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The Best Garden Spade

Last updated on October 27, 2022
Best Garden Spade

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Our Picks For The Top Garden Spades

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
 Top Pick

Prudance Ergonomic Measuring Garden Spade

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Prudance

Ergonomic Measuring Garden Spade

Thanks to the ergonomically designed handle, this garden spade is easy to hold. It's constructed from a durable stainless steel that won't rust or corrode. Gardeners will also appreciate the built-in loop for hanging, which makes storage so much easier.

Overall Take

Comfortable to HoldThis garden spade features measurement markings on the back, so you can properly place your seeds at the correct depth.

 Runner Up

Berry&Bird Drop Shaped Eco-Friendly Garden Spade

Berry&Bird

Drop Shaped Eco-Friendly Garden Spade

If you're searching for a versatile garden spade that can tackle many tasks, this model is an excellent option. The shovel features a long hardwood D handle that allows for transplanting small trees, creating castles at the beach or digging holes for firepits at your campsite. The spade is made from a strong stainless steel that can cut through eve...

Overall Take

Quality ConstructionThis garden spade is made following eco-friendly practices, so you can feel good about your purchase.

 We Also LIke

Fiskars Welded Two-Handled Garden Spade

Fiskars

Welded Two-Handled Garden Spade

You get more control with the extra-large handle on this garden spade. It is perfect for edging or cutting a trench. The sharpened blade can easily penetrate tough soil.

Overall Take

Secure ControlThis garden spade features an extra-large D-shaped handle for better maneuverability.

 Also Great

Mr. Pen Ergonomic Professional Grade Garden Spade

Mr. Pen

Ergonomic Professional Grade Garden Spade

You don't have to worry about this garden spade bending in clay soil, as it's made using a tough stainless steel. The handle is also thoughtfully designed and provides plenty of grip, so you work smarter, not harder. The built-in hole at the top of the handle also makes storing the tool a breeze.

Overall Take

Economical PickWhen adding to your outdoor tools, consider this affordable, yet sturdy garden spade.

Buying Guide

If you have a green thumb, one of the most useful tools you will need in your shed is a garden spade. Spades are useful for digging because they have a wide, flat blade. This makes it easy to move and turn soil. While digging spades are the most common kind of garden spade, there are also other types of spades available.

For example, a border spade is a smaller and lighter type of digging spade. It is best used for digging small spaces, such as the borders around flower beds. A pointed spade has a pointed end as the name suggests, rather than a flat end like a digging spade. This tool is best for breaking apart clumps of soil or clay.

When deciding which kind of garden spade is right for you, it’s important to first consider the tasks you want to complete and the type of ground you’re dealing with. For example, if you have to work through a lot of clay, then a pointed spade and a digging spade may be useful. If you only want to dig up a small area or a border, then a border spade is your best bet.

What to Look For

  • Consider the weight and length of the spade. If you have back problems, opt for something light like a border spade, or a digging spade that is made out of aluminum, which is a lighter material.
  • A longer shaft on the spade will require less bending over, which can be useful if you are dealing with back pain. Some spades come with angled shafts, which can make it easier to lift heavy piles of dirt.
  • Spade shafts can be made from a variety of materials like wood, plastic, fiberglass and metal. Wood is a popular option because it is sturdy and absorbs vibrations. However, it can sometimes splinter. Plastic and fiberglass are both lightweight, but they may snap under a lot of weight. Metal is a strong option, but it absorbs heat and can be uncomfortable to use.
  • The material of your spade’s blade will affect how well it does the job. Blades made of stainless steel are best for digging in heavy ground like clay. They are durable, don’t rust and can be easily cleaned. However, stainless steel is heavy. The other option is carbon, which is a lightweight and tough material. However, carbon can rust after some time if it is not properly cared for.

More to Explore

It is easy to injure your back and hips if you don’t use the right technique when digging with a spade. Keep the spade close to your body so that you don’t have to lean towards it. When lifting soil, be sure to bend your knees under the weight to take the pressure off your back. When you’re replanting, keep in mind that root balls are heavier than they look, especially if the soil is wet. Be careful and use your knees to offset the weight on your back.

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