Working in the garden brings pleasure and joy, and this is not only about the result of your labor in the form of a luxurious and well-groomed lawn, flowering trees and shrubs or flowerbeds. The process itself can be enjoyable and fun too, especially if you use high-quality and efficient equipment.

In general, modern lawn or garden care is simply unthinkable without high-quality equipment, such as lawn mowers, watering systems, and lawn spreaders. The last type of equipment is good in that it can be used to apply fertilizers quickly and accurately, in the right dosage and without fear to overdo it with fertilizers and ruin the lawn.

We have carefully researched the modern garden equipment market to help you buy the latest models of high-quality lawn spreaders. Our guide will not only provide you with general information about the most popular and effective types of lawn spreaders but also tell you exactly what to look for when buying, so as not to miscalculate and buy a reliable assistant in your struggle for the beauty and fertility of your lawn.

 

Choosing a New Fertilizer Spreader for Your Lawn. What Should Be Considered?

If you think picking lawn spreaders is an easy task, we have bad news. Today the market is overflowing with different models in different price categories, with different functionality and service life. Should you make a common mistake and choose a cheap spreader that will only last for a season? Or choosing an expensive model and spend all your savings? The truth, as always, lies in the golden mean between these two extremes. Let's take a look at what to consider when choosing a fertilizer spreader.

And first of all, this is the principle of the lawn spreader, because the area that you can efficiently process and the efficiency of fertilization depends on it.

 

What Types of Spreaders  Are Available on the Market?

Today, the market for garden equipment offers three basic types of fertilizer equipment, depending on their working principle.

1. The manual spreader is the simplest one. You can handle it with one hand and regulate the spreading process with another. As usual, these spreaders have a small capacity of the reservoir and their spreading range is quite low.
2. A drop spreader is more capacious. It runs like a casual mower by pushing it along garden rows. The fertilizer is poured into the reservoir placed above the bottom of the spreader and it spreads via its nozzles placed on the bottom.
3. If you want to feel real power when fertilizing the soil that is broadcast spreader that you should try. It works similarly to the drop spreader but the spreading of fertilizers with the help of rotary mechanism is performed via its side nozzles with the range of fertilization of 3-4 feet.

All of these types are equally efficient. But there is a very special option that influences on the choice of the type of lawn spreader. 

 

What Is a Good Fertilizer Spreader for Your Garden?

When choosing a lawn spreader, it is better to focus on your needs and the size of your garden. The point is that all three types of lawn spreaders are designed for different purposes. For example, a handheld spreader is inexpensive but its performance is very low, which means that you will get tired of work much faster than covering a large area. This lawn spreader is worth using if your gardening work is limited to caring for a lawn of no more than ½ of an acre, or if you literally fertilize a couple of vegetable beds in your backyard.

Drop lawn spreader is the golden mean in the world of fertilizer spreaders. On the one hand, it is easy to push it around the area. On the other hand, it processes only the soil that is directly under its bottom. This means that when processing a large field, you will have to wind a lot of circles while you pass every square meter of the plot. We recommend this lawn spreader for medium-sized areas that are already difficult to handle by hand, but at the same time buying the most expensive lawn spreader for them, is simply irrational.

And the last option - the same broadcast lawn spreader - is an excellent choice for a large processing area. This option is good for a large garden, small farm, or a country house with a plot where you want to grow vegetables or fruits. It spreads fertilizer far enough to significantly reduce gardening time. But such a fertilizer spreader is also worth, of course, not cheap.

 

What Else Should Be Considered?

These are not terminal options you should take into account when choosing a fertilizer spreader. There are some more features that impact on your choice.

• The material the lawn spreader is made of. Two basic options are metal and plastic. Metal gains its points for its high durability and resistance for mechanical deformations. But it can be ruined by corrosion if it is not stainless steel, of course. Plastics are cheaper, lighter and easier to cope with. But it can be ruined or deformed by an occasional hit. For handheld spreaders, it is plastic to be the best option. For more solid droppers or broadcasts it is better to choose the metal model or combined of metal and plastics at once.
• The price also matters. Even for similar in type and basic functionality models, the price can vary depending on the manufacturer. We advise not to choose the cheapest options as they can have a short lifespan. But if you are limited in your budget, buying an extremely expensive option is also foolish. There are lots of  middle-price models you are welcome to choose if you have no specific needs i.e. regular fertilization of big fields without machinery or tractor,
• The shape of a lawn and the type of landscape also can be important to consider. If there are lots of round-shaped flowerbeds or some complex shapes or a terrace-based landscape of a garden, using a drop spreader or broadcast model can be hard. In these cases, manually-held models will come in handy. For flat and square lawns, you can choose any type of fertilizer spreader.

Besides the right choice of a lawn spreader, there is an important part of your garden work that is the right use of the inventory. When you follow all the requirements listed by manufacturer and regularly care about your lawn spreader, it will work correctly for years and its lifespan will be prolongated.

 

Some Tips on How to Use a Spreader Correctly

Ok, you have a lawn spreader and it's time to take it to the work. What should be done obligatory to keep your equipment working like a clockwork? Get some tips on how to extend your lawn spreader's lifespan.

1.  Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Read the manual before use, not after the fertilizer spreader has failed.
2. Adjustment of equipment should be carried out only according to the manufacturer's instructions, do not invent anything yourself.
3. Fill the spreader outdoors, for example on a garden path, away from living quarters and even more so from the kitchen.
4. When using a fertilizer spreader, drive evenly, take your time to ensure that the right amount is applied to the soil.
5. If you plan on taking a break or need to stop, remember to close the nozzle cover to prevent fertilizer spilling out uncontrollably.
6. For broadcast spreaders, the cross-spray principle can be used.
7. If you are using aggressive fertilizers that cause rust, it is best to thoroughly rinse and clean your spreader after use. In general, regular cleaning and maintenance will prolong the life of your equipment.
8. Before the start of the season, it is definitely worth inspecting and servicing your fertilizer spreader along with other equipment. In this case, you can repair it in advance or replace it with a more modern model if your spreader is completely out of order.

As for the last point, now is the time to review our top 10 lawn spreaders so you can buy them before the season starts.

 

Our TOP-List of Fertilizer Spreaders in 2024: Who Have Passed the Exam?

So, here we come to the main issue of our article: which model of spreader to choose. We have selected for you 10 successful developments among lawn equipment that can be bought online in our country. Study their bright sides, see prices and get the most suitable for your garden.

 1. Scotts EasyGreen Rotary Spreader

This option is among the simplest and the most compact spreaders for fertilization and sowing provided by Scotts trademark. It has a lighweight and easy-driven construction based on two big wheels. Besides, this item is quite multifunctional as it suits both feeding the lawn and disseminating it. So the area of its use is quite wide.

Scotts EasyGreen Rotary Spreader is 7.48 pounds weight and its dimensions are 23.6''x13''x11.4'' that is quite compact. Lots of reviews on this spreader claim that it is really worth its price. Besides, its cost is quite loyal.

Pros:

• Lightweight;
• Nice steering options;
• Comfortable adjustable handle;
• Low price.

Cons:

• Some say that its draw axel is not durable.

 2. Scotts 76121 Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader

This model is also provided by Scotts trademark. This spreader is among the most versatile Scotts models. It serves not only for fertilizing but also for sowing seeds, adding soil or spreading special solutions during icing. Such a spreader is available in several options at once from standard to Deluxe and Elite. It also incorporates proprietary Scotts Edgegard innovation. You will also appreciate its completely easy interface with control panel for spray calibration.

Pros:

• Multifunctionality;
• A variety of options from the simplest to the most innovative;
• Simple control and calibration system;
• Fertilizing, disseminating or spreading salt device;
• Blocking nozzles when the work is done;
• Compact size;
• Work up to 5.000 square feet.

Cons:

We just didn't find them.

 3. Scotts EvenGreen Drop spreader

This wheeled spreader by Scotts is among the most compact and adjustable garden devices. It allows both seeding and spreading fertilizers with the same equipment. Huge crossover wheels can cope with every relief fluctuation and its ergonomic handle helps to move the spreader with ease. When you need to store it, just adjust the handle to a compact size and the device won't take much place in your barn.

You are welcome to use this drop spreader from March to November. Its spreading width is 45 cm that is enough for a middle-size lawns and gardens.

Pros:

• Low price.
• High passability of wheels.
• Both sowing and fertilizing functions.
• Lightweight.
• Adjustable handle.

Cons:

• Doesn't suit large areas due to its narrow spreading of only 45 cm.

 

 4. Agri-Fab 45-0463 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader

 

This fertilizer sprayer variant belongs to the premium segment. It is suitable for large areas with a capacity of 130 pounds of fertilizer at a time. Add to this the maneuverable wheels with reliable treads that can overcome any obstacle, and you have a real all-terrain vehicle!

In addition, this model is equipped with a convenient and durable control with fine-tuning of parameters. And a closed tank will not allow excess fertilizer to fall apart while overcoming obstacles. Such equipment is excellent both as a lawn spreader for fertilizers and also suitable for sowing seeds.

Pros:

• Reliability and durability;
• Capacious fertilizer tank;
• Use for sowing seeds and fertilizers;
• Spray range - 15 feet.

Cons:

• Compared to previous models, the price is quite high.

 

5. Agri-Fab 45-0462 Push Broadcast Spreader

Another model from Agri-Fab is the same broadcast spreader that we mentioned. Reliable, durable, with excellent cross-country ability, this unit will help you quickly sow or fertilize huge areas. A separate mention should be made of the massive inflatable wheels that this fertilizer spreader is equipped with. They cushion well, do not require pumping and easily cope with any unevenness of the terrain.

A drive is used for control, which is enclosed in a reliable enclosure. The sprayer can be operated with a handle: there is a switch on it, and the handle itself allows excellent maneuvering. In addition, you can optionally order the PRO KIT as a set to the sprayer.

Pros:

• Maneuverability and controllability of the device;
• Powerful inflatable wheels;
• Broadcast spraying;
• Capacious 130 lb tank;
• Spraying 10-12 feet;
• Suitable for areas of 25+ square feet;
• Low weight.

Cons:

• The price is quite high.
  

 

 6. Earthway F80S Commercial Stainless Steel Adaptable Broadcast Spreader

This fertilizer spreader is an example of the most expensive, yet most functional models. If you are looking for a reliable garden assistant for more than one year, this particular spreader will help you in your work for at least ten seasons. And all thanks to its robust and reliable stainless steel frame, stable wheelbase, powerful wheels and a spacious fertilizer tank.

Despite the fact this model loses to the previous ones in the tank's volume, there is a number of advantages difficult to dispute.

Pros:

• Tolerance to moisture or rust;
• Durable wheelbase;
• Lightweight (30 lbs);
• Convenient management and configuration.

Cons:

• The tank contains only 80 pounds.
• The price is quite high.
  

 

 7. Chapin International 8620B 150 lb Tow Behind Spreader with Auto-Stop, Red

This multi-functional option is a great addition for a large garden or small farm. It can hold up to 150 pounds at a time in its large and durable tank. Also in such a spreader, the function of automatic stopping of the device at a quiet position is realized. The sturdy stainless steel axles are equipped with additional bronze washers, making this garden appliance extremely robust.

And, of course, the wheels of such a spreader bring to mind the coolest crossover models. They are equipped with wide, embossed tires to overcome any obstacle.

Pros:

• Capacious tank;
• Reliable stainless steel frame;
• Powerful wheels with good shock absorption.

Cons:

In general, they are not.

 

8. Evergreen Easy Spreader Plus

This fertilizer drop spreader makes fertilizing your lawn easy and effortless. It is light in weight and just as easy to operate with a comfortable handle. At the same time, the precise mechanism allows you to measure exactly as much seed or fertilizer as you need. Such a device will not cope, of course, with huge plantations, but for a little garden or lawn near the house, it is more than enough.

Pros:

• Profitable price;
• Roominess;
• The exact dosage of compouds or seeds;
• Ease of assembly.

Cons:

• Inconvenient system for adjusting the number of fertilizers (as reviews claim).

 

 9. Scotts Wizz Hand-Held Spreader with EdgeGuard Technology - Apply Grass Seed, Fertilizer or Weed Control Products, Battery Powered, Holds up to 2,500 sq ft of Scotts Lawn Products

 

Being the most compact, handy and convenient handhandle fertilizing device, this model encloses its merits at the first glance. The sleek and slightly spacey shape allows to handle it with ease. Such a spreader has batterry-based power, and this helps to use it all year round: in the spring - to feed the soil and plant grass, in the summer to re-fertilize the soil and apply herbicides, in the midseason to get rid of weeds with herbicides and prepare the soil for the new season. Moreover, such a device has 25 preset operating modes that are easy to select at the touch of a button. Just take it in your hand, walk around the lawn and spread the fertilizer without unnecessary movement.

Pros:

• Stylish design;
• Autonomous operation from batteries;
• 2 lb. bowl;
• Compact size;
• Suitable for processing flowerbeds, home flowerpots, small lawns;
• Affordable price.

Cons:

• Needs to select suitable batterie

 10. Ezisoul Seed Spreader Plastic Seeder Shaker 75 oz (2L) Salt Dispenser Bottle Ideal for Lawn Garden Fertilizer Ice Melt Tool with Bonus Spare Adjustable Lid

The last one of our TOP is an extra-compact device allowing to deseminate and fertilize the ground manually every time you want. Fully mechanic origin helps to cope with it even to your granny. It's appearance ressembles to a casual watering pot acting the same. All you need to do is to fill in the tank with fertilizers or seeds and start working with it. It can contain up to 1.5 lbs of fertilizers. This item is quite multifunctional as you can use it all year long for fertilizing, sowing, weed controlling, salting the soil or spreading detergents to avoid slipper.

A compact size, durable plastic, convenience of use – all these make this device a good idea for small lawns or flowerbeds. Moreover, just evaluate its price that is extremely low!

Pros:

• The cheapest option ever;
• Handholding type;
• The tank of 1.5 lbs;
• Durable plastic;
• High usability.

Cons:

• It doesn't suits fertilizing big areas.

 

Our TOP list is your faithful assistant in case you are choosing a new fretilizing device for your garden. With us, you can already start preparing for the new season and decide whether it is necessary to change your spreader today or whether it is rather making repairs. You also can to choose a device based on your needs, budget and goals with our useful tips.