Compost is an ideal choice for those seeking a healthy lawn or garden. It can be wet and form clumps, though, making it more challenging to spread than traditional fertilizer — but a compost spreader can make the task easier.
What is a compost spreader?
Spreaders are designed to distribute your compost evenly across your yard or garden. They help sift out unwanted materials and clumps, ensuring your yard gets the nutrients and organic matter it needs to thrive. Most are push-behind models that let you cover a large area relatively quickly.
Spreaders also prevent the waste associated with spreading your compost by hand or with a shovel. Many give you more control over how much material you distribute at a time.
Can you use a broadcast spreader for compost?
Broadcast spreaders are designed for fine, dry fertilizers and seeds. They usually become clogged if used with compost. If you want to use a broadcast spreader, it’s best to run the compost through a sifter first to remove clumps. You can buy compost pellets from the store, too, but these can be expensive and hard to find.
Compost spreader size and price
When buying a spreader, it’s essential to consider the size of your lawn or garden. Large compost spreaders, up to 60 inches wide, may cost around $1,000. You can buy a 24-inch spreader for about $200 to $300, but it’ll take longer to cover your lawn.
Tow-behind broadcast spreaders are ideal for large lawns, but you’ll want to sift your compost before using them. Sifting can take a while, but you’ll likely save time in the long run if you have an exceptionally large lawn.
Compost spreader FAQ
Q. Are compost spreaders easy to use?
A. They are much more manageable than spreading compost by hand, but pushing a spreader around your lawn can be challenging. Larger models are harder to move around but reduce the time it takes to spread the material.
Q. Can you use homemade compost with a compost spreader?
A. Yes, spreaders designed for compost do an excellent job of filtering out clumps and handling wet materials. These are ideal for homemade compost since you won’t have to worry about them jamming.
Q. Are compost spreaders safe?
A. They’re generally safe, as they don’t have blades and won’t spin automatically. Still, it’s a good idea to wear protective gloves and eyewear when spreading compost so you don’t cut your hands or get debris in your eyes. If it’s exceptionally windy, spread your compost another day. And read the spreader’s instruction manual in case there are any safety considerations specific to the model you purchased.
Best compost spreaders
Landzie Compost and Peat Moss Spreader
This comes in various sizes, including 24-inch, 44-inch and 60-inch. Diamond-shaped openings ensure an even compost distribution. Many reviewers said it was easy to put together and use.
This is made from a durable steel material with a powder-coat finish. It lays down an even layer of fertilizer while filtering out unwanted materials and makes it easy to load and refill your compost.
Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader
This is an ideal choice for spreading compost pellets or fine, pre-sifted compost. It’s affordable and holds enough compost to cover around 5,000 square feet. The edge-guard feature keeps your compost from getting on walkways.
This is made from durable materials and is built to last. The holes make it easy to distribute compost evenly. The assembly process is straightforward.
Agri-Fab Push Broadcast Spreader
You can push this spreader with ease, and it rarely jams. It holds enough compost to cover around 25,000 square feet. The flow-control mechanism is easy to use.
Chapin Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader
The tow-behind design is great for those looking to avoid challenging labor. It holds around 150 pounds of pre-sifted compost or fertilizer. It stops spreading when it’s not in motion.
Other composting accessories worth checking out
This affordable sifter is a great choice for those planning to use a broadcast spreader. It has two handles to make it easier to sift out lumps and unwanted materials. Many said it works well and is easy to use.
This has a stylish wooden design and a stainless-steel grate. It’s large enough to sift around two shovel loads of compost simultaneously.
Biomaster Compost-It Compost Accelerator
This contains top-notch active ingredients and helps control your compost’s smell. It’s made with natural ingredients and packed with over 60 microbe strains.
VivoSun Outdoor Tumbling Composter
The legs are made with sturdy alloy steel. It has two chambers, letting you add fresh compost materials on one side while finishing on the other. The air vents allow enough ventilation for a healthy compost mix.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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