For starters, a shovel is more suited for lifting and shifting soil than other garden uses. It can be used to dig into the ground, but only on softer, looser terrains. Spades, on the other hand, feature signature flat, sharper blades, and is perfect for digging straight into the ground and making edging around gardens. Spades typically have a “step” on their blade, where you can kick your foot to help the tool break into the soil surface.