I MUCH prefer rotary spreader over drop spreader. A lot faster. You won't get zebra lines with organic fertilizer.

I prefer a broadcast spreader for organics. You don't have to be precise with the application, and it's much faster. A little bit of soy meal in a flower bed won't hurt anything either.

Here's another vote for a rotary. I use a Scott's Standard and love it--it's much faster than a drop, and some organic materials don't go through a drop spreader very well.

A little bit of soy meal in a flower bed won't hurt anything either.

A lot of soy in the flower beds is a major advantage. I used 50 lbs per thousand at the end of winter to prep the beds. The perennials weren't up yet, the annuals barely a dream in the future. Everybody's very happy right now and growing strongly and well.

And don't skimp on one either. Get a good one. Stainless steel frames probably aren't necessary, but would be the envy of your neighbors. Look for openings that will flow the materiel your planning to broadcast, heavy duty frame and gear box, and pneumatic tires. Organic does not need to be precise - one reason I like it. Earthway, Lesco, and Spyker are all good brands.

Thanks everyone. It sounds like the rotary spreader is the clear favorite. I think Scott's is the main brand that I've seen, but one of the garden center carries a couple of different Earthway spreaders.

Thanks!
Paul

I have the Scotts Speedy Green - the cheaper one - probably only holds 20-30 lbs of product. But I only spent about $20-25 on it - so I got what I paid for.

One feature I wish I had was an edge guard. I spread milorganite mixed with coffee grounds last week, and when I swept the sidewalk, I just ended up pushing it to the sides, as the grass/soil was higher than the sidewalk. Plus I couldn't help but spread some into the street when doing that "strip" between the street and sidewalk. Not as big a deal as spreading a 39-0-0 mixture, but I'd still like to keep as many sources of N out of the watershed (Chesapeake Bay here) as possible. An edge guard is simply a flap that goes on the side of the spinning wheel, and blocks the "spray" of material. Note to self - may try taping a piece of cardboard to the side next time.

Gags

To Gags - I think if you use a block on ONE side with a rotary spreader you are going to be dropping the same amount of fertilizer, but the "blocked" side will deposit it in a much small area, probably in a dense line adjacent to your blocking device = burn baby burn.

I've gone through 3 rotary spreaders. Each one was "better" than the last (more $$ too). Currently I have an AgriFab tow behind for a riding mower.

My 2-cents? Buy cheap, use 2 seasons, toss!

Why? Because I haven't been able to find a good one. To me good = one that works and lasts.

The previous rotary (Scott"s) was ate-up by corrosion even with washing out after use.

This season I've had to replace the trap door on the AgriFab and now I need to replace the sling-er. In both cases the "plastic" pieces died, they came apart in my hands - not good.

Also the adjustment for the dump slot on the AgriFab is poor - it won't open smoothly, nor square and the adjustment goes up to 10. The 10 is a least 1/2" wide, what would I spread through a 1/2" slot? Chattahoochee stone?? I'd rather see the adjustable slot be up to 1/4", maybe a little over, have a Stainless Steel blade and adjust in 1/10" increments.

cvt

If I was to own only one spreader it would be a chest mount with a large opening. The beauty of this type is it is much easier to control throw for narrow areas as the drive is not determined by ground speed.

I will only own a Drop Spreader and I wish that one could find one with air tires on them. I am a Home owner and use one at less 4 to 5 times a season not including Winter.

Does anyone know of a every good drop spreader that does not cost $500.00? I am willing to spend $150.00 if I have to.

I will only own a Drop Spreader and I wish that one could find one with air tires on them. I am a Home owner and use one at less 4 to 5 times a season not including Winter.

Does anyone know of a every good drop spreader that does not cost $500.00? I am willing to spend $150.00 if I have to.

I have seen drop spreaders for sale many places for around $35.00 to $50.00 for a push around to about $220.00 for a much larger pull behind drop spreader, at many of the big box stores.

A push drop spreader is one of the best spreader to get a accurate spreading and your best bet is to have one with air tires that way you can use it for Winter and Spring and Summer. To put down salt in Winter and fertilizer and other helpful products.

Here's another vote for a broadcast spreader. When spreading organics, overshoot doesn't really matter much, and I'm happy if some soybean gets into the gardens anyway. The flowers seem to like it, too.

If precise placement is important, like seeding a lawn, a drop spreader would be better in that case.

Here is a link that might be useful: My organic lawn/gardening blog

The best lawns in town use a drop spreader. Hands down.