dropping seed

[JHZR2]

Hi all,

Quick question... I have a relatively small yard... its because we have a bunch of flower beds, a deck, a fence, vines, etc., so there is no straight and easy way to navigate around.

My parents always used the hand operated spreaders to spread seed, lime, fertilizers, etc. I think that if we use one, no matter how careful, we'll get seed where we dont want it, fertilizer where we dont want it, etc.

Thing is, Im scared of the push type spreaders, as Ive seem people damage (burn) their yards with them.

Can anyone reccomend a good, small, preferably made in USA spreader for routine spreading of grass seed, pulverized lime, fertilizer, etc?

Or is there a better option???

Thanks,

JMH

 

[michaelc80]

In limited quarters a drop spreader is the way to go.

The real key is to not over-fertilize. Most of the fertilizer bags that I use have a chart that tells you what settings a specific brand of spreader should be set on. I normally go about 1/3 the rate and spread in 2 different directions (one pass North and South, the other East and West).

Scotts seems to be one that most fertilizer bags that I've seen have listed.

 

[Shannow]

If you can find a bucket made in the U.S., I'd use the hand/bucket approach.

It's cheap, effective, and has one of the best control systems ever developed for the task.

 

[JHZR2]

Ive tried spreading granulated lime from a bucket, and never felt that I could spread it evenly... the throw pattern is not a very nice regular shape...

How do I know that Im getting the right coverage, especially if doing something like fertilizer? It would be really bad to get a lot in one spot...

Thanks,

JMH

 

[Shannow]

I work out the square metres of each smallish sub-section of yard, put just the right amount in the bucket, and control it that way.

Practice with some sand until you are happy.

 

[Shannow]

Another thought....

when spreading fine seed, I often mix it with sand, to spread it out better.

You could cut your fertiliser with equal sand, making the variation in active ingredient less per throw.

 

[JHZR2]

OK, stupid question... Do you throw it, or do you just let it trickly from your hand?

Putting enough for various partitioned section of my yard is simple enough, but all the same, how do I make the right spreading pattern? Throw upwards? Throw to the side? Drop slowly from the hand?

Thanks for the help.

JMH

 

[Shannow]

I just sort of swing and release, then step back a half step.

It throws in an arc, and I shift my direction to fill in behind the last arc.

when I end up backed against a wall or path, then dribble it in to fill the pattern.

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

Given the fact that birds are going to eat a portion of the seed, even spreading is moot.