Garden Shovel:

  1. Shape: A garden shovel typically has a curved blade with a pointed tip and a concave scoop. The blade is usually wider and more curved than that of a spade.

  2. Function: Garden shovels are designed for digging and moving loose materials such as soil, compost, mulch, gravel, or sand. They are excellent for tasks like digging planting holes, removing or relocating soil, and scooping and spreading materials.

  3. Digging: The curved shape of the shovel’s blade makes it well-suited for digging holes, as it can scoop out soil efficiently.

  4. Handle: Shovels usually have a longer handle than spades, which allows for more leverage when digging or moving materials.

  5. Versatility: Garden shovels are versatile tools that can handle a wide range of tasks, making them a fundamental tool in most gardeners’ toolsheds.

Garden Spade:

  1. Shape: A garden spade typically has a flat, rectangular blade with a straight or slightly pointed tip. The blade is often narrower and flatter than that of a shovel.
  2. Function: Garden spades are primarily used for cutting and edging. They are well-suited for tasks like digging trenches, shaping garden beds, cutting through sod, and edging around flower beds or walkways.
  3. Cutting: The flat, straight blade of a spade is designed for cutting through turf, sod, or compacted soil. It is less effective at scooping and moving loose materials compared to a shovel.
  4. Handle: Spades usually have a shorter handle compared to shovels, which provides more control and precision for cutting and edging tasks.
  5. Specialized Use: While spades are specialized for cutting and edging, they may not be as versatile as shovels for general gardening tasks.