When you try to imagine the best garden shovels for gardening it may be one with a round or pointed tip, or it could have a long or short handle, it may be slightly curved from the edges, or it may be straight up and down with a sharp nose around it. The point we are trying to make is that there are so many different types of shovels out there, and what may be perfect for you may not be adequate enough for another gardener.
Best Shovels for Gardening the Pros and Cons of each one we selected
In a Hurry? Here is my list for Best Shovels for Gardening
[amalinkspro_table id=”53″ aff-id=”undefined” new-window=”on” nofollow=”on” addtocart=”off” /]
The search for the best shovel for gardening is a long and arduous one with so many different options available in the market. However, we have done the hard bit for you by picking out and reviewing some of the best shovels for gardening that are out there in the market.
1. Radius Garden Root Slayer Shovel
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B01M1CCIWH” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1CCIWH?tag=gardeningtidbits-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ img-sizes=”500:500″ imgs=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21KGofFgeuS._SL500_.jpg” link-imgs=”false” specs=”Designed for reducing stress on your hands and wrist~~~Digging shovel that easily rip roots and dirt~~~Powder-coated carbon steel tip~~~Sturdy tip suitable for any garden task” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Check Today’s Price” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″ banner=””]Radius Garden Root Slayer Shovel[/amalinkspro]
The Radius Garden Root Slayer Shovel isn’t one that your grandma would ever use in her garden. This shovel is called the ‘Root Slayer’ for a good reason, as the serrated edges of the narrow blade, and the wide v-shaped pointed tip is designed to cut through strong roots. It is made from strong steel, so you can put all kinds of pressure on top of it, and use the top of the blade to stand on and slice through roots like a hot knife through butter.
The O-shaped ring may look a bit different, especially if you’re more used to the D-shaped handles, but it has been designed to help you get the best grip from any angle. The ergonomic handle design makes it easier to use, but it is a heavier shovel, so it will require a bit of extra effort to use. Even though it may look like a great shovel, it’s not very versatile, so you would buy it for specific jobs.
Pros
- Well-designed handle
- Non-slip grip
- Cuts through roots
- Works for transplanting
- Excellent warranty
Cons
- Not versatile
- Expensive
2. Fiskar D Handle Shovel
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B07ZPG6F29″ apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZPG6F29?tag=gardeningtidbits-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ img-sizes=”500:500″ imgs=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31+WyEl1SeL._SL500_.jpg” link-imgs=”false” specs=”The Fiskars Pro D-handle Digging Shovel features an extruded aluminum handle ~~~Extended shank improves strength ~~~Heavy-gauge steel ~~~D-handle keeps your wrist in a neutral position to reduce strain~~~” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Check Today’s Price” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″ banner=””]Fiskar 1001 PRO Shovel, Digging, 44 Inch[/amalinkspro]
There are times when a standard shovel may be too big for the job, and that’s where the Fiskar D Handle Shovel can be your best friend. The small shovel is only 2 feet from the handle to the tip, so you shouldn’t expect to do any useful digging when you’re standing. However, if you’re in a tight space or if standard shovels are too long for you, this shovel could work well for your needs.
The D-shaped handle offers an ergonomic fit, and the plastic covering ensures that the handle gives you a non-slip grip. The wide blade and pointed tip make this a good shovel for hauling or digging, and irrespective of the job, this is a versatile tool.
Pros
- Non-slip grip
- Lightweight
- Good for tight spaces
- Versatile
- Great warranty
Cons
- Not for big jobs
- Maybe too small
3. Fiskars Big Grip Trowel
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B000BQPW6A” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BQPW6A?tag=gardeningtidbits-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ img-sizes=”174:500″ imgs=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31TZqyeaVdL._SL500_.jpg” link-imgs=”false” specs=”Ideal for digging ~~~Extra-large handle~~~Extra-large polished cast-aluminum head with sharp edge ~~~Handle hang hole ” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Check Today’s Price” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″ banner=””]Fiskars Big Grip Garden Hand Trowel[/amalinkspro]
Trowels tend to be smaller and good for moving soil from one place to another, but the Fiskars Big Grip Trowel ignored all the rules as it is bigger than the average trowel. The scoop of the blade is deeper, and that lets you move more material than you would with your normal trowel. It has an aluminum blade, which makes it lightweight, and the handle is covered in a soft rubber that gives you a non-slip grip.
Not everyone wants to work with a large trowel, and that’s why this could be too big for some gardeners. Another great feature of this trowel is that the blade is thicker, but that’s not always a good thing. It isn’t sharp, and the thickness of the blade makes it difficult to cut through hard-packed soil.
Pros
- Slightly angled handle
- Lightweight
- Non-slip grip
- Sturdy
- Excellent warranty
Cons
- May be too big
- Dull blade edges
4. Fiskars Long Handle Digging Shovel
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B000B6Q6BA” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000B6Q6BA?tag=gardeningtidbits-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ img-sizes=”500:399″ imgs=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21JC5-quklL._SL500_.jpg” link-imgs=”false” specs=”Ideal for digging larger holes~~~Welded 14-gauge hardened steel blade and 18-gauge steel shaft ~~~Fiberglass handle” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Check Today’s Price” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″ banner=””]Fiskars Long Handled Shovel[/amalinkspro]
The Fiskars Long Handle Digging Shovel is the one you think about when anyone mentions garden shovels. The best part about this shovel is that it offers a bit more durability and strength than your average wood-handled shovels. The all-steels material that it has provided a strong handle, and the blade isn’t going to bend or break when it is placed under pressure. Fiskars has also added extra-large foot pads to make it even easier to get leverage when you’re digging down deep.
You can pierce through the toughest clay and hard-packed dirt in your garden thanks to its sharpened blade, and you also get a lifetime warranty as well.
Pros
- Sharpened blade
- Wide foot pads
- Sturdy
- Excellent warranty
Cons
- The grip tip comes loose sometimes
5. AMES Long Handle Square Point Shovel
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B00R7D5X4Q” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R7D5X4Q?tag=gardeningtidbits-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ img-sizes=”500:500″ imgs=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31d8p3aP71L._SL500_.jpg” link-imgs=”false” specs=”Tempered steel blade 61 inches~~~~~~Hardwood handle for strength and cushioned grip” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Check Today’s Price” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″ banner=””]AMES Tempered Steel Transfer Shovel with Hardwood Handle[/amalinkspro]
Some people will tell you that your garden doesn’t require you to have every shape of the garden shovel that is in the market. The Ames Long Handle Square Point Shovel can do quite a number of different jobs in your garden. During winter, when you must deal with ice on your porch or your stairs, this can do a great job of breaking through the ice with the squared-off blade. For other jobs in your garden, it can easily move soil, mulch, and other materials, and can be used to edge an area. This shovel can even be used for trenching as well.
The long handle makes it easier for use for tall gardeners, and the non-slip grip takes into consideration those who are shorter or simply hold their shovels differently. The grip tip goes 10 inches down the hardwood handle, but the wooden handle isn’t a bit hit with some people.
Pros
- Non-slip grip
- Wide foot pads
- Long grip tip
- Good for edging
Cons
- It has an untreated wooden handle
- Short warranty
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Garden Shovels
Depending on what you’re planning to do in your garden, you may require more than one shovel to get the job done. There are some features you want to look out for when choosing the best garden shovel for you, and these include:
Ergonomic Handle
Gardening is back-breaking work and can seriously do a number on your hands, wrists, arms, and shoulders. If you choose a shovel with an ergonomic handle, you’re more likely to work for a longer time period and avoid some of the common aches and pains associated with gardening.
Non-slip Grip
Most cheap shovels of the past featured metal blades with a long wooden pole attached to them. If you use that long enough, you can find your hands slipping and sliding due to sweat or moisture. You need to look for a shovel that has a rubberized cushion grip to make it more comfortable for you and help prevent movement when using the shovel.
Our Final Thoughts on the Best Shovels for Gardening
It’s worth mentioning again that there are several types of garden shovels out there in the market, and you don’t need to settle for the teardrop-shaped blade or the long straight handle. You can pick out a trowel, grab a trencher, or get an edger for good measure. However, if you’re looking for the Best Shovels for Gardening, you can’t go wrong with the Fiskars Long Handle Digging Shovel.
[amalinkspro_table id=”53″ aff-id=”undefined” new-window=”on” nofollow=”on” addtocart=”off” /]
