Best Gardening Shovels of 2025

Steven Taylor Avatar
Steven Taylor
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Gardening shovels are an essential tool for every gardener, whether they are professional or just starting out. These shovels are specially designed to help with digging, planting, and moving soil and other materials around the garden. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, including long-handled shovels for deeper digging and small handheld shovels for precise work. Some gardening shovels even have special features, such as sharpened edges for cutting through tough soil or serrated edges for digging through roots. With a good quality gardening shovel, any gardening task becomes easier and more efficient.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Fiskars 96685935J Shovel Cover #TOP 1
Fiskars 96685935J Shovel
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Garden Weasel Potting Scoop 91362 Cover #TOP 2
Garden Weasel Potting Scoop 91362
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Hooyman Mini Transfer Shovel Cover #TOP 3
Hooyman Mini Transfer Shovel
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Gardening Shovels

#TOP 1

Fiskars 96685935J Shovel

96685935J
Black
No Size
Fiskars 96685935J Shovel Cover
Fiskars Garden Shovel for Digging, Heavy Duty Steel Gardening Tool with Straight Handle

The Fiskars 96685935J Shovel is a heavy-duty, all-steel shovel designed for tough soil. It features a welded 14-gauge hardened steel blade and 18-gauge steel shaft for durability, and a sharpened blade for easy penetration. It also has a full-wells grip for comfort and a length of 57.5 inches. Customers love its strength and durability, though some have noted its weight.

What We Like
Sturdy steel handle
Effective for tough digging
Long handle for leverage
Durable and rust-resistant
Comfortable grip
What We Don't Like
Heavier than traditional shovels
Tall design may not suit everyone

Garden Weasel Potting Scoop 91362

Garden Weasel Potting Scoop 91362 Cover
Garden Weasel Potting Scoop - Oversized | Dig and Transport | Planting and Gardening Hand Digging Tools, Heavy Duty Soil Scoop, Mini Gardening Shovel | 91362

The Garden Weasel Scoop is designed for efficient gardening tasks. Its serrated tip helps you break up tough soil clumps and cut through roots, making planting easier. The large scoop features tall sides that minimize spillage while transferring soil, enhancing your planting experience. Built with high-quality materials, this tool promises durability for years of reliable use. Plus, it comes with a lifetime guarantee, ensuring your investment is protected against defects. With strong customer service support, you can feel confident in your purchase and get any assistance you need.

What We Like
Sturdy and well-made
Comfortable grip
Effective for digging
Good for tight spaces
Efficient for scooping soil
What We Don't Like
Handle may hinder small tasks
#TOP 3

Hooyman Mini Transfer Shovel

1190381
Black/Green
One Size
Hooyman Mini Transfer Shovel Cover
Hooyman Mini Transfer Shovel with Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Construction, Ergonomic No-Slip H-Grip Handles, D Handle, and Oversized Steps for Gardening, Land Management, Yardwork, Farming, and Outdoors

The Hooyman Mini Shovel is designed for durability and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for your gardening and yardwork needs. Its heavy-duty carbon steel head ensures it can handle tough tasks like scooping dirt, rocks, or mulch without bending or breaking. You’ll appreciate the no-slip H-Grip handle, which provides a secure hold, even in wet conditions. The square blade shape allows for efficient scooping, while the D handle and oversized steps give you extra leverage and stability, making your outdoor projects less strenuous.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to handle
Padded grip for comfort
Durable construction
Perfect for small tasks
Good value for the price
What We Don't Like
Minor paint chips upon arrival
Possible rust concerns
#TOP 4

Radius Garden Root Slayer Shovel

Root Slayer
22011
Root Slayer (Red)
Radius Garden Root Slayer Shovel Cover
Radius Garden 22011 Root Slayer Shovel, Red

The Radius Garden 22011 Root Slayer Shovel is a serrated shovel designed to reduce stress on your hands and wrists while digging. Its V-shaped cutting tip easily rips through roots and dirt, and its durable powder-coated carbon steel tip is suitable for any garden task. It comes with a lifetime manufacturer warranty (continental US only).

What We Like
Effective root cutting
Ergonomic handle design
Durable construction materials
Versatile tool functionality
Sharp saw-toothed edges
What We Don't Like
Requires technique for best use
#TOP 5

MECHEER Garden Shovel Trowel Set

GSS-1
Orange
MECHEER Garden Shovel Trowel Set Cover
Garden Shovel Trowel Garden Tool Set, 2 Pack Heavy Duty Gardening Tools Set Include Wide Garden Trowel, Hand Shovel with Measurement Mark, Small Shovels for Gardening Digging Planting Transplanting

The MECHEER Garden Tool Set includes two uniquely designed trowels that enhance your gardening experience. One trowel features clear measurement markings, allowing you to dig at the perfect depth for planting. The other has a smooth surface, ideal for transplanting delicate plants. Made from durable aluminum alloy, these tools resist rust and withstand tough soil conditions, ensuring longevity. The ergonomic handle, designed for comfort, reduces hand strain, making gardening less tiring. Light and compact, these tools are easy to store and carry, making your gardening tasks more enjoyable.

What We Like
Good quality materials
Easy grip handles
Durable aluminum construction
Lightweight design
Affordable set of 2
What We Don't Like
Not as heavy-duty as expected
Fragile on first use
#TOP 6

RISETEX 54" Adjustable Garden Shovel

garden shovel
Silver
RISETEX 54" Adjustable Garden Shovel Cover
Garden Cleaning Shovel with 54" Adjustable Handle,Multifunctional Stainless Steel Cleaning Snow Shovel for Weeds and Moss,Lawn Edging Scraper Shovel,Outdoor Spade Tool for Weeding,Digging,Ice Removal

The RISETEX Garden Shovel is a versatile tool designed for various outdoor tasks, including weeding, lawn edging, and snow removal. Its durable construction, made from heavy-duty steel, ensures it can handle tough jobs effectively. With an efficient scraper edge, you can easily clear debris, weeds, and ice, making your gardening experience smoother. The ergonomic long handle not only provides a comfortable grip but also reduces strain during prolonged use, allowing you to work longer without discomfort.

What We Like
Effective for cleaning tasks
Great for edging and weeding
Adjustable handle for different heights
Easy assembly and use
Sturdy and sharp design
What We Don't Like
Handle feels less durable
Flimsy for heavy-duty tasks
#TOP 7

DIOVPLX 31-Inch Garden Shovel

Tiechan-YGH-32WBS@#JZGZ
Black
DIOVPLX 31-Inch Garden Shovel Cover
Shovel, Garden Shovel for Digging, 31 inch Small Spade Shovel with Curved D-Handle, Heavy Duty Portable Mini Shovels for Gardening, Digging, Camping, Car Shovel, Kids Sand Beach Shovel

The DIOVPLX Mini Shovel is a versatile tool perfect for various gardening tasks. Its 31-inch size is ideal for tight spaces, making it easy for you to store and transport. The ergonomic curved D-handle ensures a comfortable grip, allowing you to shovel with less effort while protecting your hands from slips. Made from heavy-duty metal, this sturdy shovel features a sharpened blade that simplifies digging, weeding, and transplanting. Whether you're gardening at home or enjoying outdoor activities, this mini shovel is a reliable companion for all your needs throughout the year.

What We Like
Easy assembly
Decent quality and durability
Perfect size for gardening
Sturdy and tough design
Good for small tasks
What We Don't Like
Slight assembly difficulties
Handle could be more comfortable
#TOP 8

AMES Poly Scoop with Hardwood Handle and D-Grip

2682700
46-Inch
AMES Poly Scoop with Hardwood Handle and D-Grip Cover
AMES 2682700 Poly Scoop with Hardwood Handle and D-Grip, 46-Inch, Brown

The AMES Poly Scoop with Hardwood Handle and D-Grip, 46-Inch, features a large poly D-grip that offers leverage and control, allowing you to lift and transfer stone, soil, and grain with ease. The hardwood handle is strong and durable, while also providing a comfortable grip. This scoop is well-suited for lawn and garden tasks, as well as farm and agricultural uses.

What We Like
Sturdy and durable design
Lightweight for easy handling
Effective for yard and snow work
Great for compost and muck
What We Don't Like
Plastic may break under strain
Not suitable for heavy-duty use
#TOP 9

Gingull Adjustable Garden Cleaning Shovel

Garden Cleaning Shovel
Bluck
Gingull Adjustable Garden Cleaning Shovel Cover
Garden Cleaning Shovel, Snow Shovel, Ice Scraper, 59 Inch Adjustable Handle Heavy Duty Garden Shovel Multifunctional Cleaning Shovel, for Lawn Edging, Scraping, Weed and Ice Removal

The Gingull Garden Shovel is a versatile tool perfect for various tasks in your garden. With its multipurpose design, you can easily remove weeds, scrape moss, or clear ice, making it essential for both gardening enthusiasts and professionals. The sturdy construction ensures durability, while the adjustable handle allows you to customize the length for comfortable use, reducing strain on your back and arms. Its large shovel surface enhances efficiency, allowing you to collect more debris in fewer passes, ultimately saving you time and effort in your gardening and cleaning activities.

What We Like
Effective at removing moss
Easy assembly
Good quality materials
Versatile for various tasks
What We Don't Like
Sturdiness depends on desk edge
#TOP 10

VNIMTI Round Shovel

Wood
VNIMTI Round Shovel Cover
Shovel for Digging,Round Shovel, Garden Tool with D-Handle, 41 Inches in Overall Length, Wooden Handel Garden Shovel,Beach Shovel, Car Snow Shovel

The VNIMTI Round Shovel is a versatile garden tool with a D-handle and 41 inches in overall length. Made of cold-rolled steel and a wooden handle, it is strong and durable. It can be used for a variety of tasks such as digging, shoveling, and transferring. It is lightweight and easy to use, making it perfect for spring and summer gardening, as well as autumn and winter snow shoveling. Customers have praised its sturdiness and ergonomic design.

What We Like
Great quality
Fair price
Perfect size for women
Sturdy design
Sharp and lightweight
What We Don't Like
Holds less dirt than expected
Smaller than average
Buying Guide Image

Best Gardening Shovels to Fullfill Your Needs

Introduction

Gardening shovels are an essential tool for any gardener, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro. Choosing the right gardening shovel can make a big difference in your gardening experience, so it is important to take the time to select the shovel that is right for you and your garden.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gardening Shovel

When choosing a gardening shovel, there are several factors that you should consider. These include the size and shape of the shovel, the material it is made from, and the type of handle.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of the shovel are important because they will determine how well the shovel can dig and move soil. A larger shovel with a wider, curved blade will be able to move more soil at once, while a smaller shovel with a narrow, pointed blade will be better for precision digging.

Material

The material that a shovel is made from will also affect its performance. Shovels can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and wood. Metal shovels are the most durable and long-lasting, but they can be heavy and require more effort to use. Plastic shovels are lighter and easier to use, but they are not as durable as metal shovels. Wood shovels are the least durable, but they can be comfortable to use and have a classic, rustic look.

Handle

The type of handle on a shovel is also important because it will affect your comfort and control while using the shovel. Shovels can have a variety of handle styles, including D-shaped, T-shaped, and straight handles. D-shaped handles are comfortable to grip and provide good control, while T-shaped handles offer even more control and are easy to use with two hands. Straight handles are the most traditional and provide a classic look, but they can be less comfortable to use.

Choosing the Right Gardening Shovel for Your Needs

Once you have considered the size, shape, material, and handle of the shovel, it is time to choose the right one for your gardening needs. If you are a beginner, a smaller, lightweight shovel with a D-shaped or T-shaped handle and a pointed blade is a good choice. This type of shovel will be easy to use and will allow you to dig and plant with precision.

If you are a more experienced gardener, you may want to choose a larger shovel with a wider blade and a straight or T-shaped handle. This type of shovel will be able to move more soil at once and will be better for digging large holes or moving heavy soils.

No matter what type of gardening shovel you choose, be sure to select one that is comfortable to use and that feels well-balanced in your hand. This will help you to avoid strain and injury while gardening and will make your gardening experience more enjoyable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right gardening shovel is an important decision that can make a big difference in your gardening experience. By considering the size, shape, material, and handle of the shovel, you can select the one that is right for you and your garden. A well-chosen gardening shovel will be comfortable to use and will help you to dig, plant, and move soil with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the three types of shovels?

There are three main types of shovels commonly used in gardening. The pointed spade is ideal for digging, the rounded spade is used for planting, and the square tip shovel is best for transferring loose materials. Choosing the right shovel type depends on the specific task you need to accomplish in your garden.

2. How do you dig up stubborn roots?

To remove stubborn roots, you can use a pry bar or garden fork to lift them out of the ground. If the roots are deep or difficult to remove, you may need to consider using heavier equipment like a small excavator or stump grinder for more effective removal.

Editor's Notes

During our gardening shovel research, we found 24 gardening shovel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 53,440 customer reviews through our big data system to write the gardening shovels list. We found that most customers choose gardening shovels with an average price of $21.36.

The gardening shovels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of gardening shovels, including Fiskars, GARDEN WEASEL, Hooyman, Root Slayer, MECHEER. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Steven Taylor Avatar

Steven Taylor grew up in a small town called Beaufort in South Carolina and his passion for building and woodworking has led him to master the latest garden gadgets. He always holds every chance to patch up or sand down his beloved garden. There are various novel technologies in his articles.

Gardening Shovels Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Fiskars GARDEN WEASEL Hooyman Root Slayer MECHEER RISETEX DIOVPLX AMES Gingull VNIMTI
Material Alloy Steel Aluminum Carbon Steel Carbon Steel Aluminum Stainless Steel Metal Polyurethane Metal Wood, Alloy Steel
Item dimensions L x W x H 3.25 x 8.63 x 57.5 inches 13 x 4 x 3 inches 27.95 x 6.22 x 1.97 inches 45 x 10.5 x 3.8 inches 11 x 3 x 1.65 inches 57 x 11 x 2 inches 1 x 1 x 1 inches 9.5 x 14 x 46.5 inches 1 x 1 x 1 inches 41 x 9 x 3 inches
Item Weight 6 Pounds 0.33 Kilograms 2.42 Pounds 5 Pounds 10.5 ounces 2.64 pounds 1.13 Kilograms 4.2 Pounds 3.01 pounds 3.3 Pounds
Style Digging Shovel - Black/Straight Handle Fertilizer,Garden Mini Transfer Shovel Root Slayer Trowel+Trowel with Scales Multi functional and practical garden shovel Compact #12 Poly Scoop Custom Round Shovel
Handle Material Wood Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) Carbon Steel Carbon Steel Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) Stainless Steel Metal Wood Metal Wood
Grip Type Full Wells Textured Ergonomic Ergonomic Contoured Ergonomic D-Grip Ergonomic Ergonomic Ergonomic
Color Black Red Black/Green Red Orange Silver Black - Bluck Wood
Blade Material Alloy Steel AluminIron 1050MN Steel Carbon Steel Aluminum - Metal - Alloy Metal Metal
Is Foldable - -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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