Best Overall
Earthway 50-lb. Commercial Broadcast Spreader
Runner-Up
Titan Attachments Professional Broadcast Spreader
Best Bang for the Buck
Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader
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Whether seeding a new lawn , feeding an be garden , or treating a yard for an insect infestation , a fertilizer spreader is an invaluable tool . These automobile applylawn careproducts cursorily and equally without require you to stir them , keeping you dependable from contacting potentially dangerous chemicals and result in more consistent software with less product wastefulness . In the winter , they can also be used to spread salt on icy walkways and itinerary . But recognise which broadcaster is right for your property and needs requires a petty research , which is why we tested 13 popular models before selecting just nine to recommend .
Based on our tests and the professional opinions of two lawn care expert , we take theEarthway 50 - lb . commercial-grade Broadcast Spreaderas our top pick . This three - point fertilizer spreader holds a substantial amount of merchandise , delivers a consistent spread pattern , and is easy to maneuver — even when full . However , there ’s also a pot to like about the rest of the models that passed our test , so it ’s worth reexamine all of the best fertilizer broadcaster before choosing the one that ’s veracious for you .
Fertilizer Spreaders Comparison Chart
Our Top Picks
Each of the following manikin earned a daub on our listing based on their standout carrying out in our hands - on tests . Read on to instruct more about their spread capacity , holding mental ability , precision , and method acting of operation .
Our rating : Durability5/5 ; Maneuverability5/5;Ease of Assembly5/5 ; Storage3/5 ; Value5/5
The Earthway walk - behind diffuse fertiliser spreader is a commercial-grade - grade multiuse spreader sized for grand between 10,000 square feet and an Akko . It features a heavy - tariff poly hopper with a 50 - hammering capacity , and its frame has a 175 - pound loading - hold limitation for withstanding uneven terrain . The 13 - column inch - diam rivet tires are attached via rustproof rim , and the top-notch - duty gearbox is durable enough to last for years .
While the fabrication instructions for this weft were incredibly easy to follow , assembly and calibration still took a few hours . However , once we got begin actually using this furrowed G fertilizer broadcaster , we found its two - position height adjustment handgrip and T - speed lever well-to-do despite our different heights , and we liked how equally the three - mess drop shut - off system delivered product across our lawn . Even when fully loaded , the air - filled pneumatic stud tires wander effortlessly up and down slopes and over rough ground , cushion excrescence to preserve a highly consistent distribution pattern . In plus to being an first-class choice for year - circle use as a lawn germ fertilizer spreader , this Earthway model would also work well with ice - melting products .
What our tester says:“Once we get to essay this broadcaster , we both note on how long-lived it felt and how well-fixed and easy it was to operate . Since it is on the expectant side , it would be decent if it had a rain cover so we could store it alfresco , but that ’s really the only matter about this pick that we do n’t love . ”—Mark Wolfe , Product Reviews tester and author
Get the Earthway plant food spreader atAmazon , The Home Depot , Walmart , Northern Tool + Equipment , orEarthway .
Runner-up
Our evaluation : Durability5/5 ; Maneuverability5/5;Ease of Assembly4/5 ; Storage4/5 ; Value4.5/5
Titan Attachments broadcast fertilizer and cum spreader is a versatile , high - capacity tool project to equally pass around herbicides , fertiliser , insect powder , eatage seed , and even ice melt . With a 50 - pound drumfish and three - position gearbox , it holds plenty of Cartesian product and is easy to control for consistent app .
Built for class - one shot use , this spreader features a high - grade steel frame , heavy - duty plastic component , and pneumatic tires that make it potential to prevail on sward or sod without damaging the grass . Despite its sturdy construction , it only weigh 25 pounds , making it illuminate enough to maneuver without much effort but impenetrable enough to tackle hilly , root - filled , and rugged terrain . It covers a all-embracing track for efficientlawn fertilizerapplication and is probably best for unresolved spaces that are 10,000 square feet or bigger . Though it was relatively speedy to assemble and graduate at about an hour and 15 arcminute , the direction would be fairly hard to follow if you did n’t have much experience put this type of tool together .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
Get the Titan Attachments plant food spreader atAmazon , Walmart , orTitan Attachments .
Our Ratings : Durability3/5 ; Maneuverability3/5;Ease of Assembly5/5 ; Storage5/5 ; Value5/5
Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard mini broadcast broadcaster is small , lightweight , and well-fixed to store , make it ideal for those with modified space . Though it can hold up to 5,000 square feet of lawn products for yard up to 10,000 square foot , its fold - down handle makes it easy to tuck out of the way when the body of work is complete . It also includes a control panel with precision rate options for more accurate reporting and an EdgeGuard lineament that blocks the right side to prevent fertiliser from spray onto sidewalk or flower bed .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
During examination , we appreciated that this lilliputian broadcaster did n’t require any assembly . Its hard charge card cycle came attached and the broadcaster itself was already calibrated . Still , the wheels are fairly near and hard , so they did n’t roll as swimmingly across uneven ground as melody - filled tires . Also , we noticed that the last turn of product always got stuck to the bottom of the spreader due to static buildup . For the cost , though ? It ’s a with child choice for homeowner with small- to mid - sized yard and limited warehousing distance who still require light operation and precision coverage .
Get the Scotts EdgeGuard fertilizer spreader atAmazon , Lowe’s , Tractor Supply Co. ,Ace Hardware , The Home Depot , Walmart , orScotts .
Upgrade Pick
Scotts Elite Spreader
Our Ratings : Durability4/5 ; Maneuverability3/5;Ease of Assembly4/5 ; Storage4/5 ; Value4/5
The Scotts Elite broadcaster is a in high spirits - capacity option design to efficiently cover up to 20,000 square feet with 60 pounds of Cartesian product . Its duplicate discharge invention evenly lay down textile in a 6 - groundwork - wide path , meaning it propagate fertilizer double as fast as more basic mannequin .
Assembly of the Scotts Elite was quick and easy — all we had to do was photograph on the wheels and blossom forth the handle . The easygoing credit card wheels tramp much more easily over deviate terrain than the standard hard - plastic steering wheel on less expensive Scotts spreaders , but not as well as air - occupy tires . We liked that the comfortable ergonomic handgrip has a smartphone bearer so you may stay connected as you work out . This is also a versatile broadcaster since it can accommodate large particles of erosive rock salt in addition to standard - sized internal-combustion engine melt , clear it a honest all - around spreader for midsize suburban yards , especially in wintry clime .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Scotts Elite fertilizer spreader atAmazon , Lowe’s , Tractor Supply Co. ,Ace Hardware , The Home Depot , Walmart , Blain ’s Farm & Fleet , orScotts .
Best for Large Yards
Agri-Fab 130-lb. Push Broadcast Spreader
Our Ratings : Durability4/5 ; Maneuverability5/5;Ease of Assembly2/5 ; Storage2/5 ; Value4/5
The Agri - Fab push broadcast broadcaster is big enough to apply conventional ororganic lawn fertilizerto chiliad of up to 1 acre . With a 130 - pound ground ball , it hold well-nigh three times as much ware as our top two plectron . look on how you have it fructify , it can distribute a path width of 8 to 12 feet and brood up to 25,000 square animal foot with each load .
Despite its large content , this lightweight spreader count only 6.81 pounds , enabling splendid maneuverability even when full . Its steel perch flow rate - ascendency weapon system makes it easy for substance abuser to afford and exit the rustproof poly - constructed hopper , and the heavy - duty 1 - in pneumatic tires offer a smooth ride even over roots and rocks or through dips in the yard .
Photo: Amazon
Assembly of this broadcaster takes about an hour , plus you ’ll need another 10 minutes or so to fine-tune it . Although the coverage path is similar to 50 - pestle broadcaster , the monumental ground ball reduces time spend refill , make up it an efficient option for larger prop .
Get the Agri - Fab push fertilizer broadcaster atAmazon , Tractor Supply Co. ,Northern Tool + Equipment , orTarget .
Best Pull-Behind
Agri-Fab 130-lb. Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader
Our Ratings : Durability4/5 ; Maneuverability4/5;Ease of Assembly3/5 ; Storage2/5 ; Value4/5
The Agri - Fab twist - behind fertilizer spreader functions as a large motorized fertilizer broadcaster when seize to a lawn tractor , ride lawn lawn mower , or other fomite via its universal hitch . Designed for properties of 1 acre or more , it features a 130 - pound hard - responsibility plastic hopper and a steel direct flow control arm , which is accessible from the driver ’s buns for agile and even coating of semen and other lawn care materials .
When trying out this towage - behind model , we liked its low-set dimensions , shortsighted hitch length , and 13 - column inch pneumatic tires , which made it extremely manoeuvrable , even around curves . The low tallness also allowed for easier freight and improved stability on craggy ground . However , we found the control lever , turn up on the dawdler tongue , to be somewhat awkward to function from the mower seat .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Agri - Fab tow - behind fertilizer broadcaster atAmazon , Lowe’s , Tractor Supply Co. ,Ace Hardware , Walmart , Northern Tool + Equipment , Target , Blain ’s Farm & Fleet .
Best Drop
Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader
Our Ratings : Durability3/5 ; Maneuverability3/5;Ease of Assembly5/5 ; Storage4/5 ; Value5/5
The Scotts classical drop spreader is a reliable choice for small properties . Its heavy - duty charge card hopper hold 32 pounds offertilizer for new grassor already found lawn , which is enough to underwrite up to 10,000 straight foot . It boast a 22 - in spread pattern for first-class coverage and accuracy , governable by a cable - get logic gate on the handle . Select from 23 broadcaster setting to customize the app charge per unit and then squeeze the handle to start the ground ball to let it flow .
We like that this spreader come preassembled and calibrate . It also set a highly consistent path of fertiliser , but we had to pay attention to prevent opening in coverage . Like many other Scotts spreader , this one features difficult fictile wheels that sometimes struggle on uneven ground or imperfect green goddess . Its tubular figure seems strong and undestroyable , but the other parts are mainly lightweight plastic . This would make a serious fertilizer spreader for episodic use , especially if the attribute has numerous plant bed , sidewalks , tree rings , and other obstacle that exploiter call for to work around .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Scotts Classic fertilizer spreader atAmazonorAce Hardware .
Best Manual Handheld
Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader
Our Ratings : Durability4/5 ; Maneuverability5/5;Ease of Assembly5/5 ; Storage5/5 ; Value4/5
The Scotts Whirl fertilizer hand spreader is a convenient year - rhythm tool for minor cubic yard . It measures just 8.5 inch high by 8.7 in encompassing by 13.1 column inch bass and weigh only about a dog pound , making it commodious to carry and stock . Since it ’s constructed from intemperate - responsibility plastic , it ’s safe to employ with everything from springiness andwinter grass fertilizerto ice thawing without worry about corrosion , as you might with a spreader with metal components . We liked this spreader because it takes up almost no storage space and is super easy to operate . All we had to do was fill the hopper , squeeze the trigger , and turn the handgrip . It has an allowance dial to control the opening move breadth , and the initiation enter the hopper gate to unfreeze the stuff as you become the baseplate crank . There ’s even a swoop - out wrist accompaniment to help steady the hopper and foreshorten operator fatigue during use . This would be a good tool for seed mere place created bychinch bug damage , treating hard - to - compass areas , or propagate ice - thaw mathematical product .
Get the Scotts Whirl fertilizer spreader atAmazon , Lowe’s , Tractor Supply Co. ,Ace Hardware , The Home Depot , Walmart , orTarget .
Photo: Amazon
Best Battery Handheld
Ryobi 18V One+ 1-Gallon Power Spreader
Our military rank : Durability4/5 ; Maneuverability5/5;Ease of Assembly5/5 ; Storage5/5 ; Value4.25/5
The Ryobi 18V ( volt ) One+ 1 - gallon power broadcaster is a cordless battery - powered tool that makes it easy to dispense fertilizer and germ as well asice melt . Compatible with the brand ’s One+ battery system and fit with a 10 - pound grasshopper , it ’s great for quick and gentle app in small- to average - sized outer space . It features an adjustable flow rate that allows you to customise spread base on material and desired coverage and a lightweight design that ’s easy to maneuver , especially compare to big , push - type spreaders .
Those looking to pass over a orotund property will likely notice their hand getting tired since there ’s no always - on setting . rather , users must carry the trigger down to propel intersection out , making it a better choice for topographic point treatments or small spaces . However , if you already own compatible 18V Ryobi tools and choose the precision of a hand spreader , it ’s an splendid option .
Photo: Amazon
What our tester says:“I like this piddling battery - power hand spreader for point - treating areas of my yard that seem to struggle , but I also used it this preceding wintertime to apply salt to my front porch and step so delivery masses did n’t slip . Since I already had other 18V Ryobi putz , this multi - function broadcaster made an peculiarly nice addition to my lineup . ”—Michelle Larson , ware Reviews tester and author
Get the Ryobi plant food broadcaster ( tool only ) atThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Fertilizer Spreaders
Testing fertilizer spreaders meant fink them base on ease of gathering and calibration ; statistical distribution width , truth , and consistency ; ease of controlling the on - off function while in gesture ; maneuverability over varying terrain ; and user ease .
To get at these ratings , we forgather each model , debase them with lawn plant food , and run them across a tarp on level ground , measuring discharge breadth and consistency . During that process , we test the on - off functionality while proceed , which is important at start - up and when preparing for oddment turns . in conclusion , we pushed or pulled each spreader through a varying - terrain course of action , observing the way it roll over hump and dips and navigated corners .
What to Consider When Choosing a Fertilizer Spreader
To help us settle which plant food spreader features matter most , we also verbalize to Taylor Olberding , co - founder of nationwide lawn maintenance companyHeroes Lawn Care , for his professional opinion . In addition to considering your property ’s size and unparalleled feature , it ’s also important to turn over whether you ’d rather push , rip , or channel the broadcaster and whether there are any extras that might make using it more comfortable . You ’ll also desire to pay attending to what it ’s made from since some materials are more durable than others .
fit in to Olberding , user should “ check it has breeze - occupy tyre ( not charge plate tires ) , is made of stainless sword / noncorrosive material with a plastic hopper , and can be well configured based on the fertiliser merchandise . ” He also lend , “ insure you are able to set the openings for accurate diligence and have an edge guard to aid prevent fertilizer from spreading onto nontarget areas . ”
Types of Fertilizer Spreaders
Two basic character of spreader survive for ironic applications––rotary spreader , also known as broadcast spreaders — and fell spreaders . There are also spreader design for liquid products , includinghomemade lawn fertilizer .
A rotary spreader uses a rotating al-Qa’ida shell to disperse seeds or granules that teem slowly from a hopper . They are call programme spreaders because they thrust the product several groundwork to the front and side of the spreader path .
Rotary spreaders cover an area three times their breadth , or broader , on every pass . These are the fastest tools you may expend to broadcast ironical materials , but their spreading abilities are less accurate than those of drop broadcaster . circular spreaders are available in several size , so you may buy one that work for a bantam garden , a big estate lawn , and anything in the heart .
Photo: Amazon
When precision is decisive , choose a drop spreader . These twist drop a belt of product through a full , minute opening straight beneath the spreader . They provide calibrated coverage , but the precision boost the chance that the user will miss or double - cover an area .
For user who have precise software needs , this tool is ideal . Users can easy control where a fall broadcaster circulate the merchandise because it only drop between its bike . The downside is that users will drop more sentence covering a lawn using a drop spreader than a rotary broadcaster .
The most efficient agency to spread liquid fertiliser and other liquid lawn treatments is with a hose - end chemical spreader / nebulizer . These devices mechanically mix the correct proportion of hard chemicals with a flow flow of water system that locomote through the broadcaster and out the beak .
Photo: Amazon
Liquid spreaders are especially useful as secondary tools for pinch intervention and for lend oneself product quickly , although they are less exact than the other two types of spreaders . Remember , too , that fluid lawn chemical substance deliver firm result , but most liquids fritter away more cursorily than granules , so regular use is costly .
Method of Operation
The most popular spreaders are broadcast because they offer up a remainder between speeding and precision . maker make these spreaders in a wide kitchen stove of sizes , including everything from small , hand-held model to extra - large spreaders that can be pull behind vehicle .
Drop spreader are the best pick when users must voyage obstruction and narrow infinite . They work exceptionally well on minuscule to metier intensively landscaped chiliad .
Holding Capacity
It is important to know the spreader ’s bear capacitance because that will find out how often the broadcaster will have to be refilled based on the size of the area it involve to cover . Ideally , users will want to simply fill the spreader once and lodge the discussion over the entire area .
defy capacity and lawn size go hand in hand . A handheld spreader is well suitable for pocket-size lawn up to 1,500 square feet . For average - sized lawns up to 5,000 satisfying feet , a small walk - behind spreader suit the job . turgid walking - behind spreaders work well for yard up to about 20,000 square pes . Go for a tow - behind spreader if the yard is larger than half an acre .
Spreading Capacity
spread capacity refers to thetypes of fertilizersor materials a spreader can handle . The best fertilizer spreader can help oneself withplanting grass seedsand distributing pelletized chemicals , but far few can deal George Sand , powdered lime , and compost .
Precision
All lawn spreader deliver good precision than spreading plant food by hand , making them useful tools since applying too much or too little product is one of themost rough-cut fertilizer mistakes people make . Still , some spreaders are more precise than their challenger , and spreaders that are more exact tend to be slower . For exemplar , drop-off spreader are precise but dull , whereas broadcast spreaders are a bit less accurate but fast . fluent spreaders are not exact , but they are quite prompt .
dip spreaders are the most exact because manufacturers calibrate them for a uniform flow rate to spread only a fragile banding directly beneath the hop-picker and between the wheel . you may calibrate a broadcast broadcaster to save a steady rate of flow charge per unit , but you must take the air at a consistent pace for even coverage . Manufacturers fine-tune liquid spreaders to integrate the amount of dressed ore per gallon of pee accurately , but you are in restraint of the coverage .
The Advantages of Owning a Fertilizer Spreader
A fertiliser spreader simplifies lawn treatment because it allows drug user to quickly and evenly put on source , fertilizer , and lawn pestis control condition product . You will also save time and money using a broadcaster because it allows you to quickly and equally apply lawn products .
FAQs
Even if you ’ve already chosen the good plant food spreader for your yard , you may still have a few inquiry . The come after answers to frequently ask head should occupy in any remaining gap in your cognition about operating and caring for these tools .
Refer to your spreader owner ’s manual to find the correct setting for the Cartesian product you will spread . The intersection label separate you how many pounds to enforce per 1,000 square feet . load up the hopper with enough product for the square footage of the area you will handle . Select the correct scope for the textile you distribute , squeeze the hold , and take the air from one turning point of the yard , continuing in square parallel lines until the area is covered .
you could scatter fertilizer by hand , though your results might not be as uniform as they are with a spreader . Don glove and pullulate chondritic plant food into a plastic bucket . Start to walk at one recession of the railway yard and put away the fertilizer in a wholesale apparent motion as you walk in straight stock . seek to keep a consistent pace to spread the Cartesian product as evenly as possible . For more even reporting , hold half the fertilizer while you take the air in parallel lines in one direction , then apply the other half while you take the air in a perpendicular set of parallel lines .
Photo: The Home Depot
To make clean a fertilizer spreader , empty the hopper and employ compressed zephyr or a rag to remove all granules and residue from the broadcaster ’s parts . exhaustively wash away the spreader , paying faithful attention to crevices and moving parts where debris may be lodged . Allow the spreader to dry out soundly and store it out of the elements once you ’re done .
We checked in with Chris Ramos fromBlain ’s Farm & Fleetto see when he advocate customer fertilize their lawns , and he had this to say : “ inseminate in fall prove best because ascendent strengthening through wintertime lead to a tidy outflow lawn . lend oneself fertilizer during spring can benefit grasses that need an early growing vantage , especially cool - time of year varieties . ”
It ’s always a good idea to read the label for post - software testimonial straight from the manufacturer . However , it ’s in general good pattern to water the expanse light to help the mathematical product get into the soil and invalidate mowing for a few sidereal day to forbid the fertilizer from getting kicked up before it has a luck to ferment .
“ To rule the correct setting , curb the Cartesian product label , which in general includes the configurations for seeds and fertilizers . If you are still timid , start with a lower diligence rate and tote up more if necessary to foreclose overapplication , ” says Ramos .
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a product tester and author with an all-encompassing backdrop in the baby’s room and landscape gardening industries . He kept his tool box well stocked in decree to make or restore fences , rampart , irrigation systems , and equipment on any given daylight . Now he tests and spell review about the latest hand tools , lawn precaution products , outdoor power equipment , and other outdoor - living goods .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We ’ll help you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few tidy sum on your patio , a raised layer , or an in - reason plot out back — and select the right plants for your soil and region .
