Top 11 The Best Fertilizer Spreader Reviews: Reviews & Recommendations

You may apply fertilizer or seed evenly and consistently with the help of a fertilizer spreader, sometimes referred to as a lawn spreader or broadcast spreader. Also, you can avoid coming into contact with pesticides, lawn care products, and fertilizer that you could otherwise distribute by hand. A year-round utility, most fertilizer spreaders can also spread rock salt throughout the winter. So, Let’s watch analytics about the best fertilizer spreader.

Best Value: Scotts Elite Spreader

Best for Large Yards: Gardena 00436-20 fertilizante Esparcidor Streuwage

Best Automatic Handheld Option: Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader

Best Towable Fertilizer Spreader: Agri Fab 45 0530 Broadcast Spreader Tow

Easy-to-Use Handheld Model: Chapin International 8622B 150 Pound Spreader

Best Twin-Rotor Model: Wolf Garten Garten Spreader Yellow

Best Handheld Option: Harris Diatomaceous Shaker Adjustable Fertilizer

Best Drop Spreader: Spreader Shaker Icer Earth Fertilizer

Type: 

There are several categories of fertilizer spreaders, most of which are pretty self-explanatory:

Walk-behind: When you move the spreader ahead while walking behind it, this type releases its contents.

Towable: The spreader is towed around by a tractor or other vehicle.

Handheld: This spreader is suitable for dispersing a small amount of product and is carried by hand.

Capacity: 

You should pick a spreader with a greater capacity if you have a large area to cover. However, remember that a sizable spreader will be cumbersome, especially once loaded with fertilizer or other lawn supplies. Most miniature models we provide can support a few pounds, while the biggest ones can support 130 pounds.

Storage: 

Given that some of the larger versions can occupy a sizable amount of room, the physical size of your possible spreader is an additional aspect to consider. Most of the time, a smaller spreader that you may need to refill sometimes and still fits in your garage or tool shed is preferable to a larger spreader that will be difficult to store.

Given that some of the larger versions can occupy a sizable amount of room, the physical size of your possible spreader is an additional aspect to consider. Most of the time, a smaller spreader that you may need to refill sometimes and still fits in your garage or tool shed is preferable to a larger spreader that will be difficult to store.

1. Scotts Elite Spreader

Scotts Elite Spreader model can contain enough material to treat up to 20,000 square feet and employs a twin-rotor design to spread the material evenly as you push. Its plastic tires have a significant amount of tread, even though they lack the bounce of pneumatic rubber tires, and you won't have to worry about them getting punctured and collapsing.

This kind isn't the best for spreading salt in the winter because plastic wheels tend to skid around on the ice. Another neat small detail is the built-in phone holder on the handle.

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Pros

Ergonomic handle with phone holder

Twin rotors ensure even, accurate coverage

Cons

Some assembly is required

Plastic tires aren’t best for icy conditions

Key Specs

Model Number: 75902A

Type: Walk-behind

Coverage Area: Up to 20,000 sq. ft.

Weight: 20 lb.

2. Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader

Pros:

Highly affordable handheld spreader

Easier to hold than most competing products

Contains a good amount of fertilizer to over 1500 sq.ft.

Cons:

Limited coverage settings

Fewer control settings than most Scotts products

Key Specs

Type: Handheld

Capacity: 1500 square feet

Flow controller: Knob

This is a beautiful place to start if you intend to buy a handheld spreader. Most of Scotts' products are compatible with their handheld spreader, but the adjustable arm support is why I like it so much. Although it's an unusual feature on handheld spreaders, it simplifies holding the container.

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It's simple to overlook weight, but spreaders can become cumbersome when loaded with the best fertilizer spreader. This product would be much easier to use if it had additional bracing, and I could tell the difference while using it on larger yards.

If you wish to utilize products other than fertilizer, the Whirl is also an excellent option. It works nicely with Scotts' ice melt, grass seed, and weed management products. Spreading ice melt is an excellent secondary function if you live in a cold climate, as I do.

Despite having less control than broadcast or walk-behind spreaders, this product performs remarkably well in narrow spaces.

3. Agri Fab 45 0530 Broadcast Spreader Tow

Key Specs

Type: Walk-behind

Capacity: 14000 square feet

Flow controller: Direct rod control

Pros:

Outstanding 360-degree coverage

Great option for larger yards

Spreads fertilizer wider than most competing products

Cons:

Pneumatic tires rather than solid ones

May be hard to push when full

Although Scotts is the most well-known brand in the agricultural industry, some other businesses are also worth considering. Additionally, Agri-Fab manufactures a variety of excellent goods, such as this broadcast spreader. The Agri-Fab device is especially versatile, with a 360-degree spreader that reduces the amount of backtracking required while applying fertilizer.

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This device is a little challenging for you to use. It spreads in front of and behind you; fertilizer will be thrown in your direction as you walk. If you're wearing the appropriate footwear, it's not a significant concern, although it does result in slightly uneven application.

If you want to purchase this product, I advise obtaining the optional fertilizer deflector kit because it can better angle the fertilizer spread. Angling things better eliminate the spreader's main significant vulnerability because it has considerable strength otherwise.

Here are some common questions people have about the best fertilizer spreader.

What do the numbers on a fertilizer spreader mean?

The numbers on a fertilizer spreader reflect the different product distribution rates over a specific area. This is important because broadcasting the proper amount of fertilizer ensures that your lawn gets just what it needs and not too little, which is ineffective, and not too much, which can "burn out" patches. When shopping for a fertilizer spreader, ensure you can easily read these numbers, which most products display as sliding bars (though we have seen effects with dials instead). Correlate these numbers with the product's NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) percentages listed on the fertilizer bag.

How do you clean the best fertilizer spreader?

Empty the hopper first. The interior should then be hosed down. After that, allow the spreader to air dry. To expedite the procedure, you may choose to use an air hose. Lubricate the spreader last. You should find instructions on how to apply lubrication and what kind to use in your owner's handbook.

Before you fertilize, do you need to prepare your lawn in any way?

A fertilizer spreader will work best when your lawn is prepped and ready. I usually water the lawn thoroughly for a day or two before applying fertilizer. I also trim the grass, removing any weeds, leaves, or debris that might get in the way of efficient application.

If you want our advice, we highly recommend the Scott Elite Spreader because of its versatility and performance level that’s on par with other exemplary rivals. And the good news is that it only comes with a small price. Suppose you have a bigger garden space and more money. In that case, you can choose a fertilizer spreader from other brands, such as Gardena 00436-20 fertilizante Esparcidor Streuwage, an ideal candidate for more experienced gardeners.