Introduction
Everyone who owns a well-groomed lawn can attest to the price you have to pay. It takes a lot to maintain a lawn. So how do you do it. Weeds and shrubbery are known to grow out unevenly.
Well, it’s easy to solve that problem, you need to spread out your seeds/fertilizer evenly. That’s only possible using a spreader. But which one do you go for?
Luckily that’s where we come in. Our post on the best hand held spreader for food plots is exactly what you need.
But why should you trust us? Well, this post was brought to you by our hippy-esque research team. They’re quite passionate about gardening and they’ve put their heart and soul into making this post.
So you can bet you’re getting top-notch information on this. This is why we came up with a top 5 list of the best spreaders on the market. We have also thrown in a buying guide for your convenience.
Now, that’s enough of an intro, let’s get cranking!
Comparison Table
| SiteStripe Image | Title | Dispensing Type | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Scott’s Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader | Hand-Cranked | 1.15 | Order From Amazon |
  | Scott’s Whiz Hand-Held Spreader | Battery-Powered | 2.10 | Order From Amazon |
  | Spot Spreader’s Hand Spreader | Hand-Held | 1.03 | Order From Amazon |
  | Solo’s Chest-Mount Spreader | Hand-Cranked | 6.74 | Order From Amazon |
  | Earthway’s Hand-Cranked Spreader | Hand-Cranked | 3.00 | Order From Amazon |
Scott’s Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader
First up, we have the champion of the list. This is none other than Scott’s Whirl Spreader. This is the crowning jewel of our list.
So why does the crown sit atop its head? Let’s find out
For starters, its adjustable arm support means that you can keep on cranking without breaking a sweat. This is on it’s the most important features that Scott’s Whirl Spreader has. In the aspect of comfortability, Scott’s Whirl is the best.
It’s also one of the lightest ones on the list. This coupled with the adjustable arm support means you won’t be straining your wrists anytime soon.
This is also great for reaching the hard-to-get spots on your lawn. The Whirl can hold up to 1,500 square feet worth of feed/fertilizer/seeds. It does this while ensuring it covers its surroundings evenly.
It’s also extremely efficient in spreading product across your lawn. You can get your work done in about a third of the time it takes if you used another spreader. Moreover, it’s also budget-friendly compared to the rest.
Pros
- Excellent Spreading range.
- Great Durability.
- The most comfortable.
- Budget-friendly.
Cons
- Gears sometimes jam up.
Scott’s Whiz Hand-Held Spreader
Now, we have a familiar name on the list. It’s the Scott’s Whiz Handheld spreader. You can already tell that the Scott brand brings its A-game when it comes to spreaders. So let’s take a gander at the specifics, shall we?
The Whizz is the least annoying and arduous to use. This is because it’s battery-powered. So there’s no need to crank that shaft for hours on end.
This quadruple, AA-powered spreader comes with 23 different settings. The range of its spread is another one of its important attributes. It’s estimated range is stated to be 2,500 square feet.
It has a 5-foot safe zone, courtesy of its EdgeGuard technology. This means it can easily bypass the non-spreading zones of the lawn.
However, since it’s battery-powered it’s also on the heavier side of things. This means that if you’re not a seasoned lawn-maintenance guy, you need to get used to it.
Also, its battery-powered power source means that you lack control over its spread. With this spreader, you have to constantly be on the move. This is an attempt to prevent over-spreading.
Pros
- It is user-friendly.
- Excellent durability.
- Battery-powered.
- Excellent versatility.
Cons
- Reported to clog with larger feed.
Spot Spreader’s Hand Spreader
Next up we have number 3 on the list. This is the second runner’s up on the list and officially ends out top 3 of the lost. And this goes to none other than the Spot Spreader’s Hand spreader.
So why is it so high up on our ultimate list of spreaders?
For starters, the Spot Spreader is the lightest on the list. It weighs a minuscule 1.03 pounds. This means that it’s the easiest to use out of the bunch.
Also since it’s handheld the Spot Spreader is the most precise of the bunch. You can spread your seeds/fertilizers easily in the tiniest of gaps using the spot spreader.
Moreover, the Spot Spreader is the most durable of the bunch. There’s a good chance that the Spot spreader will outlast your kids. This is because the Spot Spreader is made of commercial-grade materials.
Another key feature the spot spreader has is its holes. It has multiple-sized holes, so there’s no chance it’ll ever get clogged.
Pros
- Excellent Durability.
- Doesn’t clog.
- Excellent precision.
Cons
- Doen’t cover a large area.
- Has to be manually spread.
Solo’s Chest-Mount Spreader
At number 4, we have an oddball. It’s the Solo’s Chest-Mount Spreader, and it’s quite the spreader.
So what makes this spreader stand out? Let’s look at those special features.
The Solo spreader is designed specifically for distributing a wide range of granular gardening supplies. It’s particularly good at spreading it over irregular and uneven terrains.
The legendary chest mount design allows for a uniform weight distribution. This design allows you to regulate the flow, volume, and direction of materials being dispersed.
Moreover, you can directly control these aspects with the practical fingertip control settings. The agitator ensures that materials are dropped evenly and prevents undesirable obstructions.
You may also use the Solo Inc spreader to give solid chemicals. And there are no spills due to the screw-on cap. The chest mount is also extremely durable. It’s made of high-grade polythene and stainless steel parts.
The Solo Inc. Chest Spreader also has a decent amount of feed input. It can hold around 20 pounds of feed/fertilizer/seeds. This means you don’t have to run for a refill now and then.
Pros
- Come with a wide range of sizes.
- Decent durability.
- Great dispersion control.
- Easy to refill.
Cons
- Bulky design.
Earthway’s Hand-Cranked Spreader
Last but not least, we have Earthway’s hand-cranked spreader. Now, you might think that since it’s the last one on the list, you can write it off.
However, it would be wise of you to not do this. The Earthway has a myriad of features that makes it worthy to be on our list.
For starters, the Earthway is the most budget-friendly spreader of the bunch. It’s also the ideal spreader to have if you’re in a wet or hilly area.
The red nylon bag hopper from Earthway features a completely zipped top. This allows for easy filling and safe sealing.
The heavy-duty nylon fabric is weather, corrosion, and tear-resistant. And it has a comfortable, completely adjustable shoulder strap.
The bag has a long crank handle and a curved base that fits snugly around the hip. Grass seed, weed killer, and other products may be spread rapidly and smoothly. This can be done by simply changing the crank rate.
The Earthway bag spreader includes a dependable spring-loaded shut-off and complete directional control for the operator.
Like the Solo Inc. Chest Mount, it has a 20-pound load. This means you can easily carry it around without having to refill it again and again.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Excellent durability.
- Excellent weather resistance.
Cons
- Sprays unevenly.
- Is a bit bulky.
Things You Need To Consider Before Spreader
Now, we all know that operating a handheld spreader properly is crucial in maintaining your lawn. This is why you should know which style suits you better. Otherwise, you’ll be struggling to use a particular spreader, when you’re heart set somewhere else.
This section focuses on this matter. The different types of spreaders, including the different types of dispensing methods.
So enough waiting! Let’s go for it!
Types of Spreads
First up we have the different types of spreads. Now they can be broadly categorized into two main types of spreaders.
The portable ones are called Hand and Shoulder spreads. Lastly, you have the bigger version of spreaders. These are called drop spreaders and broadcast spreaders. Now let’s go over these in detail.
Hand Or Shoulder Spreads
First, you have the portable sizes. Handheld spreads are by far the most common types of spreads you have. These normally come with a crank, as a method of dispersal.
Handheld spreads have to be used using two hands. You have to use one hand to hold the device while simultaneously cranking the handle to spread the seeds/fertilizers. But we’ll talk about the method of dispersals later on.
Hand-spreaders are good for even distribution of products, are easy to use, and provide excellent value for money. However, they have to be physically carried and are not appropriate for weed-feed or top-dressings.
Shoulder spreaders are a bit bigger than handheld spreaders. But they make for the extra load by coming with a shoulder strap to compensate for it.
Shoulder spreaders are ideal for medium and large-sized lawns. They also work best for smooth lawns and provide even coverage.
Broadcast And Drop Spreaders
These are the big boys of the group. These have the largest capacity for the feed and the broadest coverage. Broadcast and drop spreaders come with wheels. So you can roll and spread your seeds or fertilizers with ease.
Broadcast spreaders are commonly termed as rotary spreaders. They have the largest range of spread and are quite efficient in spreading evenly.
The fertilizer/seeds fall into a hopper and are tossed across the grass by a rotating disc. These spreaders provide rapid coverage at the cost of control. The spreader might distribute material in the wrong spot. This includes places such as a neighbor’s yard if it is not used with care and expertise.
They are the best on smooth surfaces because otherwise, they might tip over obstacles. So you should use this on flat surfaces rather than sloping ones.
Now let’s talk about Drop Spreaders. Here, the seed and fertilizers are applied more precisely with drop spreaders. It’s easier to monitor and keep track of the treated area because the material falls straight down to the grass at a set application width.
Drop spreaders are suitable choices for lawns with planting beds because of their enhanced precision. But since the distribution pattern is narrow, you may need to make more passes to cover a lawn fully.
Type of Dispersal
A dispersal technique is how the seeds or fertilizer are spread across the lawn. There are mainly three types; hand-cranked, automatic/battery-powered, or handheld. So let’s go over these techniques.
Hand-cranked are by far the most common out of the three. Here, you rotate a handle and the seed/fertilizer gets dispersed. This ergonomic design of dispersion is a fan favorite and very dependable.
Next, you have the Automatic or Battery powered method of dispersion. This uses a rotating fan or dispersion fan that spreads the seeds/fertilizer. This is the easiest to use out of the three. But you have to always be on the move, otherwise, you risk uneven spreads.
Lastly, you are the least convenient of the bunch. The handheld types need to shake out their contents to be dispersed. While it may be harder than the rest, it is the most precise out of the bunch.
FAQs
Question: What’s the difference between a seed spreader and a fertilizer spreader?
Answer: There isn’t any significant difference between the two. The principles of using the device are the same regardless of its intended use. This applies for both seed spreaders or fertilizer spreaders. The seed or lawn-care product is kept in a bin or hopper. The seeds/fertilizers fall through a small opening as you move the spreader across your lawn. The process of both the products are the same
Question: What setting should my spreader be set at?
Answer: Set your spreader to the lowest setting (usually one-fourth of the spreader setting range or less). Cover a 50 × 20-foot space using the material (1,000 square feet). Increase your setting if there is any leftover material. Reduce your setting if you run out of enough product.
Question: How can I stop stripes from forming on my lawn?
Answer: When the fertilizer strikes the lawn, most spreaders have an “edge.” They must be lined so that there is no overlap or space between them. This is how you can stop stripes from forming on your lawn.
Final Words
Well, that’s about all the knowledge we can disseminate right about now. We hope that you found our post on the best hand held spreader for food plots to be worth your while. After all, this post was the accumulation of a lot of sleepless nights by our researchers.
Either way, we trust in your abilities to choose a spreader by now. If you haven’t then we suggest that you go for the champ on the list. It was determined to be the best one for a good number of reasons.
That being said, it’s time for us to leave now. May you rediscover that green thumb within you. Until next time, take care and stay safe!
