The best of...innovative yard tools

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

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