The presenter has shared advice for anyone who needs to refresh their gardening tools
Amber O’Connor Money and Lifestyle reporter U35s
15:31, 09 Mar 2026
The presenter’s advice applies to all gardeners (stock photo)(Image: Getty)
Monty Don has advised gardeners to avoid cutting corners when buying one essential piece of equipment. The Gardeners’ World presenter stressed that investing in quality kit is worthwhile, claiming that his favourite tool has lasted him over thirty years.
The expert shared his tip in a TikTok video shared by the @Gardenersworldmag, explaining that a spade is the ‘most useful thing you can have in your garden.’ Showing off his favourite pick, Monty said: “This is not just any spade. This was made for me. And I watched it happen in November 1990, and I’ve had it ever since.
“I will never let anyone else touch it. And the moral behind that is, get yourself a good spade, whatever that means to you. Don’t try and save money. Get a spade that feels good.”
He added: “I’ve been using this for 35 years. I’m sure it will see me out. A good spade will last. I plant everything with it. I dig everything with it. It’s the most useful thing you can have in your garden.”
The post earned over 20k views and hundreds of likes. Someone replied: “Reminds me of the episode of love your garden where Monty does share it and he explains to the guy he doesn’t usually let anyone else use his spade, loved that one.”
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Others said they couldn’t believe the spade wasn’t new, as it had been so well looked after. One such viewer said they thought the spade was ‘brand new’, and a fan replied: “It’s a well looked after spade. Use it, clean and dry it properly, and it will last.”
According to GardenersWorld.com, several factors should be considered when choosing a spade, including the type and material, reports the Express. The experts said: “Heavy digging spades are favoured by some because their weight helps the blade cut through the soil more easily.
“However, if you have back problems or can only dig for short periods, you should consider looking for a spade made from lighter materials like aluminium or one that’s more ergonomically designed.
Monty Don’s tip went viral on social media (stock photo)(Image: Getty)
“Longer and angled shafts help you bend less and will take the strain off your back, but it can take a while to adjust to the unusual digging angle. You should also ensure that the garden spade is tall enough. Too short a shaft for your height will put extra strain on the back.”
While stainless steel is typically a good choice for heavy ground, and the blades won’t rust, the experts added that these spades could be too heavy for some gardeners. For those looking for something lighter, a carbon steel blade might be a better choice. There’s also a lower chance of the spade snapping due to the construction. However, carbon steel can rust, so it’s important to set aside time for maintenance.
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