Hand tools are part of our history having been in use by humans for some 3.3 million years. Starting with the stone age when their function was basically for hammering and cutting. Over time there was the Bronze Age when tools were made by casting alloys like tin and copper making them much sharper and harder than stone tools. Following this the Iron Age which meant that tools became even stronger and more durable, the Romans then developed tools which are quite simular to the ones we use today. Since the Industrial Revolution the manufacture of tools has largely changed from being made by craftsmen to being produced (mainly as cheaply as possible) often in huge volumes in factories right across the world. This timeless spade is strong and durable and appeals to users who prefer a traditional look and feel, though at 37.8 inches long, it may not be comfortable for taller users.

These good-looking and exceptionally hardworking tools have been designed to make light work of digging and cultivating, and are manufactured to last for years. Burgon & Ball garden spades and forks are endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society, one of the world’s foremost horticultural organisations and the UK's leading gardening charity. We are confident of the quality of our tools: each RHS-endorsed tool comes with a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects. E. P. Barrus has a trade mark licence agreement with Wilkinson Sword Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary of Energizer Holdings Inc) to sell and market the Wilkinson Sword range of garden tools in the UK and Eire. E. P. Barrus Ltd is a family company co-owned with MTD Products, one of the largest producers of outdoor powered equipment in the world who are committed to producing high quality lawn and garden machinery including the popular brands of Lawnflite, WOLF-Garten and Cub Cadet; distributed in the UK by Barrus.Applying age-old traditions in hand forging whilst also using state-of-the-art techniques, Sneeboer make quality stainless steel tools which are built to last. Sustainable tools which also prove to be cost effective considering garden tools frequently need to take a bit of a beating. Look for a spade with steel blades. Stainless steel and boron steel are strong, long-lasting, and rust-resistant. Carbon steel blades are super-durable and a little lighter weight but can be susceptible to moisture and rusting if not maintained properly. With proper maintenance and use, a garden spade can last a lifetime, especially ones constructed from solid, reliable materials. “Never put a spade away dirty,” Hughes says. “Use a wire brush—a grill brush is great—to remove any loose soil from the blade before storing the spade. Store your spade and all garden tools in a clean, dry place.” With proper maintenance, the best garden spades can last a lifetime, so a quality tool such as the Leonard Full-Strap Diamond-Point Spade may be well worth the investment.

Spade shafts can be made from a variety of materials like wood, plastic, fiberglass and metal. Wood is a popular option because it is sturdy and absorbs vibrations. However, it can sometimes splinter. Plastic and fiberglass are both lightweight, but they may snap under a lot of weight. Metal is a strong option, but it absorbs heat and can be uncomfortable to use.My favourite garden in fiction or film is The Draughtsman’s Contract because I love both the film and the fact that the garden played such a central role in it. We went to see it in 1984, and when we came out I said to Sarah, “God, I would love to work on a film like that.” This spade features a high-carbon, heat-treated steel blade that tapers to a pointed, beveled cutting edge to slice through dirt and roots with ease. For extra secure footing and comfort during prolonged use, you can attach the included rubber foot pad to the extra-wide turned step on either side of the blade. It may be hard to clean between the various joints and grips, and the handle grip may be too large for smaller hands.

It is very important to take proper care of your garden tool so that it continues to perform at its peak. Do not leave your tool outside, always store it away after use in a dry environment. Even in dry weather conditions your tools, if left outside, are exposed to moisture from wet grass and dew. An indulgence I would never forgo is a proper cooked breakfast. I always get up in time to have one, even – to my wife Sarah’s horror – if I have to leave at 6am and rise at 4.45am. Burgon and Balls stainless steel perennial spade is endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society, perhaps the highest accolade in the gardening world. Like all Burgon and Balls RHS-endorsed stainless steel tools, this perennial spade is covered by their lifetime guarantee.

Proudly owned and cherished by garden lovers, appreciated by those who seek quality and craftsmanship, revered by the most discerning gardeners all over the world, it’s little wonder then that Sneeboer have become synonymous with the best quality tools for gardeners.

This weighty spade may be a little heavy for some users and rivets on the steel strap can catch on hands or garden gloves. This well-balanced hybrid garden spade sports convenient no-slip grip sections on the reinforced fiberglass shaft. Air-cut holes lighten the ergonomic handle, which has two separate no-slip grip areas to accommodate different working techniques and minimize strain on hands and wrists. The large handle, however, may not be comfortable for smaller hands even when wearing garden gloves, and with various joints and grip sections this spade may be challenging to clean. If you have a green thumb, one of the most useful tools you will need in your shed is a garden spade. Spades are useful for digging because they have a wide, flat blade. This makes it easy to move and turn soil. While digging spades are the most common kind of garden spade, there are also other types of spades available. You and the garden will simply love these Sneeboer tools, classic ‘Buy Less – Buy Better products’. When shopping for the best garden spade for your collection, the blade and shaft material are important considerations.Avid gardeners moving shrubs and digging trenches daily may want to invest in a more expensive tool that will withstand years of daily use. Those who use a spade for occasional or light work can be confident selecting a lower-priced tool fashioned from durable materials.