The Best Garden Shovels

Fiskars 9669

• While the Fiskars Corp. is better known for producing scissors, the company also produces lawn and garden tools, including shovels. The Fiskars 9669 shovel, according to the Mother Earth News website, is one of the best garden shovels in the world. The 47-inch-long shovel has a D-shaped handle with a distinctive, teardrop-shaped design for increased comfort. The shaft and digging blade of the Fiskars 9669 both consist of steel, as does the blade's treaded step plate. The step plate is located at the top of the digging blade and allows you to comfortably step down on the shovel for added pressure.

Ames Viper 1330000

• Like the Fiskars 9669, the Ames Viper 1330000 garden shovel is 47 inches long. However, instead of relying on steel, this shovel has an integrated fiberglass shaft and handle that includes a cushioned grip for added comfort. The steel digging blade of the shovel connects to its shaft with a large steel collar. According to the product review resource Tibesti, the Ames Viper 1330000 is one of the "best of the best" when it comes to garden shovels. The shovel also includes a forward-turned step plate at the top of its blade.

Jackson J-250 Kodiak Round Point Shovel

• The Jackson J-250 Kodiak Round Point Shovel has a staggering 59.5 inch length, which means it can provide significant leverage for dislodging rocks and moving other heavy loads. While the integrated shaft and handle of the shovel consists of wood, its digging blade is made of 14-gauge titanium steel alloy. The oversized, 11-inch socket that connects the shovel's blade to its shaft also is titanium steel. Like the Ames Viper shovel, the Jackson J-250 has a forward-turned step plate for applying increased pressure. Tibesti rates the shovel as one of the "best of the best."

Toolite Midwest Rake 49500 Round Point Shovel

• Tibesti considers the Toolite shovel among the best available. However, unlike the other top garden shovels on the market, Toolite shovels -- such as the Toolite Midwest Rake 49500 Round Point Shovel -- have pea-sized holes perforating their digging blades. These holes, in addition to contributing to a lighter-weight design, allow horticulturists to dig in boggy, water-logged soils without having to worry about mud and muck sticking to shovel blades. The holes allow mud and other partially liquefied materials to flow through. The Toolite 49500 shovel is 48 inches long and has an integrated fiberglass shaft and handle with rubber grip. The blade of the shovel consists of tempered steel.