Originally used in agriculture to optimize fertilizer spreading and achieve savings in terms of lower consumption of raw materials, the fertilizer spreader has now also become available for hobbyists and gardeners, in the form of smaller and lighter models that can be pushed by hand.
It is still too early to say which is the best brand on the market for a product destined to undergo changes and improvements shortly due to the application of information technology.
In this guide, we will, therefore, limit ourselves to reviewing only the characteristics of the appliances. Currently available online, referring the reader to our ranking of the most popular ones for the appropriate insights.
What to Look for Before Buying Fertilizer Spreader?
When to Use It
The use of the fertilizer spreader, even the smallest one, makes sense only if you have surfaced of a certain size. While it is indispensable for a lawn or a medium / large garden, it is certainly completely useless for the geraniums on the terrace or for a small vegetable garden, where the manual system remains the most comfortable and economical method.
Each article specifies the range of action, which generally varies from 2 to 3 meters. This gives an idea of the power of this tool, with which you can cover the surface of a football field in a few minutes.
The performance then also depends on the tank capacity, generally on 10/20 liters. But also keep in mind that, being manual, you will have to push, which becomes a real effort in the most powerful models!
Not Just Fertilizers
The models we have reviewed are often multifunctional: being made of special anti-corrosion plastics, they can also be used to spread seeds or even salt.
Compare the prices, and you will see that these additional features do not generally involve an increase in the cost, which seems more related to the size. It may, therefore, be convenient to buy a fertilizer spreader that offers you multiple products in one, also to save space in the garage or the tool shed.
To choose the product that’s right for you, remember that a very important feature is the possibility of regulating the release of fertilizer, to suitably dose the quantities based on the type of soil and culture to save costs. Since not all models are equipped with the appropriate regulating device, it is always a good idea to check before purchasing.
Ergonomics
Price is not all in one product, especially in the case in question. Having to push it by hand, check that the handlebar is comfortable and inclined concerning the body to allow maximum leverage and that the adjustment control is positioned to be easily accessible.
The full weight must not, however, be excessive, to avoid risks for the back. Many models are removable and equipped with a folding handlebar, a detail that will certainly prove to be convenient when storing the tool.
However, these are always fairly large gadgets, which need an adequate amount of space and which should be placed in a shed. In short, the fertilizer spreader remains a product not suitable for the city, the purchase of which is depreciated only if you own at least one house.
How to Use a Fertilizer Spreader?
Who has a fairly large field knows the need to fertilize it properly to have an abundant harvest. If you have a small vegetable garden or a garden, providing this manually is not difficult, on the other hand, if you are talking about medium-large sized fields, it could instead be a serious problem.
What Is a Fertilizer Spreader?
To meet the users, special fertilizer spreaders have been created, agricultural machines equipped with wheels, and specifically designed for spreading fertilizers on the ground.
Compared to professional machines, with a high cost, they are slightly smaller and manually operated. Although therefore, they are more intuitive, they are also much more tiring to use.
Factors to Consider
Before choosing the one that best suits your needs, you must take into account factors such as the range of action, which usually varies from 2 to 3 meters, and the capacity of the tank, which can oscillate between 10 and 20 liters.
Mounting
Once you have chosen the fertilizer spreader, you will have to assemble it if it is not pre-assembled. This procedure should be illustrated carefully and precisely in the instruction manual, so we invite you to consult it carefully so as not to run into errors that could affect the operation of the appliance. Also, make sure there are no loose bolts or screws before using it.
Which Fertilizer to Use?
So the time has come to get the fertilizer, mineral, or organic according to the cultivation. Also, consider the assimilation times that vary from fertilizer to fertilizer. The tool should consist of a handlebar, necessary to guide it, a container for fertilizer, a dispenser that releases the right amount of product, and a pair of wheels for movement.
Components of A Fertilizer Spreader
Let’s analyze the components starting from the handlebar. Make sure it is comfortable, perhaps with rubberized handles for a better grip, even if you have wet hands. This is not an element to be underestimated, especially if the field to be fertilized requires hours of work.
The fertilizer container must be large enough and limit your stops to reload it, so remember to calculate, even roughly, the amount needed to fertilize the whole field. The door must be well built, so as not to create obstructions that would interrupt the work, for this particular rely above all on user reviews.
Finally, the wheels essential for movement. You can find different sizes, the larger ones are usually suitable for very hard and rough terrain, while the smaller ones are preferable for a lawn or an orchard.
Simple and Intuitive Use
To use this device, all you have to do is insert the fertilizer into the container, adjust the flow using a special lever, usually near the handlebar or the door itself, and you will be ready to start fertilizing your soil.
