Shovels are not necessary to harvest roots, you can do it with a sickle or axe as well. It seems RP is the only thing you will need one for.
As I recall, a GM was selling farming implements at some point, a few of us stocked up on shovels back then. You could ask around in the hopes of finding a player who can sell you one, or talk to me if you meet me in game.
As for Nyshyn, I guess you could try visiting and see if she does indeed have a shovel to spare, though I don't recall ever doing such a quest for her.