The best of...innovative yard tools
Rapitest 3-Way Soil Analyzer, The Pocket Hose, and more
Rapitest 3-Way Soil Analyzer
This probe measures soil temperature, pH, and fertility, “taking the guesswork out of when to plant and what soil amendments to add.”
$30, walmart.com
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Source: Better Homes and Gardens
The Pocket Hose
Fill this light-duty garden hose with water and it’ll expand to 25 feet. Allow water to drain and the hose shrinks back down to a size that’s ideal for quick storage.
$13, pockethose.com
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Source: Better Homes and Gardens
Tomita Hori Hori
A Japanese-style soil-digging knife can be “a life changer.” Perfect for planting and weeding, the stainless-steel blade is tough enough to pry out stones; its serrated edge cuts through roots.
$32, amazon.com
Source: Real Simple
Ryobi Leaf Blower
This 42 cc backpack blower delivers more wind force than its rivals because of a simple innovation: The air tube doesn’t take the standard detour up and over the engine.
$199, homedepot.com
Source: Popular Science
Zippo 4-in-1 Woodsman
This “awesome” multi-use saw can cut through four-inch oak branches. But fold away the blade and the tool also functions as a mallet, hatchet, or stake puller.
$78, opticsplanet.com
Source: TrendHunter.com
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