Spades (22)

Spades: A Guide to Digging Efficiently

A garden spade is a versatile and essential tool for digging, edging and turning soil. Designed with a flat, sturdy base and a straight handle, it offers precision and control for a variety of gardening and landscaping tasks.

Whether you’re preparing flower beds or cutting through turf, a quality spade can make the job easier and more efficient.

Table of Contents

1. What is a Garden Spade?
2. How to Use a Garden Spade Safely and Effectively
3. Tips for Selecting a Spade
4. Parts of a Garden Spade

1. What is a Garden Spade?

A garden spade is a tool with a flat or slightly curved rectangular blade, a short shaft, and typically a D-shaped handle. Unlike a shovel (which has a curved blade for scooping), a spade is a more about cutting and digging with precision. There are two main types of garden spade available, both with their own strengths and weaknesses.

• Digging Spade - Digging spades have wider blades than regular spades, which makes them ideal for digging in unprepared ground and preparing the soil for planting seeds, shrubs, vegetables etc. Compared to standard spades, digging spades normally have a more rounded cutting edge
• Border Spade - A border spade is a more compact, lightweight spade designed for precision work in tight or delicate spaces such as flower borders and raised beds. Its smaller, narrower blade and shorter handle makes it ideal for tasks like planting, transplanting, edging and weeding without disturbing nearby plants

2. How to Use a Garden Spade Safely and Effectively

Before work with a spade starts there are a few points to consider, location, material and objective. Once these have been decided and it's time to dig, it is advised to wear gloves to reduce the risk of injury.

• Whilst moving soil to a different location it is important to hold the blade horizontal, parallel to the ground, this will assist in minimising the pressure on your wrist or arm by removing the need to rotate the spade with heavy material on it
• If you're digging into hard material such as hard soil or clay, it is advised to use your foot to apply increased pressure, helping you to break the layer. Once the top layer has been broken, you can use two feet to dig deeper underneath
• For the best results in digging a hole, it is advised to measure the length and width, to maintain uniformity
• It is advised to use a wheelbarrow or cart to carry any material, this makes it safer and allows you to transport more at once
• When you have finished with a spade or project, it is best practice to clean the spade and store it correctly, this will provide the spade with a longer lifespan and keeps it stronger for longer. It can be as easy as hosing the surface dirt off the spade or using a spare rag, either way, cleaning your spade can reduce the rust produced

3. Tips for Selecting a Spade

There is a large variety of spades, all with their own characteristics and features, it is important to take these into consideration when starting a job or project. The following are some factors to consider when purchasing or choosing a spade for a job:

• Handle Length and Material - Select a shovel or spade with a handle length suited to your height and the specific task. Longer handles can give you better leverage for digging but might be cumbersome in tight spaces. Consider the handle materials as well, wood offers a traditional grip and helps absorb shock, while steel handles are extremely durable and well-suited for demanding, heavy-duty work
• Blade Design and Material - For contractor shovels or spades, a durable, rust-resistant blade is crucial for lasting performance. Choose blades made from high-quality or tempered steel, as they offer superior strength and resilience. The shape of the blade also matters; flat, square-edged blades are ideal for digging, while curved blades work better for slicing through soils and roots
• Comfort and Ergonomics - Comfort is key when using a shovel or spade for extended periods. Look for tools with ergonomic features, such as Y or D shaped handles, which provide a secure, comfortable grip and help minimise strain while working
• Purpose and Terrain - Consider the specific tasks you'll be tackling and the terrain you'll be working on. For example, if you're dealing with rocky soil or need to cut through tough roots, a sturdy shovel with a sharp, durable blade is a must. On the other hand, for softer ground or more delicate landscaping, a lighter shovel with a narrower blade might be more suitable

4. Parts of a Garden Spade

A spade is a simple yet essential tool, made up of several key parts that work together to make digging and soil work efficient and effective. Here are the core parts of a spade and their functions.

• Grip - Located at the top of the handle, this is where you place your top hand. It often comes in a D, Y or T shape for better leverage and comfort
• Shaft - The straight section of the spade between the socket and the handle. The shaft will transfer the force from your hands to the blade, and they are normally wood or fibreglass
• Socket - Also known as a collar, this piece connects the blade to the shaft, and it may be fixed with some rivets or screws
• Tread - Also known as a step, this flat section is located on the top edge of the blade near the shaft. It's where you place your foot to help drive the spade into the ground, allowing you to apply more force with your body weight. However, not all garden spades or shovels include this feature
• Blade - The flat, usually rectangular or slightly curved metal part used for digging, edging, and cutting soil. It's typically made of steel and may have a sharpened edge

Choosing the right garden spade can make a significant in comfort, efficiency, and results. By understanding its parts and selecting a design suited to your tasks and terrain, you'll be well-equipped to tackle a wide range of gardening projects with confidence.

For further technical information relating to our range of spades, please telephone our main sales line on 01772 431 216 or email [email protected].