Gardening is a wonderful hobby that provides a lot of benefits to both the mind and body. It's an excellent way to relax and unwind while also getting some exercise and fresh air.

One of the most essential tools for any gardener is a good quality shovel or spade. Tiger Supplies explore the importance of purchasing high-quality shovel and spades for your gardening.

1. Durability

A high-quality shovel or spade is made from materials that are durable and long-lasting. Investing in a good quality tool can save you money in the long run, as you won't have to replace it as frequently. A durable shovel or spade will also help you avoid frustration and delays in your gardening tasks as it will not break or wear out easily.

2. Efficiency

A good quality shovel or spade can make your gardening tasks more efficient. The right tool can make digging, planting, and transplanting faster. High-quality tools also have sharp edges that make cutting through soil, roots, and tough plants easier.

3. Comfort

Gardening can be a physically demanding activity, and using the wrong tools can lead to fatigue, soreness, and even injury. A good quality shovel or spade is designed to be ergonomic, making it easier and more comfortable to use. High-quality tools often have padded handles or grips that help reduce strain on your hands and wrists.

4. Precision

A high-quality shovel or spade can help you achieve more precise results in your gardening tasks. The sharp edges and sturdy design of a good quality tool allow you to work with greater accuracy, which is particularly important when it comes to delicate tasks like transplanting seedlings or dividing perennials.

5. Versatility

Finally, a good quality shovel or spade is versatile and can be used for a wide range of gardening tasks. Whether you're digging planting holes, breaking up soil, or removing weeds, a high-quality tool can be your go-to choice.

Shovel and Spades by Tiger Supplies

(CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO GO DIRECTLY TO THAT PRODUCT)

Tiger Supplies offer a wide range of gardening equipment, including shovels and spades that suit your needs. Below is a guide to our range as well as some helpful tips that you may benefit from when making your next purchase.

Open Socket 

Open socket shovels are used for moving loose earth, sand,  gravel and grain, etc. They are hot pressed from pre-cut sheets of either hot rolled heavy-gauge carbon steel or aluminium sheet. They are not primarily designed for digging or levering. This type of shovel is easily identified as Open Socket by the fact that the end of the handle (normally wood) can be seen protruding through the bottom of the pressed socket.

Solid Socket

Solid socket tools have their blades and sockets hot, double roll formed from one single piece of best quality steel. The socket is forged as an integral part of the blade. This type of tool is readily identified by the fact that the handle fits into a ‘blind’ socket. Solid socket tools are preferred for heavy shovelling out, back filling trenches, mixing concrete, tarmac and ballast work.

Shovel Handle Types

T Handle

Plain and economical type of T-Grip. The handle top is mortised, tenoned, and glued possessing good strength characteristics. 

Polypropylene YD

‘Y’ or ‘D’ shaped grip, moulded from high impact polypropylene to comfortably fit the hand. Totally weatherproof and easy to clean.

Metal MYD

Used for contractors and heavy industrial tools. Manufactured from a tough steel frame and fitted with a robust wooden hilt with rivets to resist twisting.

All Steel MYD

Used for contractors and heavy industrial tools. Steel handles are often welded into the body of the shovel socket for extra strength and rigidity, producing a very strong tool for digging.

Fibreglass

Designed for extremely heavy-duty industrial use. Chemically bonded into solid socket tools, these shafts are over 30% stronger than ‘all metal’ types.

Polyfibre

Designed to produce a high degree of strength and comfort with a profile moulded PYD hand grip. Fibreglass core is coated with polypropylene sheathing.

Shaped Long Shafts

Designed to give a longer reach on a tool, so that the user does not have to bend. The wooden handle has a ‘waisted’ diameter for easier manipulation and a ‘knobbed’ end.

All Steel

For heavy-duty industrial work including digging or lifting material out of trenches – giving a much longer reach for the more arduous tasks. Manufactured in steel or fibreglass.

Tips to maintain your shovels and spades

To care for your digging tools, consider the following tips:

• Remove all the soil from your shovels and spades after each use.
• Don’t put them away wet. You should allow your tools to dry completely. 
• If you use any tools for chemical applications, clean them thoroughly. Chemicals such as fertilisers can corrode the metal parts of the shovels and spades.

Final thoughts on gardening shovels and spades

In conclusion, purchasing high-quality shovel and spades is essential for any gardener. These tools offer durability, efficiency, comfort, precision, and versatility. While they may be more expensive than lower-quality options, they are a worthwhile investment in the long run as they can help you enjoy your gardening activities to the fullest. So, invest in a good quality shovel or spade and enjoy the many benefits it has to offer!