Best Gardening Shovels & Spades of 2025

Toby Butcher Avatar
Toby Butcher
Last Updated: 1 Feb 2025

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Gardening shovels and spades are essential tools for anyone who loves to garden. These tools are designed to help you dig, plant, and move soil with ease. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit different tasks, from planting small seedlings to digging large holes. Gardening shovels and spades are made from high-quality materials that are designed to be durable and long-lasting. They are perfect for anyone who wants to maintain a beautiful garden or grow their own vegetables. With the right gardening shovel or spade, you can easily cultivate your soil, plant your seeds, and keep your garden looking its best.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Roughneck ROU68238 Drainage and Post Hole Shovel Cover #TOP 1
Roughneck ROU68238 Drainage and Post Hole Shovel
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Roughneck ROU68224 42" Digging Spade Cover #TOP 2
Roughneck ROU68224 42" Digging Spade
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Spear & Jackson Leaf Grabber Tool Cover #TOP 3
Spear & Jackson Leaf Grabber Tool
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Gardening Shovels & Spades

#TOP 1

Roughneck ROU68238 Drainage and Post Hole Shovel

ROU68238
Yellow & Black
7x15x108 cm
Roughneck ROU68238 Drainage and Post Hole Shovel Cover
Roughneck ROU68238 Drainage & Post Hole Shovel 1070mm/42 inch, Black

The Roughneck Drainage Shovel is designed for digging deep, narrow trenches, making it perfect for laying drains and creating cable channels. Its sharpened heavy-duty blade cuts through compacted, clay, or root-ridden ground with ease, allowing you to work efficiently. Made from heat-treated carbon steel with a corrosion-resistant finish, this tool promises durability. The full-size double-injected D-grip handle offers a soft grip for added comfort during prolonged use, ensuring a pleasant experience while you tackle your digging tasks.

What We Like
Efficient trench digging
Heavy-duty sharpened blade
Durable carbon steel construction
Comfortable grip handle
#TOP 2

Roughneck ROU68224 42" Digging Spade

ROU68224
Yellow & Black
Roughneck ROU68224 42" Digging Spade Cover
Roughneck ROU68224 Digging Spade 1070mm/42"

The Roughneck 42" Digging Spade is perfect for a range of gardening, landscaping, and building tasks. Its heat-treated, heavy-duty carbon steel construction ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, making it a reliable tool for outdoor projects. The foot treads enhance safety by reducing the risk of slippage, allowing you to work confidently. Additionally, the power ring socket with a steel-reinforced plug provides a strong connection between the blade and handle, ensuring efficient digging and cutting through tough soil.

What We Like
Durable carbon steel construction
Safety foot treads
Strong blade connection
Comfortable soft grip handle
#TOP 3

Spear & Jackson Leaf Grabber Tool

LEAFGRABBER
Blue
Spear & Jackson Leaf Grabber Tool Cover
Spear & Jackson LEAFGRABBER Plastic Leaf Grabber

The Leaf Grabber Tool from Spear & Jackson makes collecting leaves effortless. With its clever design, you can gather leaves without the need to bend down, saving your back from strain. The non-slip grips provide comfort during use, ensuring that you maintain a firm hold while working. Made from lightweight yet durable plastic, the grabbers are easy to handle, and their generous 500mm collecting head allows for efficient leaf collection. This tool is ideal for anyone looking to tidy up their garden with ease.

What We Like
Ergonomic design for comfort
Lightweight yet durable
Large collecting head
Non-slip grips
#TOP 4

Spear & Jackson 2154HK 16" Draining Shovel

2154HK
Grey
Spear & Jackson 2154HK 16" Draining Shovel Cover
Spear & Jackson 2154HK 16" Tubular Steel Draining Shovel, Grey

The Spear & Jackson Draining Shovel features a streamlined shaft that fits comfortably in your hand, making it easy to use for extended periods. Its automatically rotary welded design ensures maximum strength, so you can tackle tough gardening tasks without worry. The fully forged head, made from high strength carbon and manganese steel, provides excellent durability for digging and shifting soil. Additionally, the epoxy coating reduces soil adhesion and rust, ensuring your shovel remains in great condition over time.

What We Like
Comfortable ergonomic design
Strong and durable construction
Reduced soil adhesion
Rust resistance
#TOP 5

Large Wooden Handle Black Metal Coal Ash Shovel

ES9201
Black
Large Wooden Handle Black Metal Coal Ash Shovel Cover
Large 9" Wooden Handel Black Metal Steel Coal Ash Shovel for Fireplace and Dustpan

The Easy Shopping Coal Ash Shovel features a strong and sturdy design with a comfortable wooden handle, making it a pleasure to use for long periods. Its rust-resistant finish ensures durability, so you can rely on it for your fireplace or garden tasks without worrying about wear and tear. Weighing in at a lightweight design, it is easy to manoeuvre, providing convenience when handling ash, coal, or even pet food. This versatile shovel is not just for the fireplace; it can also serve well in the garden or as a feeding scoop.

What We Like
Comfortable wooden handle
Rust resistant finish
Lightweight design
Versatile use
Sturdy construction
#TOP 6

Roughneck Long Handled Drainage Shovel 57½"

ROU68237
Yellow & Black
Roughneck Long Handled Drainage Shovel 57½" Cover
Roughneck ROU68237 Long Handled Drainage Shovel 1460mm/57½"

The Roughneck Drainage Shovel is perfect for digging deep, narrow trenches for drains, pipes, and cables. Its sharpened heavy-duty blade makes it easier for you to cut through compacted, clay, or root-ridden ground, while the foot treads enhance stability and reduce slippage. Made from heat-treated carbon steel with a corrosion-resistant finish, this shovel is built to last. The long fibreglass handle with a contoured grip allows you to dig comfortably in an upright position, providing you with increased leverage and power during use.

What We Like
Great for deep trench digging
Sharp blade for tough ground
Durable carbon steel construction
Comfortable, upright digging position
Strong blade to handle connection
#TOP 7

Spear and Jackson Micro Round Shovel

MICROROUND
Blue
Spear and Jackson Micro Round Shovel Cover
Spear and Jackson MICROROUND Round Mouth Micro Shovel, Blue

The Micro Round Shovel by Spear and Jackson is perfect for tackling tasks in tight spaces, such as excavations and ditches. Its tough fiberglass shaft ensures durability, making it reliable for various gardening needs. The pressed carbon steel blade, measuring 210 x 150 mm, features treads that enhance digging efficiency. Additionally, the ergonomic hilt with a soft feel grip provides comfort during prolonged use, allowing you to work without fatigue.

What We Like
Ideal for confined spaces
Durable fiberglass shaft
Efficient carbon steel blade
Comfortable ergonomic grip
#TOP 8

Roughneck ROU68010 Round Point Mini Shovel

ROU68010
Multicolour
8.5x15x82 cm
Roughneck ROU68010 Round Point Mini Shovel Cover
Roughneck ROU68010 68010 Round Point Mini Shovel

The Roughneck Mini Shovel is perfect for those who need a reliable tool for digging. With a comfortable size of 850mm (34in), it is easy to handle and manoeuvre, making it a great choice for treasure hunters. Its design is particularly favoured by enthusiasts who appreciate its effectiveness in various digging tasks. Whether you are camping or exploring, this shovel will prove to be a handy companion, ensuring you can tackle your digging needs with ease and convenience.

What We Like
Great for digging tasks
Popular among treasure hunters
Convenient size for handling
Ideal for camping activities
#TOP 9

Large Hand Shovel With Wooden Handle

Black,beige
Large Hand Shovel With Wooden Handle Cover
Large Hand Shovel With Wooden Handle - Strong & Lightweight Shovel Is Ideal For Moving Snow Or Using It As A Coal Shovel, Mini Fireplace Spade | Durable & Long Lasting | Reinforced Handle

The BARGAINS-GALORE Hand Shovel is an excellent tool for both indoor and outdoor tasks. Its durable iron construction makes it perfect for shovelling coal or light gardening. The long wooden handle, featuring a convenient hole for easy storage, ensures comfort during use. With its sleek black finish, this shovel is not only functional but also stylish, adding a touch of traditional charm to your gardening tools. Whether you are managing a fireplace or tending to your garden, this shovel is a reliable choice.

What We Like
Durable iron construction
Long wooden handle for comfort
Easy storage with hanging hole
Stylish black finish
Versatile for coal and gardening
#TOP 10

Sealey GS01 Lightweight Gutter Scoop

GS01
Blue
Sealey GS01 Lightweight Gutter Scoop Cover
Sealey GS01 Gutter Scoop, Blue

The Sealey GS01 Gutter Scoop is a versatile tool made from lightweight and durable polypropylene. You can effortlessly use it for various tasks, such as sowing plant and grass seeds, making gardening easier and more enjoyable. Additionally, it is perfect for clearing gutters, helping you maintain a clean and functional drainage system. The scoop arrives unopened and sealed in its original packaging, ensuring you receive a fresh product. This handy tool is a must-have for any gardening enthusiast or homeowner looking to keep their outdoor spaces tidy.

What We Like
Lightweight design
Durable polypropylene material
Versatile for multiple tasks
Easy to handle
Sealed original packaging
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are spades and shovels the same?

Spade Blade. A shovel has a broader blade that is curved inwards from left to right and is rounded or pointed at the tip. ... A spade generally has a relatively flat blade with straight edges.

2. What are garden spades used for?

long and a flattened, rectangular blade as opposed to a shovel's scooped blade. Garden spade tools are used for light cultivation not earth moving, and the shape of the blade helps cut sod, reshape beds and digging out deeper planting holes.

3. Why are shovels called spades?

Also called spades The name comes from the shape, which is a little like a garden spade. The small tab shows that the spade is in place.

Editor's Notes

During our gardening shovels & spade research, we found 210 gardening shovels & spade products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 37,385 customer reviews through our big data system to write the gardening shovels & spades list. We found that most customers choose gardening shovels & spades with an average price of £20.78.

The gardening shovels & spades are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of gardening shovels & spades, including Roughneck, Spear & Jackson, Easy Shopping, BARGAINS-GALORE, Sealey.

Written by
Toby Butcher Avatar

Toby Butcher is a Horticulturist, and he earned his title as a Master Gardener in 2016. Toby has acquired a 25-year experience as a home gardener planting, designing, grooming vegetables and flowers. He is the leader of a plant group in Durham. Toby owns a blog where he publishes articles on growing and growing your flowers at home, in a vase, or in a garden.