Start by loosening the soil with the blade of the shovel. Use the flat edge of the blade and push it into the ground at an angle. This will help to break up the soil and make it easier to dig. When pushing the blade into the ground, be sure to use your foot for extra leverage. Next, use the tip of the blade to dig into the soil to create a hole.

For both spades and shovels, the basic technique is to insert the blade into the ground, using one foot to push down on the ledge at the top of the blade, called the “step.” Shovels should be inserted into the ground at an angle and pushed slightly forward, while spades should be pushed into the ground vertically to create a straight edge.