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Most comfortable with soil under her fingernails, Amanda’s enthusiasm is sparked by gardening, agriculture, and all things plant-related. With a master's degree in agriculture..
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For people who love to maintain their garden all year round, fertilizer spreaders are an essential purchase. A good fertilizer can make your flowers and grass grow better, improving the overall appearance of your space. If you have a large garden, then utilizing a device that can evenly spread fertilizer around your land is a great idea.
However, purchasing the right fertilizer spreader can be tricky. There are many fertilizer spreaders out there, all designed for slightly different spaces. There’s also a wide range of brands that offer great garden tools, making your decision even harder.
But don’t worry! We’ve researched all the greatest gardening brands and fertilizer spreaders out there. We’ll help you find the best one for your garden.
Decide if you want a wheeled model to push around the yard or one you carry. Wheeled fertilizer spreaders work well for large yards or people with physical concerns. A model you carry, or strap to your chest, works best for small yards.
View the Best Fertilizer Spreader, Below.
Scotts 76121 Turf Builder EdgeGuard Spreader
Agri-Fab 45-0530 85 lb Tow Broadcast Spreader
Solo 421 Portable Chest-mount Spreader
Agri-Fab 45-0462 Push Broadcast Spreader
Scotts 76565 Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader
Earthway 2600APlus Walk-Behind Broadcast Spreader
1. Scotts 76121 Turf Builder EdgeGuard Spreader
Best Tow-Behind Spreader for Medium Lawns
This Scotts Mini Broadcast Spreader is a great choice for spreading fertilizer or salt in small areas. It's a lightweight walk-behind spreader, which makes it easy for anyone to use. The 76121 features Scotts' EdgeGuard Technology that allows you to apply products in a narrow band - or you can remove the EdgeGuard and use the products on a wider area.
Once you've bought this spreader, you don't have to spend time calibrating it. All you need to do is select your ideal setting, load your material, and start spreading.
However, one design flaw of the Scotts 76121 is that the product you're spreading collects in the hollow wheels.
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Small design and fold-down handle make it easy to store
EdgeGuard Technology helps keep products off unwanted areas
Lightweight and easy for anyone to push
Mulitple flow settings to allow for precise applications
Fertilizer can collect in the hollow wheels
2. Agri-Fab 45-0530 85 lb Tow Broadcast Spreader
Best Tow-Behind Spreader for Large Lawns
The Agri-Fab 45-0530 85 lb Tow Broadcast Spreader has a universal hitch for easy mounting to lawn tractors, mowers, and more. This broadcast spreader has a hopper that can hold up to 85 lbs of material, covering about 1/4 of an acre.
Although this spreader does require some assembly, it's easy and quick to complete. When it comes to changing the material flow rate, you can utilize the included cable system to make adjustments easily. And due to the well-thought handle placement, you can alter the cable without getting off your tractor or mower. Users report that finding the correct flow rate takes some practice.
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10" Pneumatic tires roll over rough surfaces
85 lb hopper capacity
It takes some time to learn how to properly adjust the flow
3. Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader
This hand-powered spreader makes applying materials, such as grass seed, fertilizer, and ice melts, effortless. It's hand-held and hand-powered, so you don't need anything besides an able body to operate it.
One feature that sets this spreader apart from similar products is the armrest. When you hold the spreader with the included handle, the armrest keeps the spreader in a stable position. The crank is easy to turn, and the turning speed impacts how fast the material flows. This makes it easy to adjust the spreader until you find the proper coverage width. This spreader also includes a dial that allows you to alter the size of the material you're applying.
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Crank handle allows for easy width control
Made from sturdy plastic
Doesn't require any batteries
Dial sets product diameter
Only available with the crank on right side
Fertilizer spreaders distribute the product in different ways. Broadcast spreaders have a spinner that throws fertilizer in a broader pattern; drop spreaders only disperse product the width of the opening. Broadcast cover ground faster; drop work well where you need to carefully control product such as the transition from yard to a flowerbed.
4. Solo 421 Portable Chest-mount Spreader
Best Fertilizer Spreader for Avoiding Waste
This fertilizer spreader is designed to spread a variety of solid chemicals across a range of terrains. It's a chest-mounted, precise portable spreader that's perfect to use on decorative flower beds or small garden spaces. As a portable device, this fertilizer spreader is much easier to control and maneuver than the wheeled varieties. It can withstand uneven and rocky terrains to ensure that no plant space or flower bed is left untouched.
It features some of the best fertilizer technology, including a screw-on cap that prevents spillages and waste. It's designed to ensure all chemicals remain within the device, and it protects the operator from dust or debris. You can use this versatile device for seeds, fertilizers, sand, and even rock salt. It will spread all garden necessities during the seasons, helping to maintain a garden you'll be proud of.
This lightweight, portable fertilizer spreader is ideal for all garden terrains, which makes it super versatile.
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Portable and easy to control device
The extremely precise spreader that can be used on all terrains
Screw cap to protect the operator and ensure it works long-term
A versatile device that can be used all over the garden
Lightweight and easy to carry
Only for right-handed people
5. Scotts Wizz Hand-Held Spreader
Best Fertilizer Spreader for Value
You can use this hand-held fertilizer spreader across the garden all year round. Use it to spread fertilizer, salt, weed killer, or ice melts, keeping your garden a safe and attractive place to be during all seasons. It's a powerful device that relies on battery power to spread fertilizer evenly across your garden or flowerbed. This device is designed to make all your garden chores easier. It features iconic Scotts, EdgeGuard, and HandyLock technologies for a more efficient and even spread.
This spreader makes all the difference to your garden without requiring too much manpower. It gives you more time to kick back and actually enjoy your new, beautiful garden space. The spreader is super easy to use; fill it up, choose your setting, and go! The setting dial is straightforward, delivering a variety of power settings to suit any landscape or need.
This handheld fertilizer is versatile and easy to use, making it a great value purchase for most garden spaces.
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TRACTOR SUPPLY CO ➞
Very compact and handy spreader
Can be used in all seasons to maintain the quality of the garden
It has many uses and is incredibly versatile
Battery powered for a more efficient and even spread
Super easy to use
Not ideal for rocksalt - may clog up
6. Agri-Fab 45-0462 Push Broadcast Spreader
Best Heavy-Duty Push Spreader
The Agri-Fab 45-0462 Push Broadcast Spreader is a heavy-duty walk-behind drop product with a great build quality. It has sturdy 13" pneumatic tires that can run over rough and uneven surfaces easily. It also features a metal hopper that holds up to 130 lbs of material, such as fertilizer or grass seed. The adjustment flow system doesn't include a cable but instead features a steel rod. This allows you to seamlessly adjust the flow rate and stop the flow of material. Not only is this fertilizer spreader built to last, but it's also easy on the body with an ergonomic handle design. It requires about an hour to assemble properly.
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Sturdy steel rod to control flow
13" x 4" pneumatic tires
Enclosed and protected gearbox
Assembly takes about an hour
7. Scotts 76565 Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader
Best Fertilizer Spreader for Precise Coverage
This heavy-duty fertilizer spreader has an incredibly large capacity of up to 10,500 sq. feet. Lawn products and materials include seed, fertilizer, sand, and even ice melts. The durable frame is designed to offer maximum stability; it's straightforward to use and can suit a wide range of garden spaces. It arrives fully assembled and can be used immediately. It's even pre-calibrated, so you don't have to do anything other than provide the fertilizer!
The Scotts Turf Builder ensures your garden remains top quality, providing an even layering of fertilizer that you simply can't do alone. The 22" spread pattern has been designed to deliver precise coverage for your garden, walkways, and flowerbeds. Wheeled drop spreaders like the Scotts Turf Builder are ideal for small to medium gardens.
This fertilizer spreader is designed to deliver accurate and precise coverage of small to medium-sized gardens.
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Heavy duty spreader that is designed to last
Large capacity to be used all over the garden
Arrives fully assembled and pre-calibrated
Delivers precise and accurate coverage
Suitable for small to medium gardens
Not great to use on ice
8. Earthway 2600APlus Walk-Behind Broadcast Spreader
Best Medium-Sized Push Spreader
The Earthway 2600APlus Walk-Behind Broadcast Spreader is thoughtfully designed and only constructed with quality materials. The 3-hole drop system and adjustment lever allow you to easily change the flow rate or shut off the flow of fertilizer completely. The gearbox is fully enclosed, which prevents the spreader's gears from becoming clogged. The hopper is made from rustproof poly, and the T-shaped handle is constructed from steel. The 9" pneumatic tires also allow the spreader to glide over rough and sloped surfaces without toppling over. This Earthway spreader does require about an hour of assembly time, but the end result is a sturdy product.
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Enclosed gearbox protects parts
Ergonomic steel handle is built to last
Heavy duty but weighs only 14 lbs
Need to look at flow chart to determine the proper setting
Some users report uneven spread pattern
9. Scotts Elite Spreader
Best Push Spreader for Large Lawns
The Scotts Elite Spreader is a step up from the basic walk-behind fertilizer spreader, making it a good choice for large lawns. This elite machine can hold enough fertilizer, ice melt, or grass seed to cover an approximately 20,000 sq. ft. area. Each pass of the spreader covers a six-foot-wide path, and the dual rotors help provide a consistent and accurate spread pattern. The Scotts Elite Spreader is also easy to push over varied terrain due to the sturdy, flat-resistant plastic tires. Scotts has also included some thoughtful details, such as a cellphone holder, an ergonomic handle, and a dial to easily adjust the spreader - match the material you're applying with ease.
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TRACTOR SUPPLY CO ➞
Covers 6 ft with each pass
Dial allows for easy adjustments
Two rotors lead to increased spread accuracy
Quick and easy assembly
Edge guard to spread material where you want it
Plastic tires can make pushing feel rigid
10. RYOBI P2402A ONE+ Spreader
Best Battery-Operated Hand-Held Spreader
The RYOBI P2402A ONE+ is a battery-operated, hand-held spreader. If you're searching for something that works on small yards and doesn't require any cranking, this could be the one for you. The bucket holds up to one gallon of lawn product or material, such as fertilizer or ice melt.
It's easy to carry via the top-mounted handle, but the spreader can get a bit heavy once you add the battery and material. It operates via a Ryobi 18V battery which is sold separately. When it comes to adjusting the flow rate, all you have to do is turn the attached knob. A level also allows you to control the spread width.
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Doesn't require you to turn a crank
Easy to adjust the flow rate and width
Starts with the push of a button
Batteries and charger sold separately
Look for a large enough model that doesn’t require constant refilling throughout a job. Stopping to refill adds time, but a large spreader can be unwieldy for some. Pneumatic or rubber tires are good for large spreaders, making them easier to push, turn, and maneuver around objects.
Fertilizer Spreader Buyer’s Guide
Fertilizer spreaders are incredibly useful garden tools. Don’t leave them to farming fields! If you want to maintain a high-quality garden during all seasons, then consider investing in a spreader. These versatile tools can make all the difference. Those pesky garden chores will become effortless.
When looking into which fertilizer spreader you need for your garden, consider all the different types of spreaders available – there are a lot of choices out there.
These kinds of spreaders are designed to cover large areas. They can spread fertilizer and ice melts evenly and are primarily used for farming lands.
There are various ways you can move these spreaders – they can be pulled behind or pushed forward, although many are designed to attach to lawn tractors, lawnmowers or similar vehicles.
These kinds of spreaders are designed for small lawns and can be used to reach all those difficult areas, such as corners and tucked-away flowerbeds. As a handheld spreader, these are incredibly easy to use and offer total control.
These kinds of spreaders are typically used for uneven, granular products and, depending on their size, can be used in residential gardens or farming fields. They can handle tough debris, like compost or mulch, evenly distributing them across your lands.
Why Are Fertilizer Spreaders Useful?
Fertilizer spreaders are super useful gardening tools. They help you deliver an even and precise spread of fertilizer, encouraging garden growth, color, and health.
Fertilizers are a collection of plant nutrients containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These are essential supplements designed to support the growth of flowers and crops.
Not only can fertilizer spreaders help evenly distribute these beneficial nutrients, but you can also use them to spread seeds, ice melts, compost, weed killer, and anything else that your garden needs. They’re designed to give the land an even amount of fertilizer to support its growth. A good spreader makes this more efficient than if you were just using your own two hands.
How Do I Use a Fertilizer Spreader?
The way you use a fertilizer spreader will differ depending on the model, size, and terrain you are fertilizing. However, for the most part, fertilizer spreaders require some manpower. If you’re using a push-forward or trail-behind spreader, then your main focus should be the route and speed. These spreaders are designed to be pushed around the garden, so you need to make sure that you cover all ground. Fertilizer spreaders are designed to deliver an even spread, but this only goes so far.
Do I Need a Spreader?
A good fertilizer spreader will make a huge difference to your garden or land. These handy devices can be made for large or small spaces and will evenly distribute fertilizer across your garden, to ensure that all your plants are getting the essential nutrients they need. You can also use fertilizer spreaders to distribute seeds, compost, and ice melts, making them a versatile tool that can help any garden space.
If you want to keep your garden safe, bright, and healthy, then you should certainly invest in a fertilizer spreader. You can choose from handheld, push forward, or trail behind models, all of which differ in terrain ability and power. Fertilizer spreaders are for those who take their gardening seriously and want to care for their space all year round.
Fertilizer is essentially a supplement for plants that helps them grow better and stronger.
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