Best Gardening Spades of 2026

Steven Taylor Avatar
Steven Taylor
Last Updated: Feb 2, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Gardening spades are an essential tool for any gardener looking to maintain a beautiful and healthy garden. These spades are typically made of durable materials such as high-quality steel and feature a sharp, pointed blade that makes it easy to dig through tough soil and plant roots. Whether it's used for planting new flowers or vegetables, or simply for maintaining existing plants, a gardening spade is a must-have tool for any serious gardener. With a variety of sizes and styles available, there is sure to be a gardening spade that fits the needs of any gardener, no matter their skill level or experience.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Spear & Jackson 1070AK Neverbend Professional Digging Spade Cover #TOP 1
Spear & Jackson 1070AK Neverbend Professional Digging Spade
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Bully Tools 12-Gauge Edging and Planting Spade Cover #TOP 2
Bully Tools 12-Gauge Edging and Planting Spade
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Spear Head Spade SHLF2 58" Garden Spade Cover #TOP 3
Spear Head Spade SHLF2 58" Garden Spade
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Gardening Spades

#TOP 1

Spear & Jackson 1070AK Neverbend Professional Digging Spade

1070AK
Silver
98.5 x 19 x 11.5 cm
Spear & Jackson 1070AK Neverbend Professional Digging Spade Cover
Spear & Jackson Neverbend Professional Digging Spade – Heavy-Duty Forged Carbon Steel Garden Spade for Tough Soil and Precision Digging

The Spear & Jackson 1070AK Neverbend Professional Digging Spade is a solid forged carbon steel head and socket with a long lipped socket, rivetted for added strength. It has a hammer finished and epoxy coated head for improved resistance to rust, scratches, humidity and alkalines in the soil, and a weatherproofed hardwood shaft for greater durability. It is a great choice for digging and planting fall trees and shrubs in the garden.

What We Like
Very sturdy construction
Strong wood handle
Effective for tough soil
Comfortable and balanced
High quality materials
What We Don't Like
Handle not as smooth
Slightly heavier than fiberglass
#TOP 2

Bully Tools 12-Gauge Edging and Planting Spade

72502
Black
Long_Handle
Bully Tools 12-Gauge Edging and Planting Spade Cover
Bully Tools 12-Gauge Edging & Planting Spade - American Ash Long Handle & Closed Back Design - Heavy-Duty Spade Shovel, Ideal for Garden Edging, Trenching Tasks, & Garden Digging - Made in The USA

The Bully Tools 72502 12-Gauge Edging and Planting Spade is a commercial-grade gardening tool made in the USA. Its extra-thick 12 gauge steel blade and closed back design are ideal for edging and planting. The closed back design prevents the buildup of debris while the limited lifetime warranty assures durability.

What We Like
Heavy-duty construction
Durable ash handle
Excellent balance
Made in USA
Sharp cutting edge
What We Don't Like
Slightly heavy
Occasional quality control issues
#TOP 3

Spear Head Spade SHLF2 58" Garden Spade

SHLF
Yellow
Spear Head Spade SHLF2 58" Garden Spade Cover
Spear Head Spade SHLF2 58" Garden Spade Shovel - Digging Shovel with a 9" x 11" Beveled Blade, Steel-Reinforced Fiberglass Long Handle & 2 Cushioned Grips - Digging Spade for Gardening

The Spear Head SHLF2 Spade is designed to make gardening easier and more comfortable. Its long 58-inch handle helps you reach further and dig deeper without bending over too much, reducing strain on your back. The steel-reinforced fiberglass handle is lightweight yet strong, built to last through tough weather and heavy use. The spear-shaped blade is perfect for cutting through rocky or hard soil, making digging simpler and more efficient. Plus, the blade is self-sharpening, so it stays sharp over time, giving you reliable performance every time you garden.

What We Like
Effortless digging in tough soil
High quality steel construction
Ergonomic long handle design
Sharp blade cuts roots easily
Suitable for all soil types
What We Don't Like
Smaller shovel head capacity
Handle may break with misuse
#TOP 4

ZUZUAN Garden Tool Set

3 Pack-Hand Shovels
ZUZUAN Garden Tool Set Cover
ZUZUAN Garden Tool Set, 3 Pack Aluminum Heavy Duty Gardening Kit Includes Hand Trowel, Transplant Trowel and Cultivator Hand Rake with Soft Rubberized Non-Slip Ergonomic Handle, Garden Gifts

The ZUZUAN Garden Tool Set is a 3-pack aluminum heavy-duty gardening kit that includes a hand trowel, transplant trowel, and cultivator hand rake with a soft rubberized non-slip ergonomic handle. The tools are made of polished high-quality aluminum alloy and feature an ergonomic rubber grip with contoured finger grips and palm rest to reduce hand and wrist fatigue. The hand trowel has a large head to displace more soil, while the transplant trowel has two standard units of scale (inches and centimeters). The cultivator hand rake has a 7mm thick claw body for a sturdy structure. The set comes in a beautiful and environmentally-friendly paper material packaging box, making it a great gift for any occasion.

What We Like
Sturdy construction
Comfortable grip
Good value
Medium to heavy weight
Rust-resistant aluminum
What We Don't Like
Grip size may vary for some
#TOP 5

VNIMTI Heavy Duty Gardening Spade Shovel 45 Inch

HT_004
45 inches
VNIMTI Heavy Duty Gardening Spade Shovel 45 Inch Cover
VNIMTI Spade Shovel for Digging, Heavy Duty Spade Shovel with Wooden D-Handle, Square Flat Shovel for Gardening and Edging, 45 Inches

The VNIMTI Gardening Spade Shovel is designed to make your outdoor tasks easier. Whether you're digging, edging, or cutting turf, its flat blade adapts well to many gardening jobs. You’ll appreciate the durable steel blade that resists rust and stays sharp even in wet soil, saving you time and effort. The solid wooden handle, measuring 45 inches, helps reduce strain on your back and won’t break under pressure, giving you years of reliable use. Plus, the ergonomic D-shaped handle offers a comfortable and secure grip, while the non-slip treads help keep your foot steady for better control and efficiency.

What We Like
Sturdy construction
Sharp blade edge
Lightweight design
Good value
Effective for edging
What We Don't Like
Handle durability concern
#TOP 6

HANTOP 43" Flat Spade Garden Shovel

Wooden and red
HANTOP 43" Flat Spade Garden Shovel Cover
HANTOP Flat Spade Garden Shovel Edging Shovels with Wooden Handle for Digging Gardening Planting Edging, 43 inches

The HANTOP Flat Spade Shovel is designed to make your gardening tasks easier and more efficient. Measuring 43 inches long and weighing 4.5 pounds, it offers a comfortable size and weight for digging and planting. The shovel head is made from durable 1050MN steel, ensuring it can handle tough soil without bending. Its unique sawtooth edge helps you break through hard ground or compacted dirt with less effort. Plus, the wide foot platforms give you better control and allow you to apply more force when pushing the blade into the soil. This shovel is a handy tool for various gardening jobs.

What We Like
Sturdy construction
Serrated digging edge
Easy sod and clay cutting
Efficient for trenching
Top-quality handle
What We Don't Like
Not used yet
#TOP 7

Spear & Jackson Neverbend Professional Heavy Duty Spade

1307CTP
Black
Spear & Jackson Neverbend Professional Heavy Duty Spade Cover
Spear & Jackson 1307CTP Neverbend Professional Heavy Duty Spade, Black

The Spear & Jackson Heavy Duty Spade is a solid forged tool designed for digging heavy or stony soil. With its solid forged carbon steel head, this spade offers exceptional strength and durability. The extra long socket provides additional stength, making it easier to tackle tough digging tasks. The powder coated head not only adds protection against rust, scratches, humidity, and excess alkalis, but also ensures a longer lifespan for the tool. Whether you are a professional landscaper or a dedicated gardener, the Spear & Jackson Heavy Duty Spade is a reliable and efficient tool that will make your digging tasks much easier.

What We Like
Sturdy construction
High durability
Effective for tough soil
Comfortable handle grip
Lightweight design
What We Don't Like
Short handle
Lacks flat top edge
#TOP 8

HANTOP Garden Trenching Shovel 43-inch

Black and red
HANTOP Garden Trenching Shovel 43-inch Cover
HANTOP Garden Shovel Flat Spade Edge Shovels Trenching Spades with Fiberglass Handle for Gardening Lawn Edging,43 inches

The HANTOP Garden Shovel is a reliable tool designed to make your gardening tasks easier. Its 43-inch length gives you good reach and leverage, helping you dig with less effort. The shovel head is made from strong 1050 manganese steel, so it stays sharp and durable even with tough use. The fiberglass handle is lightweight but sturdy, reducing strain on your arms while providing long-lasting support. Plus, the handle features a non-slip grip to keep the shovel steady in your hands, giving you better control as you work in the soil.

What We Like
Sturdy construction
Comfortable wide handle
Effective serrated blade
Great for edging
Durable quality
What We Don't Like
Slightly heavy
Oversized packaging
#TOP 9

Truper Tru Pro Garden Spade 31211

31211
Ash Wood
30-Inch
Truper Tru Pro Garden Spade 31211 Cover
Truper 31211 Tru Pro Garden Spade with D-Handle, 30-Inch,Ash Wood

The Truper Tru Pro Spade features a 30-inch handle made from North American white ash, offering the perfect balance and control for your gardening tasks. The ash wood is known for its mix of strength and flexibility, making it comfortable to use without tiring your hands. The spade’s blade is crafted from heavy-duty 14 gauge steel, ensuring it can handle tough digging jobs with ease. Additionally, the handle is securely connected to the blade with a strong riveted socket, giving you confidence in the tool’s durability. This spade is designed to make your gardening work more efficient and reliable.

What We Like
Impressive build quality
Sturdy and hefty design
Excellent for gardening
Reliable replacement option
#TOP 10

HANTOP 44" Drain Spade Root Saw

Black and Red
HANTOP 44" Drain Spade Root Saw Cover
HANTOP Drain Spade Root Saw Spade Narrow Serrated Shovel Digging Shovels for Cutting Root, Digging, Trenching,Transplanting,44 inches

The HANTOP Root Saw Spade is a versatile tool designed to make your digging tasks easier and more efficient. Its 44-inch length provides excellent reach and leverage, allowing you to work comfortably without straining. The blade is crafted from durable 1050MN steel, ensuring it stays sharp and strong for cutting through roots and tough soil. The handle is made from fiberglass, which offers a lightweight yet sturdy grip, while the PP hand grip adds extra comfort during use. Additionally, the wide footsteps give you a secure place to press down with your foot, increasing your digging power and control for precise work.

What We Like
Sharp serrated edges
Excellent root cutting
Durable construction
Easy to use
Great for tough soil
What We Don't Like
Occasional breakage
Customer service response delay
Buying Guide Image

Best Gardening Spades You Are Looking For

Types of Gardening Spades

When it comes to gardening, it's important to have the right equipment. Spades are some of the most important tools for any gardener, so it's important to understand the different types of spades available and how to choose the right one for your needs.

The first type of spade is the digging spade, which is the most common type. Digging spades are used for general purpose digging, such as digging holes or trenches. They're typically made of steel and have a long, flat blade that is curved at the end.

The second type of spade is the edging spade, which is designed for edging and cutting. These spades have a much thinner blade than the digging spade, which makes it easier to get into tight spots. They also have a pointed end for cutting and a serrated edge for trimming.

The third type of spade is the digging fork, which is designed for digging and turning over soil. Digging forks have several tines that are curved and sharp, which make it easier to loosen compacted soil.

Finally, there are spades designed for transplanting. Transplant spades have a wide, flat blade that makes it easier to scoop up plants and soil. They often come with a handle that makes it easier to carry the spade around.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Gardening Spades

When choosing a spade, there are several factors to consider. The first is the type of material the spade is made of. Steel spades are the most common, but there are also aluminum, wood, and plastic spades available.

The second factor to consider is the size of the spade. The size of the spade should be appropriate for the type of job you plan to do. For general purpose digging, a larger spade is usually the best choice. For edging, a smaller spade is usually better.

The third factor to consider is the handle of the spade. Handles should be comfortable to hold and made of a material that won't slip when wet. The handle should also be the right length for your height.

The fourth factor to consider is the weight of the spade. Heavy spades can be difficult to use, especially for extended periods of time. On the other hand, lighter spades can be easier to use but may not be as durable.

Finally, consider the price of the spade. Generally, higher-quality spades will cost more, but they'll also last longer and be more durable.

Conclusion

Choosing the right spade for your gardening needs is important. Consider the type of job you need to do, the material the spade is made of, the size, the handle, the weight, and the price. With a little research, you'll be able to find the perfect spade for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the different types of garden spades?

There are several types of garden spades available. A digging spade, with its flat blade, is great for moving and turning soil. A border spade is a smaller and lighter version of a digging spade. A pointed spade has a curved blade with a pointed end, while transporting spades have sharp, jagged blades.

2. What's the difference between a spade and a hoe?

Hoes are designed for lighter tasks like weeding, hilling, and edging. On the other hand, spades are better suited for heavier tasks such as digging, transplanting, and edging. It's important to choose the right tool based on the specific gardening task you need to accomplish.

3. How do you maintain a garden spade?

To maintain a garden spade, start by knocking off loose soil and soaking the blade in a bucket of water. Use a scrubbing brush to remove all traces of mud. Afterward, stand the spade upright to drain and dry it off with a cloth. Apply a thin coating of oil to all metal and wooden parts, including the handle.

4. What is the difference between a digging spade and a border spade?

A digging spade is larger and has a flat blade, making it ideal for moving and turning soil. On the other hand, a border spade is smaller and lighter with a narrower, perfectly flat blade. Border spades go straight down instead of angling out from the shaft like digging spades.

5. Is it better to dig a hole with a spade or shovel?

When it comes to digging holes, a shovel is generally more suitable. Shovels have long, straight handles that provide leverage for digging deep holes. However, a spade with a shorter shaft is more convenient when working in tight spaces, such as flowerbeds.

Editor's Notes

During our gardening spade research, we found 24 gardening spade products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 23,461 customer reviews through our big data system to write the gardening spades list. We found that most customers choose gardening spades with an average price of $32.31.

The gardening spades are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of gardening spades, including Spear & Jackson, BULLY TOOLS, Spear Head Spade, ZUZUAN, VNIMTI. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 514 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

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 Spades Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Spear & Jackson BULLY TOOLS Spear Head Spade ZUZUAN VNIMTI HANTOP Spear & Jackson HANTOP Truper HANTOP
Material Carbon Steel Alloy Steel, Wood Alloy Steel, Fiberglass Aluminum Carbon Steel, Solid Wood Alloy Steel, Wood Carbon Steel Alloy Steel, Fiberglass, Polypropylene Wood Metal
Item dimensions L x W x H 38.78 x 7.48 x 4.53 inches 57 x 3.5 x 7.5 inches 58 x 3.5 x 9 inches 12.3 x 3.3 x 2.7 inches 45 x 7.08 x 2.55 inches 7.5 x 2 x 43 inches 40.16 x 8.27 x 4.33 inches 7.5 x 2 x 43 inches 41.25 x 7 x 2.25 inches 7 x 2 x 44 inches
Item Weight 5.1 Pounds 4.9 Pounds 4 Pounds 1.15 Pounds 3.6 pounds 4.5 Pounds 2.5 Kilograms 4.5 Pounds 3.64 pounds 4.14 pounds
Style Digging Spade Classic Outdoor,Garden Fertilizer,Garden Flat Shovel Garden Spade Modern Tru Pro - Garden Spade Modern
Handle Material durable weatherproofed hardwood Wood Fiberglass Rubber Wood Wood Ash Wood Fiberglass Wood Fiberglass
Blade Material Carbon Steel Alloy Steel Alloy Steel Aluminum High Carbon Steel Alloy Steel Carbon Steel Alloy Steel Metal Metal
Grip Type Hardwood Power Padded Contoured, Ergonomic Ergonomic Wood Ergonomic Ergonomic D-Grip Ergonomic
Color Silver Black, Brown Yellow 3pcs-black with green - Wooden and red Black Black and red Ash Wood Black and Red
Is Foldable -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.8
Where to Buy