Three Types of Spade: What Each One Is For
Standard Digging Spade
Rectangular blade, approximately 28×19 cm. The general-purpose workhorse for all heavy soil work: breaking new ground, deep digging, moving soil in bulk, planting large shrubs and trees. When to use: Any time you need to move large volumes of soil or cut into undisturbed ground. The most important spade in your collection.
Border Spade
Smaller blade (typically 23×15 cm) and lighter overall weight. Designed for working in established borders without damaging plant roots — the smaller blade fits into tighter spaces. Also easier to use for smaller gardeners or those with limited upper body strength. When to use: Planting in established beds, working around existing plants, light soil work.
Edging Spade (Half-Moon Edger)
A half-circular or flat-sided blade designed specifically for cutting clean vertical edges along lawns, paths and borders. Not a digging tool — used in an upright chopping motion to cut through turf and produce crisp, defined edges. When to use: Spring and autumn border edging, creating new bed edges, redefining established edges that have crept outward.
Blade Material and Quality
Pressed/stamped steel: Budget tools. The head is formed from a single steel sheet bent and pressed to shape. The socket (where handle meets head) is a crimped join — this is where failures happen. Suitable for light, occasional use.
Solid forged: The entire head is formed from a single billet of steel, heated and hammered to shape. No welds, no crimped joins — the socket is integral to the head. Dramatically stronger and longer-lasting. This is the only construction worth buying for regular use.
Handle Materials
Ash wood: Traditional, strong, slightly flexible (absorbs shock), replaceable. Requires occasional linseed oil treatment to prevent drying and cracking.
Fibreglass: Virtually unbreakable, no maintenance. Slightly less natural feel but better in wet conditions.
Tubular steel: Very strong, heavy, cold in winter. Usually only on high-end professional tools.
FAQ
What length spade handle do I need?
Stand the spade vertically next to you. The handle should reach approximately to your hip bone. Too short causes excessive bending; too long reduces leverage. Long-handled (1.2m+) versions are available for taller users — the difference in comfort is significant over a full day's digging.