Best Overall
Bully Tools 12-Gauge Round Point Shovel
Best Bang for the Buck
Ames Long Fiberglass Handle Round-Point Shovel
Best Trenching Shovel
Corona Tools Trench Shovel With Ash Hardwood Handle
We may earn revenue from the merchandise available on this page and take part in affiliate programs . discover More ›
The smell of freshly turn land , the weighting of a uncompromising shovel , and the panorama of bedding plants waiting to be post into the ground can be sources of delight for many gardener . But knowing which type of shovel is upright for the landscaping projection on your list may not be as easygoing as it seems . To help you make a good pick , we test 10 extremely rated shovelful and consulted an expert for insights into selecting the right one .
Based on our feat , we opt theBully Tools 12 - Gauge Round Point Shovelas the best overall selection . It ’s comfortable in hand , well-heeled to use , and offers excellent carrying out in a variety of labor . Still , other gardentoolscould be good for sealed projects , and the rest of the shovels on our inclination are all great options . Read on to get wind how each do in our tests before choose one of the best shovels for your gardening needs .
Best Shovels Comparison Chart
Our Top Picks
The postdate reviews of our tested top picks can help you decide which shovel is right for labour job likeplanting a vegetable gardenor caring for your landscape painting . the materials that make it more long-lived in tough lotion . While the extra weight might be worth it in some position , a few extra Pound can make a obtrusive difference after several hours of yard work . in the end , the idealistic weighting bet on the drug user ’s own strength and endurance .
Our rating : simpleness of Use4/5;Comfort4/5 ; Performance4.3/5 ; Value4.7/5
Long - handle round - point ( LHRP ) shovels are the most widely used shovels for cosmopolitan - purpose digging . When this Bully Tools LHRP performed systematically well across all our testing tasks , we knew it was the right choice for our award for best overall .
This role model ’s stout 12 - bore head powered through hard - packed clay soil and slue flawlessly through sod and roots . We appreciated how easy the wide-cut step area made it to use , even though we were wearing soft - soled shoe alternatively of body of work boots . And since the handle has a cushiony grip and enough tractability to take over the shock of travail without turn away under a load of grime , we feel both comfortable and in control as we work .
One possible downside of this pick is that , while it has welded reinforcements for tot up lastingness , the area where the socket meets the blade does n’t seem all that durable . If you try too hard to pry out a rock or thick root ( which you should not do ) , it seems possible that the metal surrounding the weld could break .
This is our go - to shovel since it ’s highly effective for most yard and garden tasks . While it ’s not the cheapest feeling , its versatility and overall splendid operation make it well worth the price .
Get the Bully Tools shovel atAmazon , Tractor Supply Co. ,The Home Depot , Walmart , Northern Tool + Equipment , orBully Tools .
Ames Long Fiberglass Handle Round Point Shovel
Our Ratings : simpleness of Use4/5;Comfort4/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Value4.7/5
This foresighted - handle round - point shovel from Ames biff above its weight . It features a durable steel - reinforced fibreglass manage with a padded nonslip clasp for striking puff and ascendance . The steel leaf blade has an outsized step area and an open socket that ’s reinforced with a brand collet chuck . And all this comes at a value price .
Though it be about half as much as our top weft , this Ames shovel weighs just over a pound less , making it a better all - determination selection for labor that do n’t require heavy - tariff reinforcement . The thinner steel used in the shovel head adds to its lightness but also allow it to twist more or less , so it is less aggressive in hard - take cadaver dirt and subject to more wear and tear in rocky background . It ’s also reinforced with an intimate bed of brand to help resist crack at the stress stage , but the undefended - back handle sock seems like a possible failure point .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Get the Ames round - point shovelful atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5;Comfort5/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Value4.3/5
The Corona deep digger is purpose - built for digging narrow trench in any type of grime , stool it of the essence for instal irrigation lines , run power for landscape lighting , and creating planting wrinkle for horticulture . Since its 12 - caliber steel vane is only 4 inches wide , it removes less than half the width of a round - level savvy excavator . This singular design is ideal for precision digging , ensuring you do n’t waste metre and vim off more dirt than is necessary .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
In our trial , this deep shovel execute exceptionally well in heavy clay grunge , maneuvering smoothly around rocks . It also has a high - angle closed - hold socket that makes it well-situated to scoop out a flat trench bottom , while the lightweight hardwood handle provide first-class persuasiveness and seismic disturbance resistance . Unlike some “ cleanout”-style deep shovels , this one does not have raise side to agree in a large volume of on the loose material , but it dig up a new trench in compact earth more efficiently than a cleanout shovel could .
Get the Corona Tools shovel atAmazon , Tractor Supply Co. ,Ace Hardware , Walmart , orCorona Tools .
Best Tree-Planting
Spear Head Spade SHLF2 Fiberglass Handle Shovel
Our rating : Ease of Use3.75/5;Comfort5/5 ; Performance4.6/5 ; Value4.3/5
When you ’re planting a tree or transplanting a bush , you need a shovelful that can make do with pack soil , random rocks , and tough roots . The Spear Head Spade gardening shovel is contrive with those hard project in judgement . Its unique spearhead - shaped sword is made of hardened manganese sword and features a wide step and shrill edge , leave it to retrieve its fashion naturally to the path of least resistor and cut flawlessly through root . The open - back socket is reinforce with a brand ferrule and caoutchouc gasket to boost strength and slenderize shock . The straight fibreglass handle has two padded nonslip grips for ranking comfort and control .
We test the Spear Head Spade alongside similar digging prick like shovels and spades . It worked as well as any of those other hand garden tool , loosen and scooping like a digging spadeful but offer the precision of a spade . It well turn out through the thick independent root come off a parent oakleaf hydrangea yet provide us to keep the root ball entire for comfortable move to a novel land site . This manakin ’s compact , efficiently contrive principal and comfortable grip also make this a good choice for those with impaired intensity and mobility , but the gamy price could be a roadblock .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Get the Spear Head Spade shovel atAmazon , Walmart , orSpear Head Spade .
Best Mini
Z&G D-Handle Mini Spade Shovel
Our Ratings : Ease of Use3.5/5;Comfort3/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Value4/5
Short - handled shovel are utile when mold in tight spots , and with this mini shovel , nurseryman can easily dig hole , move scandal , implement compost , or remove obstinate weeds . This flat - nous shovel has a strong metal cock , a rust - immune blade mind with a sharpened bound , and a viosterol - shaped nonslip grip to keep your hands from cramping during piece of work . The intact tool mensuration just shy of 30 inches and weighs less than 2 pounds .
When this modest spadeful arrived , we first thought it was a toy . It ’s shorter than our main quizzer ’s shirt sleeves , and when the blade is buried in the dirt , the top of the hold is only knee - high . But as we used it in our garden , we were storm by how sturdily build it is . It ’s lightweight enough to apply one - handed and feels almost like an oversized trowel ( or undersized jigaboo ) . For most adults , it will be best for tasks like set soil in heavy container or doing up - tightlipped piece of work ( on hands and knees ) in raised beds . The Z&G mini spade would make an outstanding first garden spade for a tike .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Z&G digger atAmazon .
Best Garden Spade
Fiskars 46" Garden Spade Shovel
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5;Comfort5/5 ; Performance4.6/5 ; Value4/5
Whether the end is to slit through thick roots , straighten out up the edge of the lawn , or move a cumulus of compost or soil , this Fiskars two-dimensional - top garden spade is up to the task . This extremely tough spade weighs under 5 pound yet has a steel shaft , a hardened brand blade , and an extra - large D - determine handle that ’s large enough for both hands . It also features a nonslip grip that increase ease when cutting through compacted soil and clay or slicing through dense sward .
The barb on this spade is a bit longer than average , which is great for marvelous gardeners . However , since the shaft and the rest of this shovel are steel , it would be nice if it also had a build - in steel handle rather of an attached one made of polyresin that could bomb over time . Also , while the tool is welded , the metal around impregnable welds can break if stress excessively . Still , so long as it ’s only needed for moderate - duty tasks , this will be an excellent and in all likelihood long - lasting option .
Photo: Amazon
What our tester says:“We really like this nigger ’s outsized D - handle , longer shaft distance , and reenforce sword . It ’s more comfortable and less fatiguing than our old garden jigaboo for tasks like digging in soil or moving dirt . “ — Mark Wolfe , Product Reviews examiner and writer
Get the Fiskars spade excavator atAmazon , Ace Hardware , Walmart , orNorthern Tool + Equipment .
Best Garden Scoop
Ames #12 Aluminum Scoop With D-Handle
Our evaluation : Ease of Use5/5;Comfort4/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Value4.6/5
If you call for to scoop and movegarden fertilizer , mulch , soil amendments , lightweight gravel , or even a minute of snow , this Ames garden Georgia home boy is an excellent choice . It weigh under 5 pounds and features a rustproof atomic number 13 alloy blade that curves up at the incline and back , helping it manage big loads without difficulty . It also has a 26 - inch hardwood shaft that ’s topped with a soft , comfortable D - shaped hold with a nonslip grip .
In some fashion , the Ames scoop shovel was difficult to essay . Unlike the other shovels in our batting order , it ’s not really the case of shovel you ’d generally reach for when working with soil . However , we end up using it to charge compost and mulch onto a wheelbarrow from our driveway , and we were incredibly happy with how quickly we were able to complete the task . It worked like a giant transference shovel , with the outsize scoop head and flat edge make it extremely promiscuous to roll up the relatively lightweight speck . Farmers , homesteaders , and serious gardeners will appreciate this tool for working with dirt amendments , plant food , and fauna feed by the three-dimensional thousand .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Ames D - handle shovelful atThe Home DepotorAcme Tools .
Best Garden Trowel
Fiskars Ergo Trowel
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5;Comfort5/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Value5/5
nurseryman who function in raised bed or plant life scores of seedlings do it the value of a estimable garden trowel . The Fiskars Ergo Trowel is a lightweight , inexpensive tool made of rust- and corrosion - resistant cast of characters aluminum . Its ergonomic buffer hand grip has a coarse-textured nonslip coating for sure - handed horticulture .
Despite the fact that our testers have immensely different paw sizes , this trowel felt comfy in manus for us both . We found it useful for planting 4 - column inch seedlings in garden land and repotting a range of houseplants , but the trowel ’s edge was n’t penetrative enough for us to make clear divisions in clumps of oregano and thyme . Also , although cast Al resists rusting and corroding really well , it is a brickly cloth that breaks easily . To avoid damage , we did n’t prove this trowel for labor like horn in up ground perennials or turning previously untilled soil . However , this is an first-class choice if you need a medium - duty trowel for working in effected garden beds or with potted plants .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Fiskars trowel shovel atAmazon , Target , orBlain ’s Farm & Fleet .
Best Post Hole Digger
True Temper Post Hole Digger With Fiberglass Handle
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5;Comfort5/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Value4.3/5
This True Temper post hole power shovel is designed to perforate and loosen compacted soil and remains before removing it in preparation for fencing posts , deck footers , and more . Its long-lived brand vane open when the grip are together and form a shut soap when pulled asunder , allow you to create dead round perpendicular holes without leaving loose dirt behind . Thanks to its lightweight steel - reinforced fibreglass handles , this Charles William Post hole excavator only weighs about 9 pound . One handle has a built - in rule for accurate deepness mensuration , and both are topped with high-pitched - visibleness yellow shock grips that increase control and comfort .
We tested this shaft while installing a row of twenty 4×4 fence posts 30 inch inscrutable . We appreciated the legato functioning of the pivot hinge and the fact that this model count less than the forest - deal model we ’d used before examination . While the fiberglass grip transmitted slightly more shaking and shock than the woodwind - handled interlingual rendition , we did find them more comfortable to grip .
Photo: Amazon
What our tester says:“Having used a few position hole shovel in our time , we were incredibly well-chosen this model ’s handles did n’t pinch our manus like others we ’ve used . It also comes at a great price , which is nice since it ’s a single - task tool . ”—Mark Wolfe , Product Reviews quizzer and writer
Get the True Temper post - hole shovelful atAmazonorAcme Tools .
Best Flat
True Temper Square Point Transfer Shovel
A 2-dimensional power shovel is the best cock for go piles of bulky material or clean up ice or clay from pavement — and we desire to try out the True Temper solid - breaker point spadeful for these tasks because of its light system of weights and long-wearing building . The sword head on the True Temper features a across-the-board footmark and open back batten down to a hardwood handle with a brand ferrule for bestow strong suit . The hardwood plow not only tighten weight but also absorbs shock and oscillation , make scraping and cleanup tasks more comfortable .
In our trial , the hardwood handle stood out for its general comfort . It ’s light , slightly flexible , and by nature easy to spellbind , especially with bare hands . The shovel perform well when move land , mulch , and gravel on both paved and unpaved surfaces .
True Temper also offers this shovel with a fiberglass handle or a shorter calciferol - handle , which may be preferred for stabilize expectant payload like crushed rock . However , we line up this long - handled version to be an splendid all - function instrument . A mat shovel is one of those prick you may not realize you need until you have one , and this model turn up that point .
Photo: Amazon
Get the True Temper square - compass point shovel atAmazon .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Shovels
The aggregation of shovel we test was various , and some models are designed for highly specific tasks . To give each model a fair shake , we planned different tests for each shovel type and sometimes used more than one spadeful to complete a certain project .
To test the digging digger , oceanic abyss power shovel , and garden spade , we removed sod and turned grime for a new garden layer . Since we were in the middle of a fence C. W. Post installation task , we swop out our old post hole digger for the one in this template . That same project left us with hummock of soil to transfer from the ground adjacent to the installed posts — a perfect job to test the flat excavator . We also transplant a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree with the tree - planting shovel , planted seedlings with the trowel , and worked up a rear bed with the mini nigga .
Once our tests were complete , we rated each tool ’s abilities . The spadeful that made our leaning will meet the demands most homeowners would expect , include occasional heavy - duty use .
Photo: The Home Depot
What to Consider When Choosing a Shovel
Before choose one of the beneficial horticulture power shovel for your maintenance job , consider which shovel character , material construction , duration , exercising weight , and hold will run best . With a morsel of modern planning , you may select thebest gardening toolfor your needs .
Type
While most masses have experience with a orotund - point or flat - head excavator for all - use digging , there are actually many moretypes of shovelsto consider . Shovel type is based on blade shapes , deal design , and purpose and includes dig power shovel , impinge shovels , tree - planting shovel , adjoin shovels , mini shovels , trowel , nigger , scoop , and brand hole diggers .
Blade Material and Construction
Almost all digging shovels and garden spades have steel blade . Steel is heavier and more durable than aluminum . While aluminum is prone to denting and bending , it is less expensive and better at reject rust . If you are view a spadeful with sword blades , expect for model with a rust - resistant coating .
Low - end shovels mostly have stamped steel blades , think of the blade and attachment to the shaft were auto - stamped from a piece of paper of steel . High - character shovels have excogitate vane , meaning the blade started as a single piece of music of het sword that was then hammered into pattern . Forged sword blade tools are more expensive , but they also last longer .
Also , take note of the socket where the handle is inserted into the leaf blade ( straits ) . Forged power shovel heads have a whole socket with no seam , which hit for an extremely strong adhesion . Stamped digger heads have a narrow opening or seam at the back . If there is a seam , it may be reward either by welding or with a blade ring at the top call a ferrule . The seams on some shovels are not reinforce .
Photo: Amazon
Shaft Length and Material
Garden shovels , nigra , and scoops normally have a barb between 44 and 48 inches long , which is a comfortable length for most the great unwashed . There are also shorter shovels and spades , with shafts measuring between 18 and 24 inch in length . Longer shafts in general provide better leverage and are easier on the user ’s back . When working in a limit area , a short shovel is usually the well choice .
The most common shaft materials for power shovel are wood , fibreglass , and blade .
Handle and Grip
Well - designed shovels have a handle and grip that provide good adhesive friction , protect against blister , and specify hand fatigue . On longer tools , the travelling bag is most often made of heavy charge plate or rubber . Ergonomic pecker have a rough-textured adhesive friction , cater a more unafraid hold on the power shovel .
Some excavator simply have a traveling bag built into the rotating shaft , others have a viosterol - shaped or round handle , and a few have textured grips on both the tool and the handle . viosterol - shaped and round handle let you to grasp the top of the shovel with one bridge player and the calamus with another for more leverage .
Weight
Most full - length garden shovels and nigga weigh between 4 and 6 hammering , while some handheld instrument librate 2 pound or less . Shovels containing fiberglass and aluminum fall on the lower end , while wood and brand shovels have more free weight .
Consider a shovel ’s weight cautiously . A shovel may be heavier due to the materials that make it more long-lasting in tough applications . While the extra weighting might be worth it in some berth , a few extra Sudanese pound can make a noticeable difference after several hours of yard work . finally , the ideal weight depend on the user ’s strength and survival .
FAQs
Shovels are simple peter , but they come in a wide kitchen stove of types and sizes that make them appropriate for a form of chore , including gardening , planting George H.W. Bush or bush , and digging fence postholes . For more information about these commongardening tool , review the following commonly enquire questions and their answers .
Designed with a fiberglass handle and a forge brand blade to penetrate and break through thick roots , theBully Tools 12 - Gauge Round Point Shovelis one of the best options for dig up radical bury deep in the lawn or garden .
To get tip on how to store shovels , we reached out to Michael Clarke , landscape architect , horticulturalist , and founding father ofYardwork . According to Michael , “ shovel are best stored by hanging on a wall . This provide them to be up and out of the style so there is less chance for them to slip and fall onto something nearby . Additionally , they are more protected from water that can get rust and legal injury if allowed to pool around the head of a shovel . ”
Photo: Amazon
The dear material for a shovel will depend on the undertaking it ’s involve for . Many shovels and professional gardening tools are made with sword since sword is strong and durable . However , blade peter can be grave . Aluminum digger are weak , less expensive , and better at resisting rusting , but they are prone to denting and bending .
Michael Clarke , laminitis of the on-line glasshouse Yardwork , recommends sharpening a excavator for a garden two or more times per year , depending on purpose . “ needlelike shovels are able to break through the ground better , divide perennial and shrub well-to-do by slice through roots apace , and move through thick material like mulch and debris , ” he says .
Yes , houseclean a shovel after habit can keep it from rusting or circumstantially spreading disease . In our usher onhow to wish for garden tools , we detail the idealistic operation , which includes removing filth with a wire brush , disinfect with dilute whitener , take away rust with vinegar , and anoint wooden handles .
Photo: Amazon
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a desktop in the nursery and landscape gardening industriousness . For more than 20 years he mowed , edged , planted , pruned , work , irrigated , and renovated beautiful landscapes . Now he test and writes revue about the latest outside great power equipment , hired hand peter , lawn aid products , and other outside - living trade good .
Additional enquiry provide byMichelle Ullman and Timothy Dale .
This Is the class for a Kitchen Renovation
Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we regard this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .
