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30 March 2005
Calling a spade a spade
By Charlie Wilkins
IN THE US a shovel is used more for the removal of snow than actual gardening, and nothing else equals its unique, broad, flat blade for bulk lifting.
In Ireland however, the spade is king, and there are dozens of models to choose from including those with long or short wooden handles.
Opinions about the right depth and width of blade change as you cross county borders but in general expect a good Irish spade to have a fourfoot long handle (or shaft) and a 13’’ long, tapered blade. Using the wrong spade can put a person off gardening for life.
An Irish made spade will also have a ‘step’ at the top of the blade which you push down on this to dig, and it saves your footwear in the process, and the upper half of the handle will nowadays have a rubber covering to cushion the grip.
The first thing that will impress you when using one of these long-handled, wooden spades is not having to bend as you use it. The second thing is the speed at which you can turn over the soil.
If you can stretch to a stainless steel spade, do so even if you have to push every limit possible. It will serve you for ever, and it’ll be a pleasure to use during any season.
Wet, sticky muck will not cling to the blade and you’ll be able to continue digging and working long after conventional spade users have quit.
Again, buy a size that suits you. Small men or slight women would be much better off with a smaller border spade.
Above all, buy one that has a closed socket. The socket is that portion where handle meets blade.
An open socket may be easier to marry to a new handle in the event of breakage, but it is not nearly as strong as the closed socket.
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