It doesn’t matter if you’re a backyard hobbyist or an experienced landscaper-the right gardening tools make all the difference in whether your garden is a success. Investing in the best garden spade in your price range is a must because this essential tool cuts through soil, digs out planting holes, and helps reshape beds.
Read on to learn which garden spades we recommend!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Hoss Tools “King of Spades”
Best Transplanting Spade
Fiskars 46 Inch Steel D-handle Transplanting Spade
Best for Cutting Through Roots:
Radius Garden Root Slayer Shovel
Best Budget Option
Fiskars Steel D-Handle Flat Square Garden Spade
Anatomy of a Garden Spade
Choosing the right garden spade starts with understanding the tool and what it’s designed for. Knowing the different parts that make up a garden spade can help guide your purchase and ensure you’re making the right decision for your needs.
Grip
The grip of a garden spade is what most people refer to as the handle. It’s the uppermost part at the top of the shaft. Manufacturers typically design grips using plastic, wood, fiberglass, or metal-and each type of material offers its pros and cons. The best garden spade will have an ergonomic D-shaped handle to provide a better grip.
Shaft
A garden spade’s shaft is the longest part connected to the bottom of the grip. Unlike a standard shovel, a garden spade features a shorter shaft that’s ideal for leveraging one’s weight to dig trenches and cut straight edges into a variety of soils.
The best garden spade will have a strong, durable shaft. Whether you choose one made from metal, fiberglass, or wood depends on personal preference and your needs. Wooden shafts, for example, are ergonomic with a traditional aesthetic. Metal shafts are the strongest option but may feel heavier in the hand. Fiberglass is a nice balance between the two.
Collar
At the bottom of the shaft is the garden spade’s collar. This piece connects the shaft to the blade. The best garden spade will feature a screw or rivet in the collar for added durability.
Blade
The blade portion of a garden spade is the bottommost piece contacting the soil. Most blades are made from aluminum or metal, but you might see some made from plastic or fiberglass. Unlike a shovel, which has a curved, scoop-like blade, a garden spade has a flat blade that’s perfect for edging.
Kickplate
At the top of the blade is a portion called the kickplate. This is the edge where your foot rests so you can lean into the spade for added pressure. Not every shovel or spade will have a kickplate, but it’s a nice feature to have.
Tip
The lowest edge of the spade’s blade is the tip. The best garden spade will have a flat tip for moving and scooping soil. Rounded or pointed tips are best for digging and cutting.
Now that you know all about the anatomy of garden spades, let’s get into our top recommendations for 2022.
The Best Garden Spade for Backyard Gardeners
Best Overall
“The King of Spades” from Hoss
Hoss produces some of the best gardening tools on the market, and “The King of Spades” is no exception. With a sharp, heat-treated blade, ergonomic handle, and aircraft-quality tubing construction, this garden spade is both lightweight and durable. The tapered edge even resists nicks and dents under the toughest conditions.
Pros:
- Tapered cutting edge
- Comfortable D-shaped grip
- Five-year handle warranty
- Interchangeable footpad for dominant foot control
Cons:
- The price point may be high for hobbyist gardeners
Best Transplating Spade
Fiskars 46-Inch Steel D-Handle Transplanting Spade
When you need to dig up bulbs, create deep holes, or dig up roots, you can’t beat the 46-Inch Steel D-Handle Transplanting Spade from Fiskars. The garden spade features an extra-large, steel D-handle for maximum grip. Its welded steel construction and teardrop-shaped shaft provide solid durability, control, and comfort.
Pros:
- Extra-large handle provides two-handed control, even with gloves
- Lifetime warranty
- Teardrop-shaped shaft profile fits naturally in hand for exceptional control
Cons:
- Handle may bend under heavy loads
- Best for smaller gardening projects
Best for Cutting Roots
Radius Garden Original Root Slayer
When you need a garden spade that easily rips up roots and cuts through tough dirt, the Original Root Slayer by Radius Garden is the answer. This carbon steel spade features a serrated, V-shaped blade with a powder-coated tip that slices through all types of terrain. Since it cuts narrow and deep, it’s the best tool for precision work.
Pros:
- Durable, powder-coated carbon steel tip
- Suitable for almost any garden task
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- Not meant for prying
- Plastic handle lacks reinforcement
- Heavier than some options
Best Multi-Purpose
Roamwild Multi-Digger Garden Spade
The best garden spade for tackling a wide variety of backyard projects is Roamwild’s Multi-Digger Garden Spade. With its arrowhead-shaped blade and two sets of grips in the handle design, this spade is great for everything from cutting into roots to heavy shovel work. It even features a lightweight fiberglass construction that’s easy to handle and control.
Pros:
- Reduces digging efforts by 80%
- Unique dual soft-grip handle technology
- Lightweight
- Covered by the Roamwild Warranty
Cons:
- The soft-grip handle can be a difficult adjustment for those used to a D-shaped handle
Best Budget
Fiskars Steel D-Handle Flat Square Garden Spade
When you need a classic garden spade designed for heavy-duty edging, weed removal, trench cutting, and digging, look no further than the Fiskars Steel D-Handle Flat Square Garden Spade. This solid garden spade boasts an eighteen-gauge steel shaft, a welded fourteen-gauge hardened steel blade, and an extra-large D-shaped handle. The sharpened blade also makes cutting through tough dirt a breeze.
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Lifetime warranty
- Extra-large grip for two-handed control
Cons:
- The handle may break away from the shaft under extreme conditions
Spear Head Spade Gardening Shovel
Designed to reduce digging efforts by up to 80%, Spear Head’s award-winning Spade Gardening Shovel is an easy-to-use tool that doesn’t skimp on features. It offers a distinctive spear head-shaped blade that cuts through dirt and roots with ease. Everyone from landscaping professionals to retirees will benefit from this workhouse of a garden spade.
Pros:
- Steel-reinforced fiberglass handle is 60% stronger than required manufacturing standards
- Reduces digging effort by up to 80%
- Multi-purpose
Cons:
- Some reviewers have reported broken handles
Ashman Spade Shovel
The best garden spade simply isn’t functional if it’s too heavy, which is why many gardeners prefer a lightweight construction. Weighing only 2.2 pounds, the Ashman Spade Shovel is the perfect option for those requiring a lighter option. This multipurpose tool boasts a finely sharpened blade, solid D-shaped grip, and durable build that’s the perfect combination of strength and convenience.
Pros:
- Comfortable two-handed control
- Sharp, reinforced blade
- Affordable
Cons:
- Short handle may not work for some users
- Not ideal for heavy-duty jobs
Radius Garden PRO Ergonomic Stainless Steel Spade
According to Organic Gardening Magazine, the best garden spade for professionals is the PRO Ergonomic Stainless Steel Spade from Radius Garden. This quality tool won Editor’s Choice for a reason. It boasts an O-shaped handle to reduce wrist and hand stress, a reinforced carbon steel shaft, and a durable stainless-steel blade for added durability. Its extra-wide forward step also maximizes performance and safety.
Pros:
- Designed for performance and safety
- Solid stainless-steel blade
- Resin-encased steel shaft
Cons:
- Handle carries most of the weight
Hooyman Short Handle Digging Spade Shovel
With its durable carbon steel construction, no-slip D-shaped grip, and custom blade serration, the Hooyman Short Handle Digging Spade Shovel is a great investment for any backyard gardener. The unique handle boasts a feature that gets tacky when wet, lending it a more secure grip than most spades. It’s the perfect option when you need a heavy-duty, short-handled spade.
Pros:
- No-slip grip
- Lightweight
- Covered by Hooyman’s Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons:
- Fiberglass handle and handle cap not as durable as steel parts
Berry & Bird Garden Digging Spade
If you prefer the more traditional English-style look, you’ll love the Garden Digging Spade by Berry&Bird. Crafted by hand using a tried-and-true manual process, this garden spade features a long ash wood handle and stainless-steel shaft and blade. Its traditional design lends durability and efficiency to any backyard task, all in an earth-friendly, sustainable package.
Pros:
- Traditional, eco-friendly design
- Ergonomic D-handle
- Wide application
- 30-day free replacement and 10-year warranty
Cons:
- Limited use
- Higher price point
- Heavy
Razor-Back Wood D-Handle Border Spade
Razor-Back tools are renowned for their durability and quality, which makes them go-to options for professional landscapers. The Razor-Back 28-inch Wood D-Handle Border Spade features a classic hardwood handle, a steel D-shaped grip, and an open-back blade reinforced with a riveted socket. It’s an innovative tool for edging beds and maintaining borders.
Pros:
- Designed with a forward-turned step for more secure foot placement
- Razor-Back legacy of professional-level durability and quality
Cons:
- Finish may cause skin irritation with regular use
How to Choose the Best Garden Spade
So how do you choose among the best garden spades to pick the one that meets your needs? Well, there are a few features to consider:
Weight and Size
The best garden spade is one you can easily handle. The heavier the spade, the more quickly you’ll tire out when performing a lengthy task. On the other handle, a lighter spade probably isn’t as durable.
It’s also important to consider shaft length when buying a new spade. Someone who is tall will likely develop back or shoulder pain from using a spade that’s too short.
Material
Review the spade’s construction material when making a purchase. The material may not matter so much if you plan on doing lightweight jobs, but for heavy-duty projects, you’ll need one with more solid construction.
Blade Shape
A garden spade’s blade shape is usually straight and parallel to the ground, but some designs feature blades that are somewhere between a traditional spade and shovel shape. This means that the middle tip of the blade may come to a point between two angled, straight edges.
Other spades may have a shovel-like tip but a narrower blade than a typical shovel. Which blade shape you need depends on the job. For example, a narrow blade is great for digging deep holes while a wider, straight blade edges beds with ease.
Grip Shape
Don’t discount grip shape when purchasing a garden spade. The best garden spade will feature an ergonomic handle for secure control. An extra-large D-shaped handle is a must if you’re planning to wear gardening gloves.
Intended Use
Before buying a new spade, ask yourself how you’ll use it most. Certain spades are designed with specific uses in mind, and these will be noted in the product descriptions.
How to Prevent Back Injuries When Digging
If you’re not careful, gardening can result in physical injury. Using the proper tool is key to preventing muscle strains and other back injuries.
Other ways to prevent back injuries include warming up with a brisk walk or stretch before gardening, lifting with your knees, using supportive stools, and taking frequent breaks. You should also consider knee pads and other specialized tools to better support your body.
How to Look After Your Garden Spade
Even the best garden spade won’t last if you neglect it or use it incorrectly. Always clean your garden spade after every use by scrubbing it down with warm water and a bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly and wipe off the excess water before letting it air dry.
If your garden spade has a wood handle, sand it regularly with sandpaper.
You may also consider sharpening the blade as needed with a flat file.
Choosing the Best Garden Spade
Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the garden spade, its overall construction, and its many uses, you can make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing your own. With options ranging from the top-of-the-line King of Spades to handcrafted traditional designs, the right garden spade boils down to your personal preferences and budget.
Shopping for your garden can get overwhelming, fast. So if you’re looking for advice on garden tools and garden supplies, then you’re in the right place!
