Whether you are digging up weeds in the flowerbeds, transplanting or mulching plants or edging your lawn and garden beds, it can be a great joy to spend time outdoors cultivating your garden. Fortunately, there are many different tools that can make this task easier for you.
One of the most versatile gardening tools is a garden shovel, which can be used for a wide variety of yard and garden tasks. However, there are a number of things that you should look for when choosing a shovel for your garden to ensure that you get the best results and avoid any injuries while working in the garden.
A good garden shovel should have an ergonomic handle, so it’s comfortable to hold while working in the garden. It should also be made from durable materials, including aluminum or stainless steel, and be painted to prevent rusting.
The handle should be long enough to provide ample leverage while digging, but not so long that it can become unwieldy. Alternatively, a short handle can be more comfortable for lighter work.
It should also have a blade that’s sharp and efficient for cutting through roots or hard soil. There are several different types of blades available, depending on the kind of ground you’re digging up.
For example, flat edged blades are ideal for scooping up loose soil and edging, while round blades are better for cutting into hard or compacted soils.
There are also a number of different styles of shovels. These vary in both size and style, so you’ll need to decide which type is most appropriate for your needs before buying one.
Some of the most common shovels have a pointed or rounded tip, which is ideal for cutting through hard soil, clay and roots. Others have a flat or curved tip, which is more efficient for scooping up loose dirt and edging.
Another common type of garden shovel is the drain head design, which features a narrow blade with serrated edges to dig through dirt and unearth flowers. It can also be used to break up shallow roots of plants or to scoop out compost and other gardening materials.
The drain head blade can be either pointed or curved, and there are even a few specialized models on the market that are designed to work with specific types of soils. These shovels are a great choice for those who want a high-quality tool that’s easy to use and won’t cost you too much money.
A solid ferrule is also a good feature to look for in a garden shovel, as it increases its strength at a natural weak point where the blade meets the handle. This will help to reduce the chance of injury when using a garden shovel, particularly during heavy-duty digging jobs.
The Radius Garden Root Slayer is our top pick for a digging shovel that can slice through thick roots and tough grass with ease. Its O-handle design increases wrist comfort and leverage while digging, and the indent in the tip of the shovel helps it to grip and cut through tough roots without slipping off. It’s also lightweight, which is a big plus for gardeners who often have to perform a lot of digging in their yards.