Although gardening is one of the most relaxing hobbies, it does require some skill. If you know how to sow seeds, remove plants, and/or change their location, then you are already a pro in this area. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, proper garden tools are essential as they relieve you from doing all the hard work in the garden by yourself. A garden shovel is one of the critical tools in this category and a must-have in every gardening kit. It not only helps you dig soil but also makes it easier to layer seeds, shift baby plants, grow new ones, and more.
Numerous garden shovels are available on the market that can make it challenging to choose a suitable one. Hence, we have assessed tons of products and reviewed the best garden shovels in 2023 to help you select a perfect fit for your gardening needs.
- Finding a Great Garden Shovel: A Buyer's Guide
- People Also Asked
- What type of garden shovel should I get for my kitchen garden?
- Should I get a transplanter or a trowel for my indoor garden?
- Are trowels safe to use?
- What is the best material choice for garden shovels?
- Are there any safety features to look out for when using a garden shovel?
- Are there any special maintenance considerations for garden shovels?
- How long does a typical garden shovel last before needing to be replaced?
Comparing the Top Garden Shovels of 2023 in Detail
Best Overall
The Edward tools garden trowel is built for people who aim for perfection. It is constructed with heavy-duty carbon steel material, due to which the blade can dig through gravel and stones. Moreover, the price of this trowel is easy on the wallet, and it comes with a lifetime warranty.
The blade of this garden shovel has measurement markings to make it easier for you to know the depth and determine the amount of fertilizer before digging. Besides, the blade has an extra coating to make it rust-proof, while the excellent construction ensures it won’t break or bend under pressure. This shovel also features a rubber handle that has a good Ergo-grip to make sure your hands remain comfortable while using it.
Pros
- The blade has an extra rust-proof coating to prevent it from getting damaged
- The Ergo-grip rubber handle prevents wrist aches
- The blade is marked with numbers for proper measurement
- The shovel is constructed with heavy-duty carbon steel material that makes it sturdy and durable
Cons
- The handle might be uncomfortable for those with smaller hands
Runner Up
If you are looking for an affordable and sturdy shovel, this garden trowel from Mr. Pen is a perfect choice. It is suitable for all kinds of gardening work, like digging, planting new seeds, and more. Its blade is made of stainless steel that makes it robust enough to dig through hard soil easily.
On top of that, the handle of this trowel is made with well-textured rubber to give you a comfortable grip. It is perfect for beginners who want to try their hand at gardening. Though the durability of the trowel is questionable, the construction and the design of the shovel make it a suitable choice for its price.
Pros
- It is budget-friendly
- The handle is designed to give you an excellent grip
- The blade is engineered with stainless steel, which makes it sturdy
- It is constructed to dig through hard soil and gravels without any difficulty
Cons
- The trowel is made for beginners, and it cannot handle heavy work
Multi-Pack
The ZUZUAN garden tools are built with high precision so that professionals can use them effectively. This pack consists of a hand trowel, transplanter, and cultivator hand rake, each constructed with high-quality aluminum alloy. Due to the usage of aluminum, these tools have excellent strength and weigh much less, making them easy to handle.
Additionally, the TPR rubber used for the design of the handle gives it a nice texture so that you can have a comfortable and steady grip. The rubber also prevents pressure on the wrist, which is the main cause of gardening pains. The trowel and the transplanter have a thickness of 1.5 mm, while the rake has a thickness of 7mm. The trowel also has standard markings on its blade for better measurement. This package will help you to set up your garden without any difficulty. Though the price might be a bit on the higher side, the tools offer good durability.
Pros
- The set comes in a pack of three gardening tools
- The aluminum alloy used in the construction makes the tools sturdy and lightweight
- Each tool has a suitable thickness that increases its durability
- The usage of TPR rubber for the construction of the handle provides an excellent grip
Cons
- Some people might find the package a bit too expensive
Most Heavy-Duty
The Ashman round shovel is a multi-utility garden tool you can use to transplant, dig, trench, and more. Whether you are a beginner or a pro in gardening, this shovel would come in handy for starting any kind of outdoor garden. It will help you cultivate your plants and crops effortlessly.
The shaft of this tool is made with fiberglass and was given heat treatment to increase its durability. Its handle is also designed in a D-shape to provide you with a good grasp while working on hard soil. Additionally, its blade is made of high-quality steel and has a teardrop design that makes it possible to dig deeper into the soil. The sharp edges of the blade are great for cutting through hard rocks and stones, making it the perfect gardening tool for any kind of garden.
Pros
- The shaft has undergone heat treatment to make it long-lasting
- It has a blade made of stainless steel, with a teardrop design for better digging
- It is engineered to do all kinds of gardening chores like digging, transplanting, and more
- The D-shaped handle provides a nice grip and makes it possible to work on hard soil
Cons
- Might be a bit too short for some users
Contender
If you are a gardener, you must know that a good shovel can be helpful for any kind of heavy gardening work. This shovel from Radius Garden is lightweight and designed to handle all kinds of gardening chores. The blade is engineered with carbon steel that is heat-treated to prevent rusting and bending.
Additionally, the shaft of this shovel is constructed with fiberglass which increases its strength and durability. The total length of the handle is around 43 inches that are supported with a round grip for extra comfort and better handling. This shovel won’t need much maintenance and is designed for heavy-duty chores. You even get a lifetime warranty with this product, so you can get a refund or replacement if the shovel is not to your satisfaction.
Pros
- The shovel is designed with heat-treated carbon steel that increases its durability
- You can claim for refund or replacement anytime
- The round grip reduces strain and provides balance
- It has a strong blade ideal for heavy gardening duties
Cons
- The shovel may be a little short for some users
Also Consider
This 10-inch long hand trowel is designed for people who want to start indoor gardening. It is constructed with carbon steel that makes this shovel sturdy, rust-resistant, and light in weight. This shovel also comes with an impressive 10-year warranty.
This shovel has a gel grip that not only gives you a comfortable hold but also prevents aches and wrist pain. The width of the blade is impressive, so you can scoop out large amounts of soil or fertilizer easily. However, the shovel is ideal for light digging and similar chores and is not meant for heavy gardening.
Pros
- The shovel is constructed with powdered carbon steel, which enhances its durability and strength
- You get a warranty period of 10 years for any kind of refund or replacement
- It has an ergonomic gel grip that provides comfort and prevents wrist pain
- The blade is rust-resistant and bend-proof
Cons
- This shovel is not meant for heavy gardening chores
Also Great Option
The Fiskers transplanter is designed to help you pot small plants like succulents, herbs, and more. It has gradation marks on the blade to measure the depth of the soil before planting. Moreover, the blade is engineered with high-grade steel that is strong and durable. Thanks to its unique handle, you won’t face any pain in your hand while handling this tool. It is also affordable, durable, and compact.
This transplanter is resistant to rust and won’t break easily. It even comes with a handle hole for easy hanging for storage. In brief, this shovel is a solid piece that you can get to start a small garden.
Pros
- The transplanter is constructed with high-quality steel that makes it robust
- It is light in weight, durable, and handy
- The shovel is resistant to rust and bending
- The blade has gradation marks on it for easy measurement
Cons
- Not as strong as metal shovels
Finding a Great Garden Shovel: A Buyer's Guide
There are tons of things that you must consider before purchasing a garden shovel. Some of the important features to note include blade type, size, shaft material, and more. These features determine the quality as well as the durability of the tool. We will also take you through various types of shovels and their usage so that you get to know which one is perfect for your garden.
What Are the Important Things You Should Look for in a Garden Shovel?
Before you buy a shovel, you must know about the various types of shovels available on the market. There are round heads, square points, garden spades, trowels, and transplanters.
Roundhead
These shovels are designed for digging and lifting soil. The blade has a round shape along with sharp edges, which further helps to dig deep into the soil.
Square point
As the name states, square point gardening shovels have square-shaped blade with sharp corners. These shovels are perfect for scooping soil.
Garden spade
A garden spade has a square shape except that the bottom of the blade has a different design. This shovel is great for doing all kinds of gardening chores.
Trowel
A trowel is a smaller version of a round-headed shovel, except it is sharper and oval in shape. This gardening tool is made for moving and planting small succulents and similar plants.
Transplanter
A transplanter is quite similar to a trowel, but the former is designed to dig deep into the soil for planting baby plants and stems. This tool is quite helpful while sowing seeds as it makes perfect space and cuts through sharp stones quickly.
Shaft material
The material used for the construction of the shaft determines the strength of the shovel. If wood is used while making the shaft, it will provide good strength, but the durability decreases. Most companies have switched to fiberglass as it provides good strength and increases the durability of the shovel.
Blade construction
The construction, design, and material used to make the blade play a vital role in determining the quality of the product. Most shovels have carbon steel blades that are well-known for their strength and lightweight. However, you can also go for stainless steel blades but make sure they have a rust-proof coating. Otherwise, it won’t last for a long time.
A good shovel can help you refine your gardening skills and create a nice garden in no time. There are various types of shovels available on the market, like trowels, spades, transplanters, and more. Before getting a garden shovel, sort out the type of garden that you want to grow. If you plan to start an indoor garden, then a spade would be of no use, and getting a transplanter would be a wise choice. We have covered all kinds of garden shovels here and hope that this guide would help you to find the perfect one for your garden.
For more info on choosing a high-quality garden shovel, check out this video below.
People Also Asked
What type of garden shovel should I get for my kitchen garden?
A round head spade is a perfect choice for a kitchen garden. It would help you to dig the soil and move the plants easily. Moreover, you can even get a trowel or transplanter for sowing seeds.
Should I get a transplanter or a trowel for my indoor garden?
You can either get a trowel or a transplanter for indoor gardens as both are designed for the same purpose. Though the design of both tools is different, they are a perfect fit for indoor gardens.
Are trowels safe to use?
Yes, trowels are safe to use and have extra rubber covering the handle for added protection. Though they come with a sharp but small blade, they will not cause any bruises or cuts.
What is the best material choice for garden shovels?
The best material choice for garden shovels depends on the intended use of the shovel and personal preference. Generally, metal blades with wooden or plastic handles are the most common and make suitable choices for most uses.
Are there any safety features to look out for when using a garden shovel?
There are several safety features to look out for when using a garden shovel such as a non-slip grip handle and a good balance between the length and weight of the handle. Additionally, it is important to always wear protective gear such as gloves and eye protection when digging or working with sharp objects.
Are there any special maintenance considerations for garden shovels?
Yes, there are some special maintenance considerations for garden shovels such as cleaning them after each use and sharpening them regularly with a file if necessary. Additionally, it is important to store them properly in a dry place to prevent rusting or corrosion.
How long does a typical garden shovel last before needing to be replaced?
A typical garden shovel should last between 3-5 years depending on how frequently it is used and how well it is taken care of. If properly maintained, some models may even last longer than 5 years before needing to be replaced.
