First things first - What is a Garden Shovel ?!
A garden shovel has two main parts, the handle and the blade. (Pssst... The blade is the end that goes in the dirt.) Another important thing to note is that the words trowel, spade, and digger can also mean garden shovel, but more on that in a later post.
Get Picky
Garden shovels (aka hand shovels) perform an array of tasks in the garden, such as creating holes for plants and extracting unwanted weeds that affect the plants growing around them or random jobs such as relocating worms to safer, less disturbed spots. Therefore, it makes sense to own a gardening shovel that suits your specific needs and abilities. With the variety of garden shovels available on the market, it is high time that you find one that is perfect for you. Owning an extra garden shovel is also beneficial, given that they tend to get misplaced easily. Like that time I was too busy staring at a baby praying mantis to realize that I buried my shovel in mulch.
Buying a garden shovel can be a challenging task since it requires consideration of multiple aspects. The type of blade, materials used, construction method, and durability are some key factors that need at least some attention. Understanding these fundamental factors will help you find the ideal hand shovel for your gardening needs and have you planting in no time. But most importantly, the goal is to find a garden shovel that suits you and your needs by working with your physical abilities.
Let me explain...
Whether buying your first garden shovel or in the market for your 15th, it's a good idea to keep your physical abilities and the tool's intended purpose in mind. There are longer-handled tools that come in handy when you have to stretch or kneel to reach deep borders. Ergonomic designs are also available to make it easier on your hands and wrists. Finding the right garden shovel is crucial if you have weak wrists or arthritic pain. Peta Easi-Grip garden shovels, for example, have stress-free ergonomically angled handles, keeping your hand and wrist in a natural position. Additionally, you can find arm support cuffs as well as other equipment to ensure you enjoy gardening pain-free. (Or at least with as little pain as possible.)
Blades of Glory
For digging in larger areas, wider and longer blades are your best options. Blades with beveled bottom edges, pointed ends, or sharpened sides cut through hard, dry soil effortlessly. These come in handy when playing in Virginia clay especially. Most trowels have an angled neck, called a tang, which allows you to work more comfortably with more clearance between your knuckles and the soil, preventing the need for band-aids or ice packs.
Material Girl
Even if you're not a Madonna fan, you should pay attention to the material as it will determine the life span of your tool. Main choices tend to be between carbon-steel or stainless-steel tool heads, and wooden, rubber, or plastic handles. Carbon steel will rust if you don't clean, dry, and oil it regularly while stainless-steel tools are lighter and easier to care for. Also, Stainless-steel trowels tend to be easier to push into heavy soil.
Size (Length) Matters
Regular-length, like the ones you find at Target, are great for potting plants or even working in a raised garden. If you can't or just rather not kneel to reach, then choosing either a mid-length or long-handled garden shovel would be best.
Types of Garden Shovels to Consider
Narrow - super-useful for digging in tight spaces and for planting bulbs and long-rooted seedlings such as sweet peas.
Heart-shaped - great for shallow digging such as planting bedding plants.
Serrated edge - slices through roots and stems like butter.
Angled handle - grip or wrist problems? Consider this style.
T-handle - gives you extra umph when digging in hard soils.
Deep scoop - great for potting plants or relocating larger amounts of soil.
Long handled - helps you reach the back of the garden without the need to step in the bed.
Your Pick
While choosing a garden shovel can be challenging and may seem overwhelming to the beginner, keep in mind that it is far from the biggest decision you'll ever make. If you're just starting out, feel free to just grab any old garden shovel that meets your fancy. (Yes, even the cute orange one with polka-dots that will break or rust within a year.) On the other hand, if you've planted a few things in your lifetime and know what you will be using your new garden shovel for, keep in mind your physical abilities and maybe pick a more luxurious one. (Yeah, there are luxury garden shovels, just like luxury vehicles, they have bells and whistles that are cool, but not necessarily needed.)
What to do with your old shovels?
Repurpose it - turn it into a bird feeder, shed/barn wall art, etc.
Donate it - if still in good working condition
Properly Trash it - take it to your local landfill to see how best to dispose. Some localities will allow you to toss it in the metal bin to be recycled.
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