How to Choose a Fertilizer/Seed Spreader

Seed spreaders come in three basic styles, hand-held, push, and pull-behind. They vary greatly in price and efficiency, and each fills a specific need. Choosing the one that suits your needs is not difficult at all. It all boils down to how much seed/fertilizer you are going to be spreading. Let's analyze each one, and determine the best route to take.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Hand-held broadcast spreaders are pretty decent gadgets for the money. They can usually be purchased for under $20.00, and will sling seed and/or fertilizer quite a distance. Some are designed with larger hoppers, and have a shoulder strap to help distribute the extra weight. If you only have a small project like re-seeding bare spots, or if your overall lawn is small, this may be all you need in a spreader.

2. 
    

   Like the name implies, you PUSH a push spreader. They have larger capacity hoppers than the hand-held, and handlebars to push them with. The broadcast mechanism is activated by the rolling of the wheels, the faster you push, the farther it throws the seeds. Prices vary according to quality and size, generally you can figure on between $25.00 and $150.00. These will handle small to moderate size jobs, and they're good exercise as well.

3. 
    

   Pull-behind machines are designed to cover a lot of ground, and do it in an efficient and timely manner. They have larger hoppers than the other models, and a hitch to connect them to your lawn mower or 4-wheeler. Quality will dictate the price on these as well, size will also make a difference. You can find some for as little as $50.00, and others can cost hundreds of dollars

Tips & Warnings

• I hope this helps you to understand the different types of spreaders available, and guide you in your choice. Whichever style you choose, I would suggest buying the best you can afford. In the long run, the quality will make a difference, and it should last you for years.

[apalmer]

on 6/17/2009 Great information on seed spreaders.