If you are a gardening enthusiast, keeping a perennial spade handy is an absolute must.
For homeowners and gardeners alike, a perennial spade is one of the most cherished tools in the workshop. Be it raking the soil in the garden or during putting new seeds- it can do it all. At the same time, it can be pretty effective in cleaning drains or digging up trenches.
I have been on the lookout for the perfect spade for a long time, and in order to get the best one, I ended up testing the most popular products. And I thought, why not share the results with my readers? So, if you are stuck in a similar pickle, go through this guide to get a better understanding of the best perennial spade.
Now, without further delay, let's dive right in!
Top 5 Product Reviews
1. Radius Garden 23311
One of the first recommendations that I have for you is the Radius Garden 23311. This brand is widely popular for the way it has revolutionized the gardening experience. And this shovel will help you do the same. It is compact, well-designed, and definitely a good option to add to your gardening tools.
Product Highlights
Just because it is compact in size doesn’t mean you can underestimate its capacity. Even if your garden is not in a perfect state and you need to dig through stubborn and hard-packed soil, this spade can be the best bet. Ever since I started using it, my gardening experience has become much smoother and comfortable.
Moreover, you won't have a hard time with its maintenance. Gardening is already a time-consuming hobby, and to put a lot of time into maintaining the related tools becomes cumbersome. But you will face no such problem with this spade, as the high-quality construction means it requires very little maintenance.
And the best part is that when you are using this item, you won't require other tools to accomplish the task. This sawtooth spade is exceptionally sturdy and effective, thereby making sure that your gardening tasks face no hindrance.
What's There To Like About It?
Being a gardening enthusiast, I understand that sometimes it feels like a task, more so when the pieces of equipment are not suitable or require high maintenance. But this manufacturer has got you covered. If you stay in the US, you will even get a lifetime warranty for this blade.
Other than that, it's a great advantage that the product is relatively lightweight. This works great for my age, as lifting heavy tools gets a bit challenging for me sometimes.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The only issue that I had at first glance was with the shaft of this spade. It is constructed of fiberglass, and I was worried about it breaking. Although a stronger looking material would have been better, I am really impressed with its durability so far. Si, if you can overcome the fear like me, there won’t be any problem.
Pros and Cons of Radius Garden 23311
Pros
Cons
- Compact Perennial Shovel for Precise Digging: Designed for transplanting flowers, dividing perennials, and working in tight garden spaces. The narrower blade allows gardeners to dig accurately around plants while minimizing disturbance to surrounding soil.
- Inverted V Cutting Tip with Ripsaw Teeth: The sharpened V-shaped blade tip combined with aggressive serrated edges helps cut through stubborn roots, sod, and compact soil, making planting and root removal easier.
- Ergonomic O-Handle Grip for Better Control: Features a patented natural O-handle design that provides more gripping surface than traditional D-handles, helping improve leverage, control, and comfort during extended digging tasks.
2. Spear Head Spade SHLF
Up next, I have the Spear Head Spade SHLF gardening shovel. It is ideal for times when your standard shovels fail to work. From head to toe, the shovel is designed to make your digging experience enjoyable with the least amount of effort.
Product Highlights
One of the most important aspects of a spade is its handle. If that is good, your gardening experience will be enhanced manifold. Although this unit is pretty lightweight, its sturdy construction makes it one of the most durable spades available on the market.
Furthermore, the non-conductive design of the handle makes the spade ideal for light-weight digging even for prolonged periods. This, combined with the weather-resistant properties, brings down the maintenance cost of the spade.
However, when you are engaging in deep digging, I would always suggest that you stay extra careful when working around electrical wires.
Coming to the blades, there is no doubt in my mind that it is one of the strongest ones that you can get hold of. It is made of carbon manganese steel, making the construction 33% thicker and 25% stronger than the normal ones. Apart from that, the tip is pretty pointed to give the shovel an effective edge.
What's There To Like About It?
When I am working with shovels, I am very particular about the grip that it provides. And I absolutely love the cushioned grip of this spade, which is very helpful when I do some deep digging. Because of this, I hardly experience any hand fatigue, even when working for longer hours.
Likewise, the UV inhibitors present on it prevent it from incurring any damage, especially when I’m working under the sun for prolonged periods.
What's There Not To Like About It?
On receiving the package, I was not very impressed with the way it was packed. I noticed that the box in which it arrived was a little tapered around the corners, and I was worried if the product got damaged during transit. But luckily, that was not the case. From a brand as good as this one, I honestly expected a little better packaging.
Pros and Cons of Spear Head Spade SHLF
Pros
Cons
- REACH MORE, BEND LESS - With an overall length of 58" and a 9" x 11" blade, the SHLF2 fiberglass shovel is ideal for taller gardeners or anyone who wants more reach, better leverage, and less back strain when digging deep or removing larger plants
- ENGINEERED TO ENDURE - Spear Head Spade's spade shovels for digging feature a steel-reinforced fiberglass handle that’s lightweight, ultra-durable, and weather-resistant. This allows our landscaping 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 metal shovels
3. LavoHome Super Duty Multi-Purpose Garden Spade
The LavoHome Super Duty Multi-Purpose Garden Spade is a truly versatile spade to work with. Once you have it in the tool shade, all your gardening needs will be sorted. Be it digging soil for a new plantation, clearing the drain, or cleaning the trenches- this shovel can do it all.
Product Highlights
If you have not worked with a shovel before, let me tell you that it is not as easy as it looks. But this item will make the job easier for you with its forward-turned-step that ensures that your foot placement is secure.
To add to that, this shovel is truly as multi-purpose as the brand claims it to be. Whether you have taken up the project to clean trenches or drains, it will help you get it done in no time. And the best part is that it's built in a way that you don’t have to put in a lot of effort.
Many users like me are quite impressed with its functionality. It is around 48 inches from end to end, making it possible for you to work it in compact spaces too. The blade is 14 inches wide, and the shovel has a 28-inch long handle. This makes it very easy to work when you are digging deep trenches.
What's There To Like About It?
It took me a few years to get the perfect shovel to dig and learn the best techniques required for the job. And I am pretty impressed by how this item is well-suited for beginners too. It is built in a way that you get additional leverage to help reduce the exertion on the wrist.
Moreover, the grip of this shovel is completely padded. So, you can consider working for long hours without getting hand fatigue.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Despite delivering excellent performance, there's some room for improvement in the design of this shovel. I noticed that the sharpness of the blade wears off pretty soon, especially after continuous heavy duty digging. So, it is best that you keep sharpening it from time to time.
Pros and Cons of LavoHome Super Duty Multi-Purpose Garden Spade
Pros
Cons
- Innovative Garden tool that helps you garden easily!Perfect for cleaning tracks, digging and clearing trenches and drains. Multi-purpose shovel digs through sod and roots. Eliminates the need for saws&more!
- Forward turned-step for secure foot placement. Provides additional leverage while reducing hand and wrist stress
- Recommended Gardening tool for both Residential as well as Commercial use
4. Ashman Drain Spade
The next suggestion that I have for you is the Ashman Drain Spade. This D-cup shovel is perfect for those who want to try their hands at landscaping. But don't worry-it is great for all other gardening activities too. The design is such that it helps you slice through the soil with much comfort.
Product Highlights
It is incredible how much attention the brand has paid to make sure that the user experience is amazing. The handle is not only durable but it’s also firm and comfortable to hold. Besides, the grip and two-handed control enhances the efficiency of your work. When you have a solid grip like this one, it helps reinforcing the pressure for better digging.
On top of that, the quality of the blade is quite commendable. Because of its premium construction, the blade can easily resist extreme high or low temperatures. This is what adds an edge to it and makes the item more durable. There will hardly be any heat or cold transfers to the handle. So, you can work comfortably in almost any weather condition.
Also, it is important to note that the blade is super sharp and perfect for penetrating the soil when you are digging deep. This, combined with the ergonomic construction of the shovel, makes it easy for you to slice through the soil.
What's There To Like About It?
This shovel is of great help to me when I want to uproot entire plants for shifting. And the best part is that I do not have to worry about the surrounding plants getting damaged in the process. The preciseness that it delivers is nothing short of commendable.
Moreover, their customer support team will provide you with any kind of support that you need. If you are not happy with the product, you can simply ask for a replacement.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Some people have complained that the handle is too long. In case you are not too tall, this might become an issue. When the handle is very long for the user, exerting proper force may become an issue. This is something to keep in mind before opting for this item.
Pros and Cons of Ashman Drain Spade
Pros
Cons
- Multipurpose Spade: The heavy-duty spade can be used for purposes like gardening, land scaping, cleaning out ditches, and digging narrow trenches. It serves all practical utilities in the garden and can be used for working in tight spaces. It is an ideal companion and will be useful every time you need it.
- Solid Grip With Durable Handle: The D-Handle grip, made with a finely crafted durable handle, provides a firm and comfortable grip with two-handed control, enhancing efficiency when using the spade. The solid grip is built to multiply forces by a huge factor as you apply a force down this spade.
- Premium Quality Construction: The hardened blade is strong and highly durable. The durable handle will resist heat or cold transfer. You can work without any uneasiness while the handle maintains a steady temperature. Proper use of the spade in your daily gardening will make it last for a decade, if not more.
5. DeWit 31-0919
There was no way I was going to wrap up this list without having mentioned theDeWit 31-0919 perennial spade. It is perfect for those who are on the lookout for a product that is more compact than a full-sized spade but larger than a trowel. And the best part is that it is well-suited for both right and left-handed users.
Product Highlights
Once you get your hands on this item, there will be no need to worry about its durability. It is made of hardened boron steel and is also heat-treated to ensure that it has the maximum amount of strength. When you are using a shovel, this is one of the most important factors to look out for.
Additionally, the design is such that you can use it in the most difficult of spaces. Not only is it good for deep digging and slicing of soil, but it can also help you reach those areas that are tiny and make it difficult to adjust the spade blade otherwise. The lightweight nature of this shovel makes it easy to maneuver.
Also, many users stand by the brand's claim that the item is super simple and comfortable to use. The T-handle that it comes with minimizes the tension on your hands while you are working with the shovel. As a result, this reduces the pressure on your wrists too so that you can work for longer hours without feeling any fatigue.
What's There To Like About It?
After gardening for decades, I try to ensure that I always make environmentally friendly choices. And I stand by this brand as it follows the same ideals. The hardwood that goes into the making of this shovel is sourced from regulated forests, so you can rest assured that there is only ethical use of resources in its manufacturing.
Furthermore, this shovel is entirely handmade using the in-house time-tested technology of the brand.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Although it has many advantages, I have to say that I was not really happy with the kind of instructions provided in the package. The user manual was not very detailed, and I had to put extra effort putting it together. If you face any such problem, you can contact their customer support team for help.
Pros and Cons of DeWit 31-0919
Pros
Cons
- 🌿 The Perennial Spade – A timeless essential for every gardener’s tool collection.
- ⚖️ Ideal Size – Larger than a trowel, smaller than a standard spade—perfect balance of strength and precision.
- 🧤 Ergonomic T-Handle – Offers excellent leverage and comfort for both left- and right-handed users.
Buyers Guide
Now that I have given you a detailed description of the top products, were you able to decide which one to go for? I know it's not that easy, and there are a few other things to take into consideration. So, let's quickly take a look at what they are.
1. Quality
When buying a perennial spade, it is essential that you pay special attention to the quality to ensure that it is durable. The best thing to go for is a strapped handle, especially a long one if you are tall.
You can also try going for a carbon or stainless steel spade with a forged socket handle. This way, you can rest assured that using the spade will be highly comfortable. When going for large spades, it is essential to get one that comes with shoe protectors. Otherwise, there will always be a chance that you might hurt your feet.
2. Spade Color
You might be wondering why it is important to talk about spade colors. But remember that to choose the best perennial spade, it is important that you choose the color wisely. From my experience, I can say that the ash hardwood color has stood the test of time. It is more durable and has the ability to better absorb shocks than its other counterparts.
For many, a fiberglass handle is a good choice as it is pretty sturdy. The only downside is that it cannot absorb heat and shock as well as the hardwood handles.
3. Blade
It goes without saying that the blade of your spade should be one of the most important considerations for you. The blade takes the highest amount of impact, so it is of vital importance. All the good models that I have tested came with a steel blade and can withstand a high amount of pressure.
The most common varieties are made of carbon steel and stainless steel. Both these options are pretty sturdy, but they do come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Coming to stainless steel, keep in mind that it is heavier than its carbon counterpart. However, when you use a stainless steel blade, rest assured that the surface will remain protected from corrosion and will likely be a lot smoother. But there is no denying that you will easily get tired because of the heavy weight of the blade.
Carbon steel is better in this regard, as it is a lot lighter and therefore easy to carry. Also, you won't easily experience fatigue when using it. The major downside, however, is that it is not as durable as stainless steel and can easily corrode. But with a little maintenance, you can easily get rid of this problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no one answer to this question. Whether a foot grip is necessary or not is dependent on the kind of jobs you want to perform with the spade. If you are planning to engage in jobs that are relatively tough, it is best that you opt for models that come with foot grips attached at the top of the blade.
This will enable you to exert as much pressure as needed to deal with digging jobs that require you to work through hard or stiff soil.
When choosing a spade, you must pay special attention to the shape of the handle. It is this which determines how comfortable it will be to use the spade and how long it will last. From what I have seen, the YD and the T handles are the most popular ones on the market.
If you have a relatively bigger hand, it is best that you go for a T-shaped handle. This will ensure that you can enjoy good freedom and flexibility while working. But keep in mind that the grip may not be that great. In case you are looking for a better grip, it is best to select a YD-shaped handle.
Honestly, this is a difficult question to answer. However, to enjoy the best usage, it is crucial that you find a spade of the right size and weight. Commonly the weight ranges between 1.3 lbs and 4 lbs.
To select the right one, take your body weight and strength into consideration. While 4 lbs might not seem like a lot, but when you scoop soil with it, the resultant weight will be more. Your goal should be to ensure that you do not experience much fatigue when working with the spade.
My Final Recommendations
With that, it’s a wrap for today!
I hope that my efforts have helped you decide on the right model and answer any related queries that you might have. Just remember to look out for effectiveness and comfort of use.
Before signing off, I would like to let you in on my favorites. The Radius Garden 23311 takes the award for being my overall favorite. But in case you are specifically looking for excellent and durable construction, the Spear Head Spade SHLF Gardening Shovel can meet your needs too.
If you want to ask me something, you are welcome to drop in the questions and suggestions in the comments box below. And keep a watch on this space of more exciting reads.
Until next time, adios!