Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel garden spade wherein the scoop portion has straight sides. In addition, the proximal end of the scoop has a hammer plate uninterrupted by the neck which neck is attached to the scoop of the spade distal to the hammer plate. The neck and handle attached to the neck are angled such that the hammer plate can be struck with the greatest amount of clearance and best angle of attack for hitting a spade compared to previous spades which are not designed to successfully be hit without damage to either the spade, the user or both.