Garden spades are one of the most important tools to have for garden owners. If you are a gardening enthusiast and want to buy one or two garden spades, here are some of the things to consider when selecting them.
Know the Types – Garden Spades
First, you need to know the different types of garden spades. The two main types are the digging and border garden spade. The digging type is broader than the border type. It is thus heavier and suited for large gardens.
Border garden spades are best suited for digging in between plants without damaging their roots. It is recommended to get both types sine you will need either during different stages of your gardening.
Things to Consider – Garden Spades
Secondly, also related to the types of garden spades, you must identify who will be using the spades. Two things need to be considered, one is the age and the second being the height.
If you are buying a gardening spade for a child, ensure to look for children’s varieties. Also, although many gardening spades are of a common length, depending on your height as well as strength, you can find longer than normal handle lengths.
Thirdly, consider the materials used for making the garden spades. You should look ate the different parts of the spade on their own. For the head, consider materials which are strong, durable and rust resistant.
It might cost you more initially to get spades with heads with all these specifications. However, if you consider long term costs, it is much cheaper. Go for garden spades with forged stainless steel.
Getting the Best Quality – Garden Spades
Look also at the material used to make the handle. The most common material is wood. However, hardwood is best since it is usually stronger. You can also consider fiberglass handles for eco friendliness. When looking at the material used in making the handle consider the weight since some materials can make the spade unnecessarily heavy.
The shape of the handle is also worth considering. The “T” and “D” shape handles are the most common types. T shape handles are more old school and lack durability and versatility found in D shaped handles. There is also a variation of the D shaped handle called the “O” shaped handle.
Finally, compare the costs of the garden spades. The costs will mainly vary depending on the type, brand and quality of the garden spade. Always go for the highest quality spade that you can afford. Also remember, the most expensive garden spades aren’t necessarily the best.