Rabbiting spade

[Watellz]

Saw a rabbiting spade being used on Gardeners World. It was suggested it was a lightweight, useful spade for gardening.

As a not particularly strong woman, I've always struggled with digging and every spade I've had has been too heavy to use, and the weight of the soil on the big blade too heavy too lift. So I end up on my knees with a trowel.

Has anyone used a rabbiting spade? Would you recommend?

I haven't tried one @Watellz but I do have one of these which really helps! I was like you having to get down on hands and knees until I discovered it.

Definitely go do some progressive strength training. Your older self will appreciate it.

Just buy one & give it a go? I don't dig tho due to hip instability but it sounds a good idea.

I’d never heard of a rabbiting spade until last night, but I too struggle to dig with a spade and always use the lightest I can find. I’ve also seen “ladies’ spades” advertised.

After seeing one on GW last night I think DH is buying one. They look great for getting in small spaces.

I've always used border forks and spades which seem smaller/lighter than ladies. My DF's man spade in the 70s was ridiculously heavy.

i find standard spades to big to deal with and I am fairly fit. It’s the size (length) as well as the weight of the spade. I have a boarder spade and small spade which are easier to use. Go to a garden centre and look for one that suits.

I bought my Mum this small spade, as she was struggling with her old spade. She has loved it, it’s really sturdy but lightweight. I’d recommend it.

www.screwfix.com/p/roughneck-round-point-micro-shovel/53829?tc=BT2&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD8IdPwGemyEGKX6USb--XlOm_8gy&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_dbABhC5ARIsAAh2Z-SJPDj6bn964yD7S4rKnEvXL50cg4TU96wcLBmSWiRuNVmZAKAJhzgaAiHAEALw_wcB

I purchased this lightweight spade last year, which has a serrated edge to cut through roots. At 78, I needed something easier to use than traditional spades, and I have difficult soil in one border - clay, which can set solid, and lots of roots running through it, from a Birch tree. I’ve found it much easier to use, and it’s not heavy.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wilkinson-Sword-Ultralight-Digging-Spade/dp/B07Z53KQCL/ref=sr_1_7?adgrpid=53649103099&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3pUuu2PCsnBAS35E9uuJZm_340Rb3XxSd7OcVozYnZeENJrTqXJzbcNtv0_7IzqZB2vkpD6TTAS3QXnoAlfeq9maT6_aYyjmgyfq2qkZ8SR39ZLgQFTIrAHGUYmyaumAHrvC5-HpbiDsYDEhBfIFVrIZjhs6miQC6szMaDY_QJ0kwq5i3rco0UasyG2-IduXPZ1bGr7O3ZKAFiGusAj_RxWsxF_G8-K55unXXG4pbs7GrB0qaQyyO3t0TYTwf4edOjspoTF_-4ysOYIc_7rKvBfpAg6lN1E-c7WVGYkfkVE.VjOFK5yhhP-TEDW8f86FhCKQY_DAu4tt20Qmz1IteVs&dib_tag=se&gad_source=1&hvadid=259059144161&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9045999&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=13161216463617918338--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=13161216463617918338&hvtargid=kwd-316254084469&hydadcr=12350_1769909&keywords=lightweight+spade&mcid=efa3707ae05434e58a71ba9164e2a3dc&qid=1746302847&sr=8-7

Sorry for the long link!

Great suggestions. Thanks all.

I use a border spade with a pointed end and keep it sharpened.