I've used both types of seeders - the dispenser in the front and the rear. The front was a Lesco and the rear was a Bluebird.

I preferred the Bluebird - it doesn't make sense to me to dispense in the front - the seeds are spread before the slit is cut.

I have no wisdom to give on "accuracy". It looks to me like dispenses no different than a regular drop spreader. It looked to me like the bigger self-propelled models would be better in this regard. It looks like they use a more elaborate method of distributing the seed.

If you really think your Scotts will do a better job, I suppose you could run the slit seeder with no seed just to cut the slits, then use the Scotts to spread the seed.

Or buy cheaper seed... :-)

43560 square feet over seeded using 20 inch wide passes?!?!?! God love you, Andy!

PS, I think BP can confirm, but I seem to remember that when dormant seeding you use a higher than normal seeding rate due to the lower successful germination rate.

>"I preferred the Bluebird - it doesn't make sense to me to dispense in the front - the seeds are spread before the slit is cut."

I think the train of thought here is the rear slicing would act as a top dressing then.

I don't really pay very close attention to the seeding rates because I'm using seeds that aren't used much for lawns, so the rates are for reclamation work and are often listed in PLS per acre (and at much lower rates than would be needed for a lawn).

But I think Gary has a good point. When you dormant seed, you lose some to the elements, so you may want to use a higher rate than what is listed on the bag.

Here's the way I look at it with KBG versus other grasses that don't self spread by rhizomes, and I only mean this as constructive criticism because I get way too thoughtful about stuff too.

Sure you want to try to be even, but I think you're overthinking it and being way too particular. KBG self spreads very nicely if given plenty of fertilizer.

If you were planting PRG or Fescue, yeah sure be that particular.

Rent a seeder if you want, but since you're dormant seeding, that seed is going to make it's way down even if you use a rotary spreader. I'd only use a seeder if I was doing a September or Spring seeding.

Thanks to everyone for the reply and information!

This is what I learned so far:

1. The seed distribution method of a Bluebird or Billy Goat Over-seeder is very inaccurate.
2. Drop spreaders are more accurate then broadcast spreaders. My almost classics, 24 years old ScottÂs PF2 drop spreader is most likely as accurate as any on the market today.
3. The spreader should be calibrated prior to use to ensure accurate seed distribution.
4. Seeding an acre 43,560 sq ft with a 20 inch wide drop spreader is a job for the wife.
5. If the seeder is in the front of the over seeder  the seed will be sliced in the soil.
6. If the seeder is in the rear it will be distributed on top of the sliced soil.
7. It is recommend applying grass seed in 2 directions - North-South then East-West
8. Kentucky Blue grass is the best spreading grass.

Thanks Again!
Stay in the fight for Christ!
Andy

Just to throw in my two cents:

>> 4. Seeding an acre 43,560 sq ft with a 20 inch wide drop spreader is a job for the wife.

For an alternative to the wife, be sure to get a self-propelled seeder... I've used the non-self-propelled on some larger areas (less than one acre) and it kicked my butt.

>> 6. If the seeder is in the rear it will be distributed on top of the sliced soil.

I think the idea is that some of the seeds will get distributed IN the slits after they are cut. There is a rubber flap in the back that then drags some dirt back into the slits to cover the seeds.

>> 7. It is recommend applying grass seed in 2 directions - North-South then East-West

I've seen some recommendations that say to use 45 degree angles, and cut the seed distribution in half on the second pass. Not sure that it much matters.

"4. Seeding an acre 43,560 sq ft with a 20 inch wide drop spreader is a job for the wife. "

Ha! But, remember, paying someone besides the wife is probably cheaper than a divorce. ;)

I've used the Bluebird several times to overseed an 8000 sq ft yard. Two things. It worked very well. And, while I'm not quite sure how it does it just dropping it at the back, the seeds come up in nice little rows. So, pretty clearly most of them are winding up in the furrow the tines up front are making.

Lastly, I'm a yard whacko, but for dry seeding that much area, I think I'd just use a broadcast seeder and add some extra seed. Much much faster and easier. I think the difference in results is going to be very small compared to the extra labor and time. But, for those more motivated (i.e. not quite as lazy)... good luck!