have a pointed tip blade that makes it easier to cut into the soil. They are wider than other spades to move and turn the soil as well as roots. These spades are also a good option for skimming weeds and edging lawns. Handles on shovels used for digging are best designed straight up instead of being offset from the blade to offer the required leverage needed.

Border spade

Very similar to digging spades, border shovels have the same pointed tip and shape in general. They are however smaller, lighter, and slightly flatter. Their smaller design makes them suitable for working in tight spaces or for longer periods of time when a heavy tool may be too burdensome.

Trenching shovel

With a slightly pointed tip and a blade width of 4-6 inches, trenching shovels are used to create trenches for laying irrigation systems. Some types have square sides which may make it easier to remove soil and form a clean and tidy trench.

Another type of shovel used for clearing debris from trenches or for transplanting is a drain or transplanting spade. This type of spade has a rounded tip and curved edges.

Scoop shovel

As its name suggests, once all the dirt, gravel, snow, or mulch has been dug out, this is the spade to use to move it in big quantities for fast and efficient action. They’re available in different sizes and weights, depending on the material you are working with. If you are working with something very light like bark or wood chips, there is obviously no need to lug around an extremely heavy shovel.

How To Choose the Right Spade Shovel for the Job

Blade shape

If you are working with loose soils, scooping, or edging, flat shovel blades are your best option. Pointed shovels are the most effective when working with hard and compacted soil while round blades will do just fine for new, soft earth.

Weight

If you use shovels often, a heavier option may be suitable for you. Heavy digging spades provide more impact and cut through the soil more easily. If you suffer from back issues, are not used to working with spades, or can only dig for short intervals, choose something that is light to hold and maneuver and that won’t place any stress on your back.

Material

The weight of the spade will largely depend on the material it is made from. For heavy work and digging into hard soil such as clay, opt for a stainless steel blade. These cut well through the soil, don’t rust, and are easy to maintain. The downside to stainless steel is that it is heavy and is welded onto the shaft socket which makes it more prone to breaking if caught on a weak spot under pressure.

Carbon steel blades can be solid forged which avoids the aforementioned problem. They are also somewhat lighter than stainless steel. These shovels can last a long time if you take care of them. A little neglect can however also see rust forming.

Some scoops used for lighter work can be from plastic or polyurethane. Although this is handy for basic tasks, they aren’t nearly as solid for heavy-duty work and will break easily if used for tasks beyond their capacity capabilities.

Length

Spade shafts that are too short will require you to bend a lot while working and place strain on your back. Although longer angled shafts may take some time to get used to as the digging angle is different, they will take the strain off your back.

Shaft

The shaft is the stick or neck of the spade connecting the handle and the blade. They come in a wide range of materials, with wood often being a popular choice. Wooden shafts are strong, heavy, and absorb shock well. If working in wet conditions, you will want to make sure it is weatherproofed. FSC hardwood is one of the stronger wooden options and is easily replaceable if it splinters.

Metal shafts are very strong with good weatherproof qualities. They can get very hot and don’t absorb shock which can lead to discomfort or injuries over time. Fiberglass and plastic shafts are best for lightweight work and have good vibration absorption qualities, but are hard to replace and can snap under excessive pressure.

Handle

Regardless of the handles, you consider for your spade, wearing protective or gardening gloves while working is never a bad idea. Not only will this improve your grip; but it will also protect your hands from splinters, impact, and abrasion.

A YD design handle offers the best grip and versatility. This type of handle has a loop in a ‘D’ shape at the top. If your hands are on the smaller or larger size you may find this uncomfortable. A T-grip, on the other hand, is a good option for any hand size and for applying extra force. When possible, opt for a handle with added grip to minimize slipperiness.

Socket

The socket is the joint where the blade attaches to the shaft. Some shovels have a solid design or a welded construction where the blade and shaft are joined together. However, many spades require a socket to keep the parts firmly attached. Longer sockets are best as they offer solid attachment and better flex. These are usually attached with rivets which should be flush or sunken into the handle to prevent injuries.

Garden Spade Maintenance

As with all things, to ensure your garden tools remain in good condition, you need to take proper care of them. Clean the soil or other material you’ve been working with off the blade, shaft, and handle after every use. Skipping this step can cause rust or rot. Use a brush to clean off larger pieces and then use warm soapy water to clean in detail.

Once every few weeks, check the handle for splinters and smooth it down with sandpaper if necessary. Something you want to do every season sharpens the blade with a sharpening stone, and oil the blade as well as any wooden parts. Wipe off any excess oil before hanging your spade in the shed until the next gardening season.