Moving around soil when you’re as keen a gardener as I am can become tiring when doing it just by hand.
Many avid gardeners would agree that things like moving soil to plant more veggies or even uprooting weeds gets tiring, especially where there is no tool to make it easier. There were days when something I loved to do would entirely burn me out. That is when my husband suggested buying a garden shovel.
Hi, there! I’m Stacy and if you are on the verge of letting go of your gardening habits, hang on a second. I know manually shifting soil can be tough, so I have gathered some information on the best garden shovel online markets have to offer.
So, without further ado, let’s dig in deeper!
Top 5 Garden Shovel Reviews
1. Radius Garden 202 Pro
One of the first shovels I tried was this one by Radius Garden. Not only was it recommended to me by my daughter, but it’s also Amazon’s choice, so it was an excellent place to start.
Product Highlights
Radius Garden is known to make garden tools that are easy to use and comfortable as well. Naturally, this garden shovel was no different. It has an ergonomic design that makes it easy to use, and gripping it feels very comfortable. Additionally, it is designed in a way to ensure you get better digging leverage.
The shovel is lightweight and durable too. Even if you are using it to dig through rock or clay soil, it will go through with ease. The overall make of it is small, so handling it is never an issue. In addition, the blade is made with stainless steel and has resin-encased carbon steel. This ensures it performs well and stays reliable.
Another great feature is that it has an extra-wide forward step that will help dig deeper. You can easily place your foot to shove the tool in and maintain balance and stability.
What’s There To Like About It?
One of the things I liked about this the most is that the blade is slightly cupped. This made it easier to dig and remove the soil, especially clay and rocks. Plus, it is sharp enough to go into the ground as well.
Thanks to its ergonomic design, I also found it to be sturdy and quite efficient. The footplate was quite handy and helped ensure a deeper dig on the days I needed to do just that. All in all, it was light and easy to handle.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
I hardly faced any issues with this one. However, I found this garden shovel is a bit on the expensive side compared to similar products. Additionally, judging by the price, it also tends to rust quite easily, which can be a bit of a letdown.
Pros and Cons of Radius Garden 202 Pro
Pros
Cons
- An award-winning, patented, modern ergonomic shovel based on a classic Round Point design. The slightly cupped blade makes this shovel perfect for working in clay and rocky soils.
- Super strong stainless steel blade. Resin encased carbon Steel shaft. Extra-wide, elevated, forward step for safety and performance.
- Patented ergonomic Natural Radius O-Handle Grip with 4 times the gripping surface of traditional D-handle tools provides additional leverage while reducing hand and wrist stress. Made from a comfortable non-latex, thermoplastic elastomer over-molded onto polypropylene.
2. Hooyman Shovel
The Hooyman Shovel seemed to be an exciting tool as I was searching for garden shovels to try. The overall look seemed appealing, and some of the features were quite eye-catching. So, naturally, I decided to give it a shot.
Product Highlights
If you are looking for one of the most reliable, easy-to-use, and comfortable garden shovels in the market, this is the one to go for. The Hooyman shovel has an innovative custom blade made specifically to effortlessly cut through the soil, especially when cutting into roots. This one makes yard work ten times easier.
Moreover, it has an efficient design. The side flanges are extended on both sides so you can step on them with ease in case you need to dig in deeper. Additionally, it has an H-grip located in vital places that enhance the grip in wet weather conditions.
You will appreciate the powder-coated shovel as it is durable and also looks good. It is constructed with 1050MN steel and is backed with a lifetime warranty by Hooyman.
What’s There To Like About It?
I found this shovel to be quite sturdy, mainly when used against tough soil. The blade is indeed strong enough to dig through pretty much anything effortlessly. Even the flanges are extended to just the right level where it is easy to push through if you put a little more force.
I also like the fact that it cuts wide without the added physical stress. Additionally, it comes in one piece, so no assembly is required!
What’s There Not To Like About It?
The blade has powder coating but it feels like that's the only thing protecting it from rusting. Furthermore, I found this blade to be a little heavy. And while it was not too heavy or difficult to carry, I couldn’t help but notice that it has some weight to it.
Pros and Cons of Hooyman Shovel
Pros
Cons
- DIMENSIONS: 43 inches L x 5.75 inches W x 3 inches D and weighs 4 lbs
- DURABLE: Heavy duty head construction of 1050MN carbon steel makes shovel extremely tough and durable
- RELIABLE: Features the new, no-slip, H-Grip on the ergonomic handle that turns tacky when wet to ensure a secure grip in all conditions
3. Spear Head Garden Shovel
Philip is the one friend I know I can count on when it comes to gardening tools. Being an avid gardener and a lover of garden tools, he took about a second to recommend this beautiful yet handy shovel.
Product Highlights
One of the most fascinating garden tools out there is this garden shovel by Spear Head. Not only does it have amazing features but it is also very popular. Spear Head spades were awarded for being “Best of the Best” not just once but for three years in a row, which gives us an insight into their top-notch quality.
But it’s not just empty words; the Spear Head shovel is indeed a great multi-purpose tool. It is a hybrid of a shovel and a spade, so you can effortlessly dig and remove soil using just one tool. The shovel can be used for most landscaping and gardening purposes, while the spade is ideal for tackling tougher soil.
Furthermore, even the design is quite ergonomic and comfortable. The shovel handle is made out of fiberglass, and is stronger than most other shovels/spades in the market. Moreover, it has a comfortable large D grip that makes it much easier to dig, and leverages both gloved and ungloved hands.
What’s There to Like About It?
Without a doubt, I was floored by the fact that this one tool had a spade and a shovel. No matter how sharp other shovels were, a spade is a spade. This one definitely made digging a lot easier, especially when the soil was more rigid than my liking.
The overall quality of the blade was quite impressive too. It is 30% thicker and 25% sharper than most blades, so it works so well.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
While this garden shovel works well against tough soil, it is overall relatively small. This wasn’t an issue for me, but there were certain occasions where I feel I could’ve gotten more done had the blade been a little wider. Moreover, this has some weight to it, so people with mobility issues might have trouble lifting.
Pros and Cons of Spear Head Garden Shovel
Pros
Cons
- BUILT FOR COMFORT & CONTROL - With an overall length of 40" and a 9" x 11" blade, the SHFD3 garden shovels for planting are perfectly sized for gardeners of all sizes. Ideal for digging tough soil, separating perennials, and transplanting all plants and bushes with ease
- ENGINEERED TO ENDURE - Spear Head Spade's landscape shovels feature a steel-reinforced fiberglass handle that’s lightweight, ultra-durable, and weather-resistant. This allows our gardening shovels to withstand even the harshest conditions
- AUTO-SEEKING POWER BLADE - Our garden shovels for digging have blades that are spear-shaped to easily find the path of least resistance, especially in rocky soil. The blades of these tree planting shovels are made from carbon manganese steel and are thicker and harder than standard digging shovels
4. Fiskars 397960-1001 Garden Shovel
An interesting thing about people knowing you like gardening is getting gardening tools as birthday gifts. I got this Fiskars garden tool as a gift from one of my neighbors, and needless to say, I had to try and review it.
Product Highlights
Comfortable grip is everything when it comes to a garden shovel, and that is precisely what this tool has to offer. The Fiskars garden shovel has excellent strength and durability, thanks to the aluminum handle and the double-bolted connections. Additionally, it has a D-handle that is easy to hold on to.
Now, let’s move on to talking about the blade this hedge shear has. This one has a heavy-duty steel blade with sharpened edges that intend to make digging much easier. The sharp blade combined with the D-handle makes this tool efficient and easy to hold on to. Additionally, the handle keeps the wrist in a neutral position, making it more comfortable to work with.
You will appreciate that this tool comes with a lifetime warranty from the company. Plus, it is made to last for a long time, and that is why it remains to be such a reliable choice.
What’s There To Like About It?
One of the things that immediately stood out for me was how easy it was to cut through rocky soil. The blade truly is heavy-duty and seamlessly cuts through the soil, provided little force is applied to it. Plus, even the handle can take a bit of force and not bend, as seen with a few other garden shovels.
The quality of the blade is very impressive as well, considering it can tackle tough rocky soil without bending or stretching.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
The issue with a heavy-duty shovel is that it is rarely ever lightweight. Because this one has a rather heavy, strong handle and a solid blade, you might have some difficulty in moving it. Most people shouldn’t have an issue, but I can see older ladies (like me) and gents struggling with it a bit.
Pros and Cons of Fiskars 397960-1001 Garden Shovel
Pros
Cons
- GARDENING ESSENTIAL: Heavy duty, ergonomic shovel ideal for a variety of gardening tasks like digging in tough soil, digging all holes, turning soil, and more to encourage overall plant health and appearance
- MAXIMUM POWER AND PRECISION: Heavy-gauge spade with sharpened edge designed to optimize digging and prying without separation; Aluminum D-handle ensures ultimate strength; Teardrop-shaped shaft allows for a better fit and more control when digging
- LONG-LASTING AND RELIABLE: Sharpened steel blade penetrates tough soil with ease and stays sharp through heavy use, providing excellent durability for lasting value; Fiskars shovels and garden tools are built to last
5. Roamwild Multi-Digger Garden Shovel
The last one on this list is the Roamwild garden shovel. This was yet another gift by my very close friend Angie who thought I could use a tool that has multiple functions. This holds not just for me, but every gardener as a tool with numerous functions is always welcome.
Product Highlights
The Roamwild multi-digger garden shovel is everything you need in one tool without the added weight. This reinforced fiberglass garden shovel is a digging spade and a root cutter mixed with a light handle to facilitate effortless use. Additionally, it is lightweight, well balanced, and weighs only 2.2 kgs.
One of the most exciting features this has is the dual grip technology. Not only does it have a comfortable handle to hold on to, but it also has another grip pad on the shaft of the shovel. These two grips ensure the user does not exert themselves when digging and moving soil.
The blade itself is wide and has comfortable footplates that are large and help maintain balance. Additionally, the blade is arrow-shaped and has sharp edges that allow for smooth root cutting. Moreover, the company has a 100% money-back guarantee.
What’s There To Like About It?
It is a multi-purpose tool; what’s there not to like about it? For ages, I looked for a tool that can dig and cut roots as efficiently as it says it does, and boy was I not disappointed! The sharp serrated edges really allowed me to get rid of roots and the arrow-shaped blade helped in deeper digging.
Moreover, the overall tool is exceptionally lightweight as well, which made it easy for me to work with.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
It was hard to find anything faulty with this particular tool as it worked perfectly. However, I thought it took a bit more effort than usual to push it through the soil with some hay or mulch in it. This came to me as a bit of a surprise as it did well with rocky ground, but the serrated edges got stuck way too often.
Pros and Cons of Roamwild Multi-Digger Garden Shovel
Pros
Cons
- Roamwild Multi Digger Garden Spade Reinforced Fibreglass Light Weight Gardening Arrow Head Shovel with Unique Dual Soft AIR Light Grip Technology and Root Saw Stump Cutter.
- Brand : Roamwild
- Product type: SHOVEL SPADE
Buyers Guide
Buying a garden shovel isn’t exactly something that excites people, but considering how important it is, a good amount of thought goes into selecting one.
One of the first things to think about is if you need a garden shovel in the first place. If you have a garden and like to dig holes, move shrubs, plant vegetables, or even need clear ice/snow from the driveway, you need one. But how do you pick one is the real question.
To make it easier, I have put together a list of things you must look into when buying a new garden shovel. Hopefully, this little buyer’s guide will help you reach a quicker decision when selecting one.
1. Type and Blade Shape
If you have finally decided to buy a garden shovel, figuring out the right type and shape for your needs is vital. As a beginner who needs a new shovel, I suggest getting a basic garden shovel. These are usually the ones that have an overall rounded blade and pointed tip.
A typical garden shovel is ideal for doing most gardening tasks like digging and root cutting without any issue. This is a great beginner tool and is meant for people who do not have many specific tasks. However, if you are an avid gardener, you will need more tools like:
a. Square Point/ Scoop Shovel
This one is square-shaped with a pointy end. It is made specifically for lifting and moving things as the square blade is better to hold. Plus, it can be used for landscaping as well.
b. Trenching Shovel/Drain Spade
These types are ideal for digging in deep and tight areas since the blade is much narrower and can do its job without spoiling neighbouring plants. Moreover, if you are looking to transplant plants, this one is ideal.
c. Scraper Shovel
This one is a small tool with a much smaller blade. The tip is flat, and that is because its intended use is to remove weeds. At times, it can be used to flatten the edges of the lawn.
d. Trowel
The trowel is something you will find in most avid gardener’s toolboxes. This is a small shovel that is quite lightweight and can be used with one hand. The primary use of this is that it helps if you wish to shift seeds and small flowers.
2. Overall weight
Having a well-balanced and adequately weighted shovel is a crucial factor. Activities like digging and landscaping make you spend a lot of time with your garden tools. For this reason, having the right balance of weight in the tool is necessary to avoid additional physical strain.
But it is not just about the feel of the tool. There is so much emphasis on weight and balance because the tool has to be able to handle external force. If the shovel is too light, digging and adding more weight might break it. If it is too heavy, you might not be able to maneuver it.
3. Handles
When picking the right handle, there are two things to keep in mind - the material and the length. Let me elaborate on the material first. Most of the garden shovels now come with fiberglass handles that are durable and less likely to get damaged with prolonged use. These are usually available in multiple colors.
The other option is wood handles. If you are more into that rustic look and want something more traditional, then a wooden handle is ideal. However, these are not very durable and tend to crack.
Now, coming to the length of the handle. In this regard, the longer the handle, the better it is. With tools like this, having longer handles adds certain leverage. Furthermore, these shovels will either come in T or D grip handles, and picking one all comes down to personal preference.
4. Blade Material
The material of the blade determines the amount of force it can take. Most of the common garden shovels in the market are made out of steel or hard plastic. While these materials are durable, they do not last for very long. Steel ones tend to rust, and hard plastic may not be able to take a lot of force.
Some new ones are made out of titanium. The titanium ones are the most durable of the lot since they are strong but also light. Moreover, it is less likely to get scratched or rust over time.
FAQs
The best way to maintain balance and have proper posture is to stand and keep your feet wide apart. Then, place one foot near the shovel and the other on the footplate and push in with your body. Keeping the shovel close will help maintain balance.
Instead of just a shovel, you can use a shovel and a spade. All you have to do is ensure the sod is wet, so it is easier to remove.
This entirely depends on how you take care of it and the materials it is made out of. It is worth remembering that buying something that is made with high-quality materials may cost more but will make it last longer.
In addition, take care of the tool. Ensure it is well maintained, oiled and do not use unnecessary force to avoid any kind of chips or scratches.
Verdict
On that note, I finally come to the end of my review on the best garden shovel available in the market.
I know a lot of information has been provided above, which can be overwhelming but allow me to narrow it down even more. I love the garden shovel by Spear Head as it is multi-purpose and pretty thick. However, for a more lightweight alternative, the Hooyman shovel is quite nice, too, as it is comfortable and offers excellent grip.
With that, I shall now take your leave and be back soon with more reviews and guides.
See you next time!