spreader Help

ScottsMiracle-Gro offers three main types of spreaders, each designed for different application needs and lawn sizes:

Generally, no, do not mix different products (like fertilizer and weed killer) in the spreader. While they are both granular, they often have different densities and particle sizes. This can cause them to separate in the hopper, leading to wildly uneven application and poor results (or severe lawn burn in patches). Apply all products separately.

The best time is typically in the early morning or late evening when winds are calmest. Wind can carry lightweight granules (like grass seed or fine granular fertilizer) far off-target, leading to uneven application and wasted product.

Measure your lawn first! Knowing the exact square footage is the single most important step. This allows you to:

• Calculate the exact amount of product you need, preventing waste.

Use Visual Markers: When making a pass, look back at the edge of the product pattern from your previous pass. You should align your spreader wheels so the new pass slightly overlaps the edge of the previous pass (often about 5–6 inches of overlap, depending on your spreader's throwing width).

The correct spreader setting is always located directly on the product's label. You can easily find and download this label online for any Scotts product.

You can follow these three simple steps on the Scotts website:

1. Find Your Product: Use the search bar on the website to type in your product name, or navigate to the correct category (e.g., Fertilizers, Grass Seed) to locate it.
2. Download Product Label: Click on your specific product to open its information page. Then, scroll down and look for the "Specs & Details" section, where you can click on "Download Label."
3. Find Your Settings: Open the downloaded product label. The label will list the specific setting recommended for different types of Scotts spreaders and applications.

You'll need to adjust the setting. The product label will provide the specific spreader setting based on the type of application you are doing and the exact model of your Scotts spreader.

If we don't have an exact setting on hand, you can follow these steps to make it work for your lawn*.

1. Place enough product in the hopper to cover 1,000 square feet. Most manufacturers will list this coverage on their packaging. If it's not on the label, simply follow this basic calculation:
2. If you have a 23lb bag that covers 5,000 sq ft, divide 23 by 5 to get 4.6 lbs per 1,000 sq ft (or roughly 1/5 of the bag).
3. Start with a very low setting on your spreader and test a 1,000 square foot area before applying the product to your entire lawn.
4. If you have leftover product after the test section, adjust to a higher setting.
5. If you run out of product before completing the test section, decrease the setting.

*Please Note: the flow rate is dependent on the particle size and density of each specific product, which may vary. All risks associated with modifying the flow rate are assumed solely by the user.

Never leave product in the spreader hopper. Pour all unused product back into its original, sealed bag or container. Store it in a cool, dry, dark area away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Ensure the product is stored securely out of reach of children and pets.

Yes! Wash your spreader thoroughly after use, including the underside, and allow to dry before storing.

After a final thorough cleaning and drying:

• Fully Dry: Ensure the spreader is completely dry to prevent rust while stored.
• Adjust: Set the flow gate lever to the fully open position to relieve tension on the spring mechanism.
• Location: Store the spreader in a dry, protected location like a garage or shed. Avoid storing it outdoors or in high-humidity areas.

Skip the guesswork! Most of our spreaders come precisely pre-calibrated and are ready to use right out of the box. The only exception is the Scotts® Turf Builder® Classic® Drop Spreader, which you may need to fine-tune to ensure perfect calibration.

If you have a Scotts® Turf Builder® EdgeGuard® Mini Broadcast or a Scotts® Elite Spreader you can check to make sure your spreader is properly calibrated by following the steps below:

1. You'll need a 13/64 (.2031 inches) inch drill bit or #6 drill bit (0.204 inch).
2. Set the spreader to 3.5.
3. With the control lever/trigger depressed the drill bit should fit snugly in the two openings closest to the center.

If you have the Scotts® Turf Builder® EdgeGuard® DLX Broadcast or the Scotts® Turf Builder® Edgeguard® MAX Broadcast Spreader you can check to make sure your spreader is properly calibrated by following the steps below:

1. You'll need a 1/4 inch drill bit.
2. Set the spreader to 3.
3. With the control lever/trigger depressed the drill bit should fit snugly in the lower-left corner of the opening.

Uneven application (striping) is usually caused by inconsistent overlap or walking speed.

• Inconsistent Overlap: Ensure you are overlapping each pass correctly. For most broadcast spreaders, this means aligning the wheel of your current pass with the outer edge of the spread pattern from your previous pass (typically about 5 feet apart).
• Walking Speed: Maintain a brisk, steady pace (approximately 4 ft. per second). Walking too slowly can cause excess product to drop in one spot, while walking too fast can prevent the spreader plate from flinging product wide enough.
• Hollow Wheels (Broadcast Spreaders): On some broadcast models, granules may accumulate on the inside of the hollow wheels and then drop down, causing minor striping. Ensure you clean the wheels thoroughly after each use.

This usually indicates a blockage or an incorrect setting:

• Check the Setting: Verify that the dial is set to the correct number listed on the bag for your specific Scotts product and spreader model.
• Check the Gate: Make sure the shut-off plate or "gate" at the bottom of the hopper is opening completely when you squeeze the trigger/lever. Sometimes dust or large granules can block the gate from opening or closing fully.
• Check the Product: If the product is clumped, wet, or contains granules that are too large for the current setting, it can bridge (clog) the flow. Break up any clumps in the bag before filling the spreader.
• Check the Agitator/Rotor: For broadcast spreaders, ensure the internal agitator rod or the external spinning rotor plate is moving freely when the wheels turn. A broken gear or component will prevent the product from being pushed out.

This is a flow mechanism issue that can result in burned spots:

• Release the Trigger: You must release the trigger/hand lever before you stop walking or begin turning the spreader. Product flow should only occur while the spreader is in motion.
• Clean the Mechanism: Granular dust and residue can cause the shut-off gate to fail to close completely. After each use, thoroughly wash and dry the underside and all moving parts of the hopper to keep the mechanism clear. Lubricating the spring and pivot points with a light spray lubricant may also help.

Never rinse spilled granular product with water. Immediately sweep or blow the spilled product back onto your lawn or into the product bag. This prevents the product from damaging the concrete and keeps it from washing into local storm drains and water systems.

Replacement parts are not available at this time.

Follow these steps for an even application:

1. Set the Dial: Turn the rate control dial to the correct setting listed on your product bag.
2. Fill the Hopper: Fill the spreader over a driveway or hard surface—never on the lawn. Sweep up any spills to prevent concentrated product.
3. Apply Perimeter (Header Strip): Begin by walking around the outside edge of your lawn (the perimeter) to create a "header strip." If your spreader has EdgeGuard® Technology, engage it for this pass to block the spread pattern on the right side and prevent product from landing on landscaping, driveways, or sidewalks.
4. Apply Interior Passes: Turn EdgeGuard off. Walk back and forth, applying the product in parallel passes, moving in the longest direction of your lawn.
5. Maintain Speed: Walk at a brisk, steady pace (about 4 feet per second).
6. Start/Stop Control: Start walking first, then squeeze and hold the trigger/lever to release the product. Release the trigger whenever you stop or make a turn to prevent clumping and avoid damaging the lawn.
7. Overlap: Overlap each pass by approximately 5 feet to ensure consistent, even coverage across your entire lawn.

Use the Checkerboard Pattern (Cross-Hatching):

1. Apply the product in one direction (e.g., North to South) using half the full rate.
2. Apply the rest of the product perpendicular to the first pass (e.g., East to West). This two-pass method ensures every part of the lawn receives the correct, even dose.

Generally, fertilizers and grass seed should be applied to a dry lawn. Weed control products (like Ortho or Scotts Weed & Feed) often require a damp or wet lawn so the granules stick to the weed leaves, which allows the product to absorb effectively. Always check the specific product label.