{"id":12247,"date":"2022-06-29T14:00:49","date_gmt":"2022-06-29T12:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/?p=24199"},"modified":"2022-06-29T16:12:16","modified_gmt":"2022-06-29T14:12:16","slug":"the-best-garden-spades-and-shovels-10-of-our-favourites","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/rss_feed\/the-best-garden-spades-and-shovels-10-of-our-favourites\/","title":{"rendered":"The best garden spades and shovels: 10 of our favourites"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Katie Dutton\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 29 June 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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The best garden spades and shovels can become a gardener\u2019s friend for life. We\u2019ve chosen a selection of high-quality options below, designed for a range of different outdoor tasks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The best garden spades and shovels are hard-wearing and weather resistant, but certain models are better suited to specific jobs, so it\u2019s worth considering your upcoming tasks before buying one. Alternatively, you could opt for a multi-purpose spade or shovel if you want something a little more versatile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Take a look at our list of favourites to see some of the best garden spades and shovels you can buy online. You may also want to browse our top <\/span>garden tools<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>hand trowels<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Quick answers\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

What is the difference between a spade and shovel?<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

How to choose the best garden spade and shovel<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

What is the best material for a spade?<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

What type of shovel is best for digging?<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

Is a round or square shovel better?<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

The best shovels and garden spades in 2022<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

What is the difference between a spade and shovel?<\/h2>\n

Generally, spades are designed for digging into soil and tough ground, so they have sharp, flat blades, sometimes with footplates to help you press down. They\u2019re usually reserved for tough jobs like digging holes and breaking up dense soil. The flat blade is also ideal for creating neat border edges.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, shovels are useful for \u2018shovelling\u2019 garden materials, so they have a more curved head with a pointed front to scoop up loose items.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to choose the best garden spade and shovel<\/h2>\n

The best garden spade and shovel for you depends on the type of jobs you\u2019ll be doing. There are specific models designed to cut through tough or stony ground, or protect you when digging near pipes. You can also get options for moving plants, working in small pots or flower beds and creating holes for trees or fence posts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are shorter, lightweight spades and shovels designed for women, and models with longer shafts to reduce back strain in taller gardeners.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve highlighted some of the best garden spades and shovels for particular uses below; keep scrolling to browse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the best material for a spade?<\/h2>\n

When choosing a garden spade or shovel, you\u2019ll need to consider the construction of both the head and the shaft. Most heads are made from strong stainless steel, which cuts well through compact or clay soil. Spades with carbon steel heads tend to be a bit tougher and lighter, so they could be a good option for smaller gardeners \u2013 although they can rust if left outside.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As for the shafts, you\u2019ll usually have a choice of metal and wood. While wooden handles \u2013 ashwood in particular \u2013 are the traditional choice and better at absorbing shock, metal shafts are stronger and won\u2019t splinter. Alternatively, you could go for a lighter option like plastic or fibreglass, but these can snap under pressure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What type of shovel is best for digging?<\/h2>\n

There are lots of shovels you can use for digging as well as scooping up garden materials. You can get trenching and post hole shovels for specific outdoor tasks, but a flat-edged model is a versatile choice for digging and edging in relatively soft soil. If you need to cut into tougher ground, be sure to go for a shovel with a pointed head.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s also worth choosing a design with a long shaft to reduce the strain on your back while digging.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is a round or square shovel better?<\/h2>\n

The answer to this question depends on the jobs you\u2019ll be doing. Round and square shovels work well in soft soil, but you\u2019ll need a pointed blade for compacted or stony ground.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Choose a round shovel for transplanting or digging, and reserve the square shovel for edging and moving large plants. Remember, you\u2019ll need a scooped design for shovelling loose materials like gravel and mulch.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The best shovels and garden spades in 2022<\/h2>\n

Burgon and Ball National Trust spade<\/h3>\n

Best for style and strength<\/h4>\n
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This beautiful yet durable spade is part of the <\/span>National Trust\u2019s collection of gardening tools with Burgon and Ball<\/span><\/a>. Finished with beautiful antique bronze colouring, it has a traditional look and would look great cottage gardens and other period homes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This spade also comes with some impressive features. The head is made from a single piece of high-carbon steel for extra strength. In fact, the makers have tested the spade up to a breaking strain of 100kg, which is 82% more than standard British models.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Added extras include the wide foot treads to help you dig, and the FSC-approved ashwood shaft.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n