Every gardener agrees that the planting spade is an essential tool for their garden. Whether your garden is for tree or flower planting, this spade comes in handy in lifting lumps of soil when creating planting furrows.
Getting What You Need – Planting Spade
There are many planting spades on sale today. However, established gardeners can agree that not all spades are top quality. Also, a fancy design doesn’t necessarily mean that the spade is better. Here are the basics to finding a good planting spade for your garden.
Consider the use of the spade before buying it. That is, what will you be planting most in your garden. The reason for this is that planting spades come in different head sizes, designs and finishes. Also, consider the soil type in your garden before going for a particular spade.
Narrow it Down – Planting Spade
Think about specific features of the planting spade rather than looking at it as a whole. Remember, every feature must serve a purpose for your planting. The main features to look at are the head, shaft and handle.
For the head, look at it size, materials used and the foot treading used. Think about the amount of space between plants as well as space needed for planting purposes. The head size should be such that it cannot interfere with other plants’ roots.
The materials used for making the head should exhibit strength and durability. Forged carbon steel is the best material for the head. Foot treading used on planting spades vary in terms of size and design. One thing to think about when looking at the foot treading is comfort and ease of use.
The shaft should be long enough to enable easy use of the planting spade. Standard lengths are 28 inches although you can find longer ones. Also, consider the materials used in terms of the strength vs weight ratio.Stronger and lighter materials such as Ash wood are the best.
Planting spades have “T” or “D” handles. The D type handles are considered to be better in terms of quality and durability. Other features of the planting spade to consider are the joints.
Make Comparisons! – Planting Spade
Look for planting spades manufactured by reputable manufacturers. The reason for this is that these spades are usually top quality. Also, ensure that you make a comparison between the price and quality of the spade.
To do this, simply look at the features of the planting spade and compare the prices offered for different spades of the same quality. You are likely to find a quality planting spade at a great deal.