logo
logo
  • Gardening
  • Outdoor Living
  • Outdoor Tools
  • Plants
  • Home
  • Outdoor Tools
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products-learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Your Green Thumb’s Partner – The Best Nursery Spades

author-image
By Garden Gate Review Team
Last updated: 23 Mar 2023

Nursery spades are explicitly designed for gardening tasks that involve lifting and removing soil. If you love gardening and are fond of creating a gorgeous nursery with multiple plants, purchasing a nursery spade will be worth it. This tool is not just used for digging a trench, planting a hole, or a ditch. It can be utilized in various other ways. If you intend to break up soil clumps or add urea to your planting soil, then you will need one of these top nursery spades in 2023.

Basic nursery spades used to be made of wood, but these newer versions infuse metals to give the tool a sharp edge. Various spades are available for different tasks. You need to analyze the functions you need a nursery spade to perform and then look into each spade’s features. These spades are commonly used for transplanting trees and shrubbery, but the quality, style, and material used may differ in different brands. Here we have a list of the highest-rated nursery spades. You can go over the pros and cons of each to pick out the one that best fits your needs.

Best Overall
logo
Fiskars 46 Inch Steel Nursery Spade
Buy on Amazon
Runner Up
logo
Radius Garden 22811 Root Slayer Nursery Spade
Buy on Amazon
Honorable Mention
logo
Black & Decker BD1515 D-Handle Mini Nursery Spade
Buy on Amazon
Contender
logo
Truper 31189 Tru Tough Nursery Spade
Buy on Amazon
Show contents
Here Is/Are the Best Nursery Spades of 2023
  • 1 Fiskars 46 Inch Steel Nursery Spade
  • 2 Radius Garden 22811 Root Slayer Nursery Spade
  • 3 Black & Decker BD1515 D-Handle Mini Nursery Spade
  • 4 Truper 31189 Tru Tough Nursery Spade
  • 5 Spear & Jackson 1071AL Neverbend Nursery Spade

Best Nursery Spades Buying Guide

Choosing the right nursery spade depends solely on the purpose you want to use the spade for. Different spades can be built for specific tasks such as digging, transplanting, cultivating, or mixing.

It would be best to make sure that the spade you plan to purchase provides value for money, has a strong structure, and fits the length and weight you’re looking for.

The following factors need to be thought about carefully as they determine the look of your garden.

What To Look For in a Nursery Spade

Weight and length

If you’re searching for a spade that can help you cut through soil and dig deep holes, you should go for heavy spades as they will not bend or break easily when put under pressure. Whereas, if you want to dig small holes for short periods, you can opt for lightweight nursery spades.

Material

Spade blades made from stainless steel are top-notch but heavy. They can help cut through the soil quickly and will not rust. On the other hand, carbon steel blades are lighter and more rigid but may rust if not well-maintained.

Spade shaft

Wood shafts are strong and can absorb shocks and vibrations. However, they can get wet if exposed to rain. Metal shafts are firm but not shock-resistant. They also get uncomfortable and slippery in hot weather.

Fiberglass and plastic shafts are light and durable. They can absorb shocks, but they can also break easily if too much pressure is applied to them.

Here Is/Are the Best Nursery Spades of 2023

1

Fiskars 46 Inch Steel Nursery Spade

– Best Overall
img
Buy on Amazon

The Fiskars nursery spade is designed carefully for heavy-duty work. It can smoothen the process of digging deep for you. It consists of an extra-large D-shaped handle that gives you two-handed control while digging.

This high-quality garden spade is ideal for digging a trench, edging, slicing through thick turf, and digging deep holes. The main feature that makes this spade stand out is the 14-gauge hardened steel blade and the 18-gauge steel shaft that promises durable corrosion-free blades. These blades are easy to maintain and do not wear off quickly.

Pros
  •  High-quality, welded 14-gauge hardened steel blade for effective cutting
  •   Comes with lifetime warranty
  •   Extra-large, D-shaped handles with an ergonomic design that helps keep control
Cons
  •  The blades have to be sharpened when received for them to work well
2

Radius Garden 22811 Root Slayer Nursery Spade

– Runner Up
img
Buy on Amazon

If you’re looking for an extra-long, narrow nursery spade for your gardening activities, then this is the one you should go for. It is made of a powder-coated steel blade that does not require extra maintenance efforts. You need to wipe it after each use to preserve the quality and performance of the blade.

The Radius Garden nursery spade has a unique structure with a V-shaped cutting tip that helps easily cut through roots, dirt, and soil clumps. Moreover, the design promotes comfort and durability as the top-notch ergonomic rubber handle relieves arm and wrist stress, eliminating fatigue.

Pros
  • Root slayer blade can be sharpened without the warranty being void
  •  Sturdy structure makes it easy and convenient to dig a trench or clean drainage
  •  High-quality carbon steel used for manufacturing
Cons
  •  Regular cleaning and sharpening are required to maintain the reliable performance of this nursery spade
3

Black & Decker BD1515 D-Handle Mini Nursery Spade

– Honorable Mention
img
Buy on Amazon

This mini garden shovel is handy for people who prefer lightweight and small gardening tools. It is produced with excellent quality fiberglass metal that does not bend or break when carrying out demanding chores. It is not only convenient to carry, but is also helpful for digging tasks in the garden or even at the beach.

The handle has a built-in non-slip, TPR molded grip that does not harm your wrist while digging. This feature reduces wrist stress and helps get the work done quickly. Additionally, the steelhead has a rust-resistant finishing to increase the durability of the tool. The structure of this nursery shovel is also strong even though it is lightweight.

Pros
  •  Fiberglass usage ensures durability and sturdiness
  • Shovel is finished off with rust-resistant powder-coated paint
  • 26 inches long which makes it easy to carry around
Cons
  • Limited in capacity and may not be able to handle heavy digging
4

Truper 31189 Tru Tough Nursery Spade

– Contender
img
Buy on Amazon

If we talk about the top nursery spades, the Truper 31189 garden spade is obviously on our list. It is a 30-inch nursery spade manufactured with good quality alloy steel. You get a solidly constructed tool at an affordable price.

We recommend this nursery spade due to its D-grip handle, which provides balance and control for easy usage. The robust steel collared edge makes the structure more sturdy, which is necessary for a user to utilize a nursery spade for an extended period.

Pros
  • Lacquered handle with a D-grip for easy control
  • Manufactured with sturdy alloy steel
  • 9-inch cushion grip to make it convenient to use
Cons
  • Not suitable for those looking for a lightweight tool
5

Spear & Jackson 1071AL Neverbend Nursery Spade

– Also Great Option
img
Buy on Amazon

Our final pick for nursery spades is this strong, durable, and comfortable garden spade. It is a hard-wearing spade, explicitly designed according to the requirements of professional gardeners. The spade is manufactured with a carbon steel head and socket.

It is made to carry out heavy digging tasks for long hours. If you are a gardener or landscaper by profession, you will want to invest in this spade.

Pros
  • Solid and sturdy structure
  • Comfortable handle suitable for all weathers
  • Resistant to rust, scratches, and humidity
Cons
  • Weight-divided testers make it tiring for the user after some time of use

PEOPLE ALSO ASKED

Q: What do gardeners use nursery spades for?

A: Nursery spade tools are used for multiple purposes. The blades help dig deep holes for planting, reshape beds, cut sod, and help with light cultivation. There are different types of blades and spade shapes available for specialized purposes.

Q: What is the difference between a shovel and a spade?

A: A shovel has a broader blade, while a spade's blade is comparatively flat.  A shovel's blade is curved inwards with a pointed tip, whereas the spade's blade has straight edges.

Q: How to maintain a spade?

A: To maintain a spade to increase its performance, you need to clean them after every use. Remove the dirt pieces and rust particles with a stiff brush, sharpen the spade with tool sharpeners, rub the blade and handles with cooked linseed oil, and then store them in a decent place away from extreme temperatures.

Garden Tools
author-image
By Garden Gate Review Team
The Garden Gate Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you choose the best products for a beautiful and bountiful garden and backyard. The content is created by The Garden Gate Review Team. Garden Gate’s editorial staff is not involved. Garden Gate is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Related Reviews
img
Prepare the Perfect Seedbed With the Best Cordless Cultivators
A garden can only grow plants with good soil. Good soil involves aerated earth, tilling, and the removal of weeds. This can take days, if not weeks, for someone to…
img
Keep Your Lawn Sharp With the Best String Trimmer
When it comes to keeping your lawn in great shape, trimming and mowing go hand in hand—but there are some parts of your garden that even lawn mowers can't reach.…
img
The Best Hand Cultivator To Get the Job Done
Imagine this scenario: it's spring season, and you are excited to grow new plants in your lovely garden. After spending plenty of time and resources, you bring the best seeds…
2143 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
1-800-341-4769
  • Subscription Questions
  • Submit A Tip Or Question
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc.© 2023 Garden Gate All rights reserved.