Spreader Setting for Grass Seeds

For small lawn repairs, seeding can be done by hand, but spreaders are useful for larger areas.

Grass seed can be applied by several spreader types. Hand spreaders, drop spreaders and rotary spreaders can be used to seed a lawn area. Recommended rates can be determined by referring to the owner's manual and synchronizing your spreader to the rate of grass seed recommended on the seed's packaging.

Drop Spreaders

Drop spreaders look and operate much like reel mowers.

Drop spreader rates differ significantly from rotary and hand spreaders as they deliver seed by directly dropping seed over the prepared area. Drop spreaders are far more accurate than rotary spreaders but require more time to use.

Rotary Spreaders

Select the correct type of grass seed for your area.

Rotary spreaders work by broadcasting seed in an arcing pattern over a lawn area. Most grass seed bags list the recommended settings of the most common manufactured spreaders. Depending the grass seed type, generally seed should be applied at a rate of 3 to 4 lbs. per thousand square feet.

Hand Spreaders

Regardless of spreader type, make sure that the grass seed is acurately weighed to deliver the correct amount.

Hand spreaders are hand-held rotary spreaders suitable for seeding smaller areas. Settings for hand spreaders can be determined by using the recommended seeding rate on the package of seed and using the manufacturer's recommended setting for the desired rate.

References

• University of Minnesota SULIS; Seeding Rates and Planting Methods; 2006
• University of Arizona; Spring Overseeding...; David M. Kopec; March 2001
• University of Vermont Extension; Spring Lawn Care; Leonard Perry, Ph.D

Resources

• Colorado State University; Steps to Establishing a New Lawn from Seed; April 2009