Shovel vs. Spade

Every gardener knows the importance of using the right tool for the right job. Without the proper tools, you could spend longer than needed on certain chores or you could suffer strained muscles from working at awkward angles. Let's take a look at the difference between a shovel and a spade, just to be sure you choose the right dirt-digging tool...

A shovel has what's called a lift, or "gooseneck," right behind the blade. The gooseneck is designed to lift the handle of the shovel at an angle so that when the blade is laid on the ground, the end of the handle hits somewhere between your knee and the top of your thigh.

Shovels are made for digging dirt and moving it to another place. When buying a shovel, take the time to find one whose lift and handle length are comfortable for you.

Unlike a shovel, a spade has no lift. Instead, when the tool is laid on the ground, the handle lies flat rather than rising to mid-thigh. Spades are meant for working the soil--prying and loosening dirt--not moving it.

Also in this Episode

Grow It! : Episode GRW-104
•	Create a Quiet Backyard Sanctuary Featuring a Water Garden
•	Raccoon Remedies
•	Shovel vs. Spade
•	Q&A: Caterpillars
•	Q&A: Year-Round Beauty
•	Mexican Daisy