Wide comfort treads at the top of the blade prevent any discomfort for feet, allowing you to really dig deep. Finance is provided by PayPal Credit (a trading name of PayPal UK Ltd, Whittaker House, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond-Upon-Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom, TW9 1EH).

Each blade is made using high quality stainless steel and the strong ash handles feature a comfortable Y shaped grip. We've tested a range of spade brands, using them in different gardens and situations to help you find the right one for your garden. Some mention that it is good, strong, and lightweight, while others say that it's much heavier than expected, and is difficult to carry for a lady. Our stainless steel small Groundbreaker spade is endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society, perhaps the ultimate accolade in gardening. To save some money on your favourite tools, take a look at the best Black Friday tool deals we've found for you.

We have everything for the dedicated and occasional gardener alike, as well as providing great places to visit for a great cup of coffee and much more. The stainless steel head is rust-resistant with wide comfort treads at the top of the blade to prevent any discomfort to feet, allowing you to dig deep. Each spade has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to comfort , durability , handling and value for money. Please note: take care not to place excessive strain on wooden handles when levering out roots or rocks in very firm soil. All the garden spades were trialled and tested in a number of scenarios, which included digging and clearing an area of ground, digging and turning over the soil to get it ready for planting and lifting and transplanting perennials.

This is a nicely designed spade that feels well balanced, digs sharply and has a comfortable handle and good length shaft. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie preferences, as described in the Cookie notice. Most purchases from business sellers are protected by the Consumer Contract Regulations 2013 which give you the right to cancel the purchase within 14 days after the day you receive the item.Every tool is hand-forged in the Netherlands from tough boron steel - shaped, sharpened and burnished for durability, giving it the same blackened patina as traditional Edwardian tools. The handle is comfortable and the wide treads stop the feet from slipping and protect boot soles from splitting on the blade. The Burgon and Ball Groundbreaker Spade handle is crafted from FSC certified ash, which gives you peace of mind that the wood has been sourced from managed forests.

Stainless steel blades are shiny and cut cleanly through soil, in particular clay, so these are a good option if you are digging over heavy ground. A slightly shorter handle aids manoeuvrability, making it ideal for smaller plots or gardeners who prefer a more compact tool. Some spades are designed for general digging and planting, while others are specialised for tasks such as edging, trenching, or transplanting. When using a garden spade, it is important to use proper technique to avoid injury and to get the best results.Heavy digging spades are favoured by some because their weight helps the blade cut through the soil more easily. This spade has been tested to a breaking strain of 90kg; far above and beyond the British standard of 55kg. Carbon steel blades are a little lighter, tougher and can be solid forged – where the blade and socket are made from one continuous piece of metal – so there is less chance of snapping.

The shaft and YD handle are crafted from FSC hardwood but the strapped socket and the rivets that attach it to the shaft catch on the handle occasionally when lifting plants or soil. I love this spade, it makes digging planting holes much easier on my heavy soil which is sticky when wet and rock hard when dry.

The lower part of the carbon-steel blade is uncoated so it can be sharpened and it comes with a lifetime guarantee.