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Step 1
Decide what you want to do with your garden shovel. If you need to dig through heavy clay soil, you will want a very sturdy shovel. If you need to dig irrigation ditches, you will want a thinner shovel.
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Step 2
Set a budget limit on your shovel. While you can get an inexpensive shovel very easily, you may want to splurge on a more expensive model for a sturdier shovel that will last a long time.
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Step 3
Pick a shovel size. If you want to do larger projects, you will want a heavier shovel with a larger spade. If you plan to do smaller projects, you should buy a shovel with a thinner spade.
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Step 4
Choose a shovel that is right for your height. A shovel that's too short or too long will cause back pain. Remember that the handle will add height to the shovel, so mimic using the shovel to determine which one is the most comfortable to use.
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Step 5
Buy a shovel with extra features. Stainless steel shovels are lighter, but cost more. Some shovels have flat parts on the top of the spade to make it easier to step on the shovel, which provides you with more leverage into the ground.









