10 Best Fertilizer Spreaders of 2024 – Your Guide to Buying

Do you wish to have a flourishing garden? Then you know you need fertilizers to power up your plants. The tricky part?

You need to spread them across evenly, and accomplishing that by hand can be quite the challenge.

It seems today’s your lucky day, though. Because you’ve come across our review of the best fertilizer spreaders in the market today. 

We’ve also highlighted the features we liked most about each spreader and a guide to buying wisely. We look forward to helping you identify the ones that are suitable for your needs.

Let’s get started!

Product Overview Table for Our Fertilizer Spreaders Reviews

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Fertilizer Spreader Reviews For 2019

We’re about to present to you ten fertilizer spreaders that satisfy our standards. Each one works superbly according to its own design and purpose. Just pick the one item you find useful for your garden.

1. Scotts Turf Builder Pro EdgeGuard Deluxe Broadcast Spreader

Scotts Turf Builder is a high-precision broadcast spreader. It helps deliver fertilizer to a plot of land that’s as huge as 15,000 square feet. Even better, it minimizes spills over corners — thanks to Scotts’ EdgeGuard technology.

With the EdgeGuard on, this Turf Builder blocks off its right side. So, it delivers the fertilizer only where it should. This saves sidewalks from getting accidental spills.

The Turf Builder’s control panel is quite friendly, too. It will allow you to control the delivery rate, depending on the size of your lawn. You can also use this spreader to disperse seeds, fertilizers, ice melts, and even salts.

Why We Like It

• It’s versatile. It can be used for seeds, ice melts, fertilizers, and salts.
• It’s easy to calibrate. Its control panel offers high precision.
• It has enough capacity to spread material across an area of 15,000 square feet.

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2. Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader

If you’re looking for a spreader that is great for year-round use, then you might consider the Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader. It’s a handheld spreader, that has smooth even coverage. 

It can hold up to 1,500 sq feet of product.

Even better, the hand-powered spreader has adjustable arm support providing maximum comfort. That just spells convenience.

Why We Like It

• Can apply fertilizer, grass seed, or ice melt
• Great for year-round use
• Perfect for small areas

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3. Scotts Handy Green II Hand-Held Broadcast Spreader

If you only have a small plantation, then you can opt for a handheld spreader. Scotts has one, and it can deliver fertilizer for up to 1,000 square feet per refill.

It requires no assembly. Just load the spreader. Then start rotating the handle for an even spread.

The best part? It’s ergonomic. The product is designed so you can avoid getting wrist fatigue. It’s lightweight, too, as it’s just about 1.1 pounds.

With its rust-proof materials, this handheld spreader can last for years. And as expected from Scotts, it also works with spreading ice melt or seeds.

Why We Like It

• It’s compact and portable.
• It has ergonomic handles.
• It can work great with backyards, garden farms, and small areas that are less than 1,000 square feet.

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4. Spot Spreader Hand Spreader 

The Spot Spreader Hand Spreader can be an excellent addition to your portable garden tools. It’s easy to open and close to keep products dry.

So, the Spot Spreader can work nicely on your decorative beds. Just right for a small garden. It can also carry materials other than your fertilizer. Rock salt. Sand. Seeds. Ice Melt. De-Icer.

With fingertip levers, it will allow you to control the fertilizer drop rate. The same goes for the direction of dispersion.

Why We Like It

• It’s easy to carry.
• It can be used to spread fertilizer, seeds, and ice melt.
• It has multiple openings for different sizes.
• Easy to open and close.

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

5. Agri-Fab Broadcast Spreader Tow

Looking for another tow-type spreader? The Agri-Fab Broadcast Spreader Tow might be a viable option.

Like the Agri-Fab 45-0463 above, this 45-0530 model has a universal hitch. So it attaches quickly to all types of tractors of all brands.

The main difference is in the capacity. This model here covers up to 14,000 square feet or about a quarter of an acre. That’s approximately half of the other model. It has a little less spread width, too. Only about 10” (as opposed to 12”).

Meanwhile, the control assembly consists of a cable that can be used to control the spreader. With pneumatic tires, it can be quite stable.

In case you encounter any trouble with your tool, this product comes with a 3-year warranty.

Why We Like It

• Its tow rod can be attached to any towing equipment.
• It can easily cover 0.25 acres of land.
• It includes a warranty of 3 years.

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

6. Brinly 175-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader

If you need a tow-behind spreader with much broader coverage, you can opt for the Brinly BS-36BH. With a hopper capacity of 175 pounds, this can cover an acre of land. Or even larger.

It’s quite versatile, too, as it spreads seeds, ice melts, and other dry material.

Made with rust-proof polyethylene, the Brinly Tow can stand up to corrosive fertilizers. Its single pin hook-up can attach to most tractors, so it may be compatible with yours.

Finally, its auto-flow technology stops the fertilizer from spreading as the tractor stops. This helps minimize excessive application and burns on the lawn.

Why We Like It

• It’s easy to calibrate.
• It includes a hopper cover.
• With a large capacity, it can be used for a field as large as one acre.
• Its spread control helps prevent excessive application.
• It comes with a 2-year warranty.

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

7. ATV 100-Pound All-Purpose Broadcast Spreader

The ATVS100 is quite a unique broadcast spreader. While you can attach it to an ATV, it doesn’t have wheels. Just latch it to the ATV’s backside. It’s quite portable.

With a capacity of 100 pounds and a 12-volt motor, the ATVS100 can help spread dry material.  Seeds. Feed. Fertilizer. Depending on the material used, this spreader can disperse to about 15 to 25 feet.

Meanwhile, if you prefer a manual feed gate regulator, this spreader might be a good option. It lets you adjust the flow of the spread manually.

It also comes with a rain cover. So you won’t need to unload the remaining material after every use.

Why We Like It

• You can set it up on the back of an ATV.
• It allows manual flow control.
• The absence of a wheel assembly makes it stable and portable.
• It comes with a rain cover.

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

8. Earthway 40-Pound Walk-Behind Broadcast Spreader

The Earthway 2600APlus is a push-along or walk-behind broadcaster. If you own a medium-sized piece of land and don’t have a tractor, this may be your best option. Its total capacity is 40 pounds.

The 2600APlus comes with a three-hole drop system that offers a uniform spread. Meanwhile, its gearbox keeps the drop chute from getting blocked.

You can use its setting controller to disperse various dry materials. Yes, other than fertilizer.

Why We Like It

• It can work great in medium-sized fields.
• It has an easy-to-use controller.
• Its innovative gear assembly ensures that the drop holes are not blocked.

9. Field Tuff 80-Pound Receiver Mount Spreader

The Field Tuff AS-80ATV12 is another spreader that can be mounted on an ATV. Like the Buyers Products ATVS100, it doesn’t come with a wheel assembly. It also has a 12-volt motor.

The primary difference between the two is their capacity. This Field Tuff spreader can hold up to 80 pounds of material and disperse up to 12 feet. It’s also slightly heavier but smaller in overall size.

Meanwhile, the Field Tuff AS-80ATV12 has an on/off switch attached to the wire. Also, it has a rain cover which you will find convenient. So, you won’t need to take the remaining material out before storing the spreader.

Why We Like It

• This spreader comes with a 1-year warranty.
• It is easy to attach to an ATV.
• You can attach a deflector to it.

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

10. Field Tuff 12-Volt ATV Broadcast Spreader

The Field Tuff AS-12V is another 12-volt broadcast spreader. Like the AS-80ATV12, it has an 80-pound load capacity and a 12-foot broadcast width. But, the AS-12V is so much lighter at 7.33 pounds (the other one is at 20 pounds).

You can also mount the AS-12V to either the front or the rear of an ATV. You might find this useful if you want to see how it’s feeding out from the front.

Overall, its wiring harness provides the on/off control. The AS-12V also comes with a 1-year limited warranty. 

Why We Like It

• It has a generous broadcast width.
• Its 12-volt motor is protected with a vinyl coating.
• It can be mounted and unmounted in just 5 minutes.

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Types of Fertilizer Spreaders

There are three types of fertilizer spreaders categorized according to their spreading mechanism.

Broadcast Spreaders

Gardeners typically use broadcast spreaders to manage large lawns. If you require a precise application, it would not be the ideal type to use. It’s designed to reach large areas within a small amount of time.

With a broadcast spreader, you can spread materials to as far as 25 feet from the starting point. Thanks to its fan-like spraying pattern.

Broadcast spreaders also come in different styles. Some are tow-behind spreaders — those you can attach to tractors. Others are push-along types.

Handheld Spreaders

Handheld spreaders are best for small areas. They’re usually compact and handy to use. If you’re working on a patchy area, it’s generally better to use a handheld spreader rather than a conventional one.

With some models, you may also spread seeds aside from just fertilizers. Since handheld spreaders are portable, they can be useful for small gardens.

Drop Spreaders

Drop spreaders are suitable for precise fertilizer applications. The fertilizer granules “drop” from the gap in the hopper to the ground directly below. Hence the name.

So, a drop spreader can offer greater accuracy compared to a broadcast spreader. However, using it may take more passes to fertilize one whole lawn.

In any case, drop spreaders come in push-along or tow-behind designs, making it convenient to use.

Pro Tip: Apply your fertilizer in straight, overlapping patterns. This way, you can achieve the best coverage and uniformity.

Benefits of Fertilizer Spreader

Fertilizer spreaders can help you maintain your lawn and garden with ease. More specifically, using spreaders can help you achieve improved yields. They also aid in increasing the accuracy of fertilizer application.

• Improved Yields

A fertilizer works to improve the health of the soil. Hence, it helps in increasing crop yield. However, you do need to spread the fertilizer evenly to achieve optimum results.

By using a fertilizer spreader, it will be easier to dispense fertilizers uniformly.

• Higher Accuracy

Manual spreading runs the risk of concentrating the fertilizer on specific areas only. Or, you could be dropping too much of it all over your field.

With a fertilizer spreader, you can set most of the critical elements precisely. The flow rate. The volume. The direction. In short, spreading becomes more accurate.

• Reduced Labor

Spreading fertilizer by hand can quickly become one of your least favorite tasks. After all, it can be laborious. A spreader, on the other hand, can significantly reduce the required manual effort.

Some spreaders can be latched onto the back of your tractor or ATV. You can then operate it in automatic mode.

• Multi-Use

Many spreader models go beyond fertilizer applications. You may also use them to scatter seeds evenly.

In this sense, using spreaders can be cost-saving. You don’t have to purchase an additional seeder.

How To Choose The Best Fertilizer Spreader

With so many types of fertilizer spreaders available in the market, it’s quite natural to be confused.

So, here’s a quick buying guide for you.

Lawn Size

It’s only logical to choose large-capacity spreaders for large lawns. Duh. The same logic also follows when it comes to small fields. 

Just imagine how time-consuming it can be to use a small hand-carry spreader in a wide area. That would be exhausting.

For a large piece of land, it would be great to use a tow-behind fertilizer spreader. Latch it onto an ATV and disperse fertilizer without much effort on your part. For a medium-sized lot, you can opt for a walk-behind spreader.

Features You Need

Evaluate spreaders according to the features you need in your own garden or field. Choose a drop spreader for more precise and high-density applications. Or, opt for a broadcast spreader to cover a wide area in no time.

Also, check if the spreader can be towed behind or attached to a tractor. You’d want that feature to save yourself time and effort. Consider getting a spreader with a deflector. You don’t want some of the fertilizer getting dispersed on yourself, would you?

Capacity and Cover

Look for a spreader that’s capable of covering your land area efficiently. A low-capacity model means more frequent refills. Meanwhile, a high-capacity model may mean carrying heavy loads around a small field. For no reason.

So, remember to strike the right balance.

As essential as the capacity is the cover. A rain cover helps to keep moisture or the elements from spoiling a load of fertilizer.

Cost

Cost varies according to build quality, branding, and features. The better the functions, the pricier. Usually.

Avoid compromising on the quality or the features just to purchase a cheaper version. Find a balance between cost and quality. You’ll want this to be a one-time investment.

Pro Tip: The most expensive isn’t always the best.

Reviews

Buyers will often leave reviews of a product online. Either they like the product so much, or they have a problem with it that they want to be solved. Consider these user comments.

Pro Tip: Do not fall into the trap of paid reviews. Sometimes, 4-star ratings are more reliable than 5-star ones.

Our Top Pick

When it comes to the best fertilizer spreader, our top choice would be the Spot Spreader Hand Spreader Shaker. Compact, portable, and easy to use. Even my wife loves how she can refill, spread fertilizers, all on her own. not mention how easy it is to spread ice-melt during winter. The spreader also comes in three different openings that are adjustable depending on my needs. While there are different spreaders, I enjoy how portable it is and how my wife and I can share the same product without buying twice.

A Wise Buy

A fertilizer spreader can be invaluable for garden maintenance. While the types of spreaders may vary widely, each one has its own purpose. Some may be excellent for small garden beds. Others may be perfect for front lawns. Still, others may be suitable for vast plantations.

We’ve just presented you with ten of the best fertilizer spreaders above. We do hope that our buying guide has helped you decide which one to acquire.

Let your choice be the one that fully satisfies your needs.

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API