The Best Shovel For An Easier And More Productive Gardening

#1. ROOT ASSASSIN Carbon Stee​​l Shovel - Best Pick

This shovel is not called 'root assassin' for no reason. With the help of it, all of your digging tasks will be done in half the time you have planned. The fast and easy digging accomplishment is provided with this tool.

This digging shovel has a metallurgically enhanced bone structure and a curved tip that is ideal for digging or root removal. Because it has a round point and teeth on both sides of the blade, the root removal is done with minimal effort.

Since most shovels on the market claim to get rid of roots efficiently, you have to be careful. Most of them are not as detailed and leave a bit of debris behind.

However, this is not the problem with this digging shovel. It takes every bit of debris and leaves a perfect neat soil behind.

Also, tough soil is not a problem for this shovel. It cuts through smoothly while the sturdy handle gives you all the control you want.

The well-build easy to use handle is rubber coated for maximum comfort and a comfortable grip.

#2. Spear Head Spade Long Handle Reinforced Fiberglass Gardening Shovel - Best Hybrid Shovel

Getting a trendy model can often lead to impressive results. That is why we opted for this Spear Head Spade Long Handle Gardening Shovel. The design of it first attracted us, but later on, we found that this shovel delivers impressive results with its sturdy built.

First of all, this is a hybrid made out of spade and a shovel. Therefore, let's begin the review with the handle that blends the two functions.

The handle is made out of reinforced fiberglass, making this model lightweight and water-resistant-hence it is corrosion and rust-free.

For added longevity and durability, the head of the shovel is made out of high carbon manganese steel. This steel is up to 33% thicker and 25% harder than usual shovels.

The unique blade design is recognized as a spade, but it does not look like it. It takes the characteristics of a knife or a garden ax, while the shaped tip slips easily into tough soil.

Also, the handle provides a comfortable grip with cushioned support. It contains UV inhibitors that make it resistant to any weather conditions.

#3. AMES Aluminum Scoop with Hard​​wood Handle - Best Garden Shovel

The Ames aluminum scoop is ideal for everyday gardening tasks. For anyone that does not want to deal or invest in a heavy digging shovel, this model is perfect.

When you handle lighter gardening jobs, you will need a quality garden scoop to do so. The Ames is suitable for the pure moving of dirt to moving flowerbeds.

Whenever you need to scoop away the compost to the vegetable bed, this shovel will come in handy. The wooden handle on the shovel is 26 inches long with a D-shaped handle top.

The handle provides an ergonomic grip, all while giving you control over the gardening task.

As for the blade, it is an aluminum blade of 15 inches and 11 inches of deep. You don't need to stress about spending hours and hours moving the dirt from one place to another.

The vastness of the blade will speed up the process in no time. Also, you can use this shovel for scooping of snow. Since it has a vast blade, it can move large amounts of snow without weighing the shovel down.

​#4. Fiskars 46 Inch Steel Garden​​ Spade - Best Garden Spade

The Fiskars hold no competition when it comes to gardening tools. That being said, this garden tool amazed us in many ways. Let's start with why you should consider adding this spade in your shopping bag.

First, the long-handle spade has a 14-gauge steel blade that is attached to an 18-gauge steel handle, making the construction of the shovel sturdy and trustworthy. Plus, the powdered-coated steel is rust-resistant and easy to clean.

Many have recommended it for heavy-duty tasks since steel components are less likely to bend or break those other materials. Also, no more putting in the effort in digging through soil. The sharp blade edge is there to sink right into the ground without you sweating over the work.

A precise cut is provided even through the dense soil. This is just the tool you need when you want to cut near the edge or edge a flower bed.

For the added comfort and easy maneuver, the rubberized D-shaped handle takes all the credit. It provides a comfortable grip and ample space for both of your hands to tightly hold the spade.

​#5. Radius Garden Roo​​t Slayer Shovel - Best Shovel For Digging

Hands down, the Radius garden shovel has the best design so far. Just from one look at it, you will notice that the blades' design is ruthless to the hardened soil and weeds.

The incredible model has a V-shaped blade with fatal teeth on the side, making it a real slayer to any garden issue. Moreover, the blade tip is designed to work as a saw in a way.

Instead of ripping the root of weeds and risking the debris from developing new plants, this shovel has one goal. To scoop away the root, taking every bit of the problem.

The blade is made out of powdered-coated steel, preventing the shovel from rusting, corrosion or rotting. Unlike the previous shovels that have a pointed blade, the unique concave design is what makes this shovel special.

Also, the unique design of the handle is one of the reasons to consider purchasing this shovel. The O-shaped handle head provided a four times gripping surface.

Unlike the D-shaped heads, it also reduces strain or fatigue you might feel while digging. The brand offers you a lifetime warranty with this purchase.

#6. Bond Mini D Handle Shovel - Best Mini-Size Shovel

The lightweight model comes from Bond, a perfect representative of the quality that this brand offers.

If you are searching for helping tools that will be an ideal companion for everyday gardening tasks, consider you have just found one.

Starting with the blade, it has a pin tip with sharp edges and a round point, which makes the transfer of the dug material much more comfortable.

Moreover, it is made out of heat-treated material and hardened steel, adding to the longevity of the shovel.

The blade is covered with powder-coated paint that keeps away any rust or corrosion taking place. Since we talked about the blade, which is one of the essential features on the shovel, let's move on to the handle.

It has a D-shaped handle that is designed to provide a firm and secure grip, giving you all the control you need while digging.

Overall, we appreciate this shovel for gardening and for any tasks you had in mind. It is an affordable model with no added features, suitable for ones who like to stick to the traditional models.

#7. Lifeline 4004 Versati​​le Shovel - Lightweight

If you are looking for a lightweight model that you can take anywhere, consider the Lifeline 4004 Versatile Shovel. This shovel can be easily packed in the back of your trunk, snowmobile, or stored in a shed for any gardening task.

For many reasons, this gardening shovel is one of our favorites. One of them is the lightweight of the shovel.

Many shovels that are made out of steel are on the heavier side. But, this is not the case with this model.

The handle is made out of aluminum. That is why the weight of the model is less compared with the steel handles of the previous shovels.

Another feature that made us amazed with this shovel is that you can easily disassemble it. When you do so, it takes up little to no space at all. For all your trips, this could easily be the best camping shovel on the market.

When you assemble it, it goes up to 25 inches in size, making it easily fit into any storage area. We would, however, recommend it most for lighter tasks. Because it is made out of aluminum, it may not be as durable as previous shovels.

#8. Lesche Sampson Shovel with T-H​​andle for Metal Detecting and Gardening - Best Metal Detecting Duo

A real discovery when it comes to gardening. If you are a garden fanatic but also don't mind bumping along some discoveries along the way, here is an innovative product for you.

The Lesche Sampson T-handle shovel is perfect for metal detecting but gardening as well. See why we are so impressed with this tool.

The shovel is gentle with the grass but ruthless to the unwanted roots. With the help of the steel blades, it cuts through hard soil like a knife through butter. You will never face a surface that is hard to cut through with this blade.

As for the handle, you can notice that it has an unusual shape. The T-shape is not so common with shovels, but it fits perfectly with this one. It gives you all the leverage you need without worrying if your hand will slip.

Moreover, the blades on this blade do less damage on the grass, as some previous models would usually do. The smooth edges cut through the soil but are very gentle to the rest of the surface.

#9. BIRDROCK HOME Folding Emerg​​ency Camping Shovel - Best For Everyday Use

If you need the best folding shovel, we present to you the BIRDROCK HOME Folding Emergency Camping Shovel.

For all of your camping trips as well as snowy days, the Birdrock will be your best companion. It is essential to prepare a reliable tool by your side when the blizzard begins. That is why we opted for this particular shovel.

The lightweight of it should be mentioned since it weighs only 2ibs, making it a portable and foldable tool that always delivers desired results.

Also, you can use it for other tasks as well, such as mulch, sand, or dirt. Moreover, it has an extendable shaft that provides leverage for various tasks and a texturized handle for comfort.

The shovel is designed from aluminum material, making it durable and rust-free. When getting rid of ice, it is also anti-corrosion, making it the best snow shovel by Birdrock Home.

The innovative folding design makes the shovel easily packed and stored away or taken on camping trips and adventures. Whenever you are on the go, just fold it and make it along with you as a trustworthy garden shovel.

#10. SOG Folding Shovel Survival Shovel - Best Shovel For Trips

Another folding shovel comes from SOG. Folding shovels have soon become everyone's favorite due to their secure storage and lightweight.

The SOG folding shovel is made out of carbon steel and topped with a hard-cased finish, giving it a luxurious look. An exciting feature of this shovel is that it comes with a steel saw blade perfect for slashing or cutting.

The well-balanced steel handle is perfectly comfortable and provides maximum support and control. While it sits comfortably in your grip, the blade is ideal for digging. The long handle reaches 26 inches when it is completely extended.

Even though the long handle and the blade are light, the overall strength of the entire tool is impressive. It cuts right through hard soil without hesitation.

No doubt, you will like this shovel, it is a durable tool with a folding feature that is much needed for secure storage. We recommend you get this model as one of the reliable tools to have by your side during camping trips.

Also, since it is foldable and it fits easily into a pouch, you can hang it on the belt and take it on adventurous trips.

1. Handle Type

From our shovel reviews, you have noticed that there are two types of handle designs. These designs are usually T or D-shaped grip.

Notice how there is no such thing as the 'best handle design.' You should opt for what seems most appealing to you. Your choice mostly depends on where you plan to use the shovel.

D-shaped handles tend to be more comfortable for everyday garden tasks. Since they provide a comfortable grip, they are suitable for jobs that require more time. But, again, the choice is all up to you.

2. Handle Material

For most users, wooden handles are the most appealing. But these shovels have a few disadvantages as well. It can form weaker points as well as flakes.

After that, they are pretty much useless. Also, wooden shovels are heavier to handle, so have that in mind as well.

Another popular material among shovels is fiberglass. These are a better option for a few reasons.

Firstly, they do not splinter or easily break. They are much more durable than wooden handles. However, they are harder to replace, so if you end up breaking it, consider purchasing a new tool altogether.

3. Blade Material

These types are the most common: plastic, steel, and aluminum. Do you have trouble picking the best one? Well, let's sum it up.

We would not recommend you opt for plastic ones unless you are performing light tasks. They are prone to breakage and not so durable.

On the other side, aluminum blades are a good option. But, again, not suitable for the hard soil. These shovels are easy to bend as soon as you use them on hard surfaces.

And finally, steel blades are the best option for all heavy-duty tasks. These shovels or carbon fiber are your best options for shovels.

Also, pay attention to how easily the blade can cut through hard soil. Not all blades are suitable for heavy-duty use around the garden.

Get the one you can use both on hard surfaces and for lighter tasks such as moving flowerbeds. In this way, you are spending less money and getting quality results your garden deserves.

4. Weight

Weight should always be significant when choosing tools. If you are going to spend long hours digging soil, make sure you are comfortable at the same time.

No reason for causing back strain just because you did not pay attention to the weight of the shovels. Long handle and blade material are only one of the few components that add to the weight of the shovel.

What Type of Shovel is Best for Digging?

For digging, you should always check the upcurved sides. Usually, there are three categories; square digger, round point digger, and point digger.

As the best digging shovel, we recommend the ROOT ASSASSIN Carbon Steel Shovel. There is no doubt you will like using this shovel for any gardening task.

How Do I Choose a Shovel?

On tips on choosing the best shovel, we will talk more in our buyers' guide below. But, for now, let's just say that choosing a shovel can be an easy task, just follow our tips and we are sure you will end up with the best purchase.

Is There a Difference Between a Spade and a Shovel?

Usually, these two are the most commonly confused terms in the gardening world. But, let's break it down.

A shovel is typically used for digging, and it has a curved or an angular tipped blade. They cut quickly in the soil, and that is why their best use is in digging.

But, if you need to move soil, then you are in the search for the best garden spades. They have a flat blade, and it is perfect for removing sod.

If you don't own a shovel, you can still dig with a spade but not so efficiently. These tools are useful for creating a straight line but not for the long term.