A seed spreader is designed to distribute granular materials such as seed, fertilizer, or ice melt uniformly across a surface. Achieving even coverage is paramount, whether you are trying to establish a lush lawn or ensure precise nutrient delivery. A successful application requires proper equipment selection, careful setup, and consistent technique. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to using a spreader effectively.
Identifying Different Spreader Types
The type of spreader you use significantly affects the application method and the resulting coverage pattern. The three main categories are drop, broadcast, and handheld spreaders. Drop spreaders release the material directly beneath the hopper, creating a precise, narrow path equal to the width of the machine. These are ideal for accuracy, especially near walkways, garden beds, or driveways, as they minimize product waste on hard surfaces.
Broadcast, or rotary, spreaders use a spinning disc to fling the material in a wide, fan-shaped arc, covering a much larger area with each pass. This design makes them highly efficient for covering medium to large open spaces quickly. However, the spread pattern is less precise and can be affected by wind, which may lead to some material landing outside the target zone.
Handheld spreaders are small, manually operated broadcast units that are best suited for applying material to very small lawns or irregular, tight spaces where a wheeled spreader cannot easily navigate. While they offer convenience for small areas, the consistency of the spread is often less uniform, as it relies heavily on the operator’s speed and cranking motion.
Pre-Application Setup and Rate Setting
Before any material is spread, preparation is necessary to ensure the correct application rate is achieved across the entire area. The first step involves calculating the total square footage of the area to be treated, which determines the exact amount of product required based on the manufacturer’s recommended application rate. For example, if a fertilizer label recommends 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet, and your lawn is 8,000 square feet, you will need exactly 40 pounds of material.
Once the required quantity is known, consult the material bag for the recommended spreader setting, which controls the size of the gate opening at the bottom of the hopper. This setting is designed to match the product’s granule size and weight to a specific flow rate, but it serves only as an approximate starting point. Spreader settings are not universal, and factors like the machine’s age, the product’s density, and even humidity can impact the actual flow rate.
To mitigate the risk of over-application, which can “burn” the lawn with too much fertilizer or waste expensive seed, divide the total material into two equal halves. Fill the hopper only with the first half of the material; this allows for a two-pass application method that significantly improves uniformity. Finally, always fill the hopper on a sidewalk, driveway, or tarp, away from the lawn, so any accidental spillage can be easily swept up and returned to the bag.
Executing the Spread: Techniques for Even Coverage
Consistent technique is the most important factor for achieving a uniform result once the spreader is calibrated and filled. Maintaining a steady, consistent walking pace is essential, as the rate of discharge in broadcast spreaders is directly influenced by the speed of the operator. For most push-style spreaders, a brisk, even walking speed of approximately three miles per hour is considered optimal.
A highly effective technique for ensuring even distribution is to first apply a “header strip” by making one or two passes around the entire perimeter of the area. This border pass provides a buffer zone, allowing for easier turning and helping to prevent the main passes from overshooting the edges of the lawn. After the perimeter is established, the main area should be covered by walking in parallel lines, like mowing a lawn.
The key to seamless coverage is maintaining the correct amount of overlap between each pass, which prevents the formation of “zebra stripes” in the turf. For broadcast spreaders, this usually means aligning the wheel of the spreader on the return pass with the path where the material from the previous pass stopped spreading. In contrast, drop spreaders require you to slightly overlap the wheel tracks from the previous pass to ensure no narrow, unfertilized strips remain. It is also critical to close the flow gate lever before coming to a stop, especially when turning, and to begin walking again before reopening the gate to prevent excessive material from dumping in one spot.
Cleaning and Storing the Equipment
Immediate post-use maintenance is a simple but necessary step to prolong the life and accuracy of your spreader. The hopper should be completely emptied of any remaining seed or granular material, as residues can attract moisture and harden, leading to clogs or corrosion. Fertilizer, in particular, contains salts and corrosive chemicals that can quickly degrade metal components if left in contact with the equipment.
After emptying, the spreader should be thoroughly rinsed with water, paying close attention to the agitator, flow gate, and spinning disc or vanes. A mild detergent and soft brush can be used to remove any stubborn or sticky residues. Caution should be exercised when rinsing to avoid directing high-pressure water toward bearings, seals, or any electrical components on the unit.
The final step before storage is to ensure the equipment is completely dry, which prevents the formation of rust or mold. Once dry, the spreader should be stored in a clean, dry location, such as a garage or shed, and kept out of direct sunlight. This preventative care maintains the integrity of the spreader’s moving parts and guarantees it will be ready for the next application.