Using a grass seed spreader is the best way to achieve uniform coverage when seeding a new lawn or overseeding an existing one. This tool prevents the clumping and uneven distribution that often occurs with hand-spreading. Proper application ensures that the correct amount of seed reaches the soil across the entire area, promoting a consistently dense and healthy turf. Understanding the specific type of spreader and how to set its application rate are the first steps toward a successful outcome.
Understanding Different Spreader Types
The two primary options are the drop spreader and the rotary, or broadcast, spreader. A drop spreader releases seed directly beneath the hopper between the wheels, depositing the material in a precise, narrow path. This design is well-suited for smaller yards, areas near garden beds, or along walkways where precise material placement is necessary to avoid waste or accidental seeding of non-lawn areas.
A rotary spreader uses a spinning disc to fling the seed out in a wide arc, often several feet in both directions. This allows the user to cover a much larger area quickly, making it the preferred choice for expansive lawns. Rotary spreaders are faster and more efficient, but they offer less precision than a drop spreader, sometimes making it difficult to control the exact boundary of the spread pattern.
Calibration and Determining the Application Rate
Successful seeding depends on applying the seed at the rate recommended by the seed manufacturer, which is typically printed on the bag for a given square footage. Since every spreader model and seed type has a different flow rate, using the recommended setting on the bag is a starting point, not a guarantee. This setting corresponds to a dial on the spreader that controls the size of the opening.
To avoid the risk of over- or under-seeding, a simple calibration test can be performed. This involves measuring a small test area, such as 100 square feet, and calculating the weight of seed needed for that space based on the bag’s overall rate. By loading the calculated amount into the spreader and making a pass over the test area, you can observe whether the material runs out too quickly or too slowly, allowing you to fine-tune the dial setting. Adjusting the dial up or down, then repeating the test, is the most accurate way to match the spreader’s output to the required application rate before seeding the entire lawn.
Execution: The Proper Spreading Technique
Spreading requires a consistent and moderate walking speed, as the speed directly influences the distribution pattern of the seed. A walking speed of about one meter per second is the benchmark for manufacturer settings, and maintaining a steady pace helps ensure the material is released uniformly. To prevent stripes, engage the on/off lever only when the spreader is in motion and disengage it immediately before stopping or turning.
The most effective technique involves making two passes over the entire area, with the second pass running perpendicular to the first, also known as a crisscross pattern. For this method, the spreader should be set to half the recommended rate, applying 50% of the seed in the first direction and the remaining 50% in the perpendicular direction. This dual-pass approach minimizes the chance of misses and overlaps, resulting in the most uniform seed establishment. When using a drop spreader, the wheel from the current pass should slightly overlap the track from the previous pass to ensure complete coverage.
Immediate Post-Application Steps and Storage
After the grass seed has been spread, initiate a consistent watering regimen. New grass seed requires the soil to be kept consistently moist for germination. This often means light watering multiple times a day, particularly in dry or warm weather, to prevent the tiny seeds from drying out.
Following the application, the spreader must be thoroughly cleaned to prevent corrosion. Any remaining seed should be poured back into its bag. The spreader should be rinsed out with a hose to remove all seed debris. Leaving the spreader to dry completely, ideally in the sun, prevents rust on metal components and keeps the flow mechanisms from seizing up.