Top 5 Compost Spreaders for Lawns in 2024 – Share The Compost Love!
Any gardener – keen and non-keen ones – will know that spreading compost can be a tedious and time-consuming experience if done manually.
Thankfully, compost spreaders are here to save the day! An amazing product such as the Scotts Elite Spreader is bound to make your gardening days an absolute breeze.
If you’re wondering what you should be using compost for, be sure to check out our full article on the topic. Without further ado, let’s jump into some of our favorite compost-spreading devices.
The Best Compost Spreaders for Lawns 2024
Best Overall – Scotts Elite Spreader
The Scotts Elite Spreader is our top pick in this list of the best compost distributors, and for good reason! This device is one of the most popular spreading tools available today, offering users top-notch performance at a sensible price point.
The device’s dual-rotor technology ensures even distribution, without randomly spraying compost out in all directions. It spreads quickly and accurately, potentially saving you a load of time on your composting jobs.
The overall design of this product is pretty flawless, and it feels extremely well-built when you get behind the handles. It also features never-flat tires that won’t get phased by difficult conditions.
In summary, we really can’t recommend this product enough. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use, robust device with reliable performance, you really can’t go wrong with this spreading tool.
Best for Large Areas – Agri-Fab Tow-Behind Drop Spreader
If you’re wanting to cover large areas with your spreader, then the Agri-Fab Tow Behind could be the way to go. With a maximum load of 175 pounds, you’ll hardly ever find yourself having to fill up the hopper, which can save tons of time on a big job.
This tow behind spreader is extremely well-built and made to stand up to all sorts of terrain. The pneumatic tires ensure that the spreader can roll smoothly even when there’s wet, dead grass underfoot, and the galvanized steel frame is practically bombproof.
If you’ve got a tractor or agricultural vehicle that you can hook this spreader up to, then it’s definitely going to be a great option. Of course, a tow behind spreader isn’t going to be suitable for everyone, and most people won’t really need a spreader of this size.
Best Budget – Scotts Turf Builder Mini
Just because you’re working on a budget, it shouldn’t mean that you have to miss out on a great compost spreader. The Scotts Turf Builder Mini is one of the best affordable options that still manages to offer impressive coverage and performance.
Despite its low price point, this spreader is packed with features to improve the user’s experience. One of its best features is the inclusion of EdgeGuard technology, which stops compost from flying off to the sides of the spreader and allows the user to be more accurate with their distribution.
With a fold-down handle and compact design, you’ll have no problem finding a place to store the Turf Builder Mini. Even if you have to keep it outside, the plastic components and rust-resistant metal parts will be able to stand up to any weather conditions.
Best for Versatility – Agri-Fab Push Broadcast Spreader
Here we have another excellent broadcast soil spreader, this time the Agri-Fab Spreader. Agri-Fab is well known for manufacturing excellent gardening products, and this push spreader is no exception. A solid plastic hopper is paired with a high-quality metal frame which results in a device that is strong and durable.
If you’re looking for a versatile compost spreader, you can’t go wrong with this one considering the wide range of spreading settings that it offers. It doesn’t matter if you want to spread compost, fertilizer, seed, or any other garden product, the Agri-Fab Push Spreader will get the job done. For a small extra cost, you can also get a hopper grate thrown in, which will allow you to use even more products in the device.
This spreader also features pneumatic tires, meaning you’ll always be able to spread compost, whatever state your lawn is in. This push spreader is undoubtedly one of the best on the market today, and it’s absolutely one that we recommend.
Best for Rough Terrain – Earthway Even Spreader
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The final recommendation we have for you is the fantastic Earthway Even Spreader. This is one the most rugged spreading devices out there – with chunky wheels and a robust frame, this Earthway product will cope comfortably with all sorts of terrain.
When you use this product, you’ll immediately be impressed by how evenly it spreads compost and fertilizer. It can comfortably spread compost across a whole lawn without leaving any patches uncovered.
A cool feature of this particular spreading tool is its anti-clog design. When you’re spreading compost, one of the most common problems you’ll run into is the compost getting clogged in the spreading chute. This device resists this issue with a unique clog-free setup.
There are lots of great options on this list, but the Earthway Walk-Behind keeps up with the best of them. Definitely one to consider!
What to Consider When Buying a Compost Spreader
Buying a new compost spreader can seem like a confusing process, but it doesn’t have to be! We’ve prepared this quick buying guide to help you find the best compost spreader for you and your garden.
It’s broken down into multiple categories, so be sure to have a think about each one to give you the best chance of finding the perfect product.
Using a spreading tool is always more fun when you’ve made your own compost from scratch. Take a look at our full article about starting a compost bin to see how easy it is to commence your composting journey.
Budget
When you’re buying any piece of gardening equipment, your budget is going to be one of the biggest things to consider. Setting a budget will narrow down your options considerably and make the buying process much more straightforward.
Thankfully, there are some excellent spreaders available at nearly every price point. Whether you’re looking for a simple drop spreader or a more luxurious motorized compost spreader, you can be sure that you’ll be able to find something within your budget.
Drop or Rotary?
There are two main types of compost spreader, “drop” and “rotary”. A drop spreader is a push-powered device that has a container, or hopper, mounted onto the frame. As you push the spreader, the compost is released in a straight line below the container.
A rotary compost spreader takes a different approach, featuring a spinning disk that flings the compost across a semi-circular area in front of it. This allows you to cover a much larger area in a given amount of time than with a drop spreader.
Even though a drop compost spreader is the most basic option, that doesn’t mean it can’t do a good job. On the other hand, a rotary device can save you tons of time, especially if you have a large lawn size.
It really all comes down to personal preference and the environment that you’ll be using your spreader in.
Size
The size of a compost spreader is another important thing to consider. Compost spreaders can be fairly bulky devices, which makes them quite hard to store.
We’d always recommend looking for a spreader with a folding handle so that the device can be tucked away in a shed.
Dispensing Settings
It’s always worth looking out for compost spreaders with multiple dispensing settings. Some devices will allow you to adjust the rate that the compost is released, which can be a really helpful feature.
It’s also great if you’re using other products or organic matter aside from compost – lawn products should always be applied at the rate recommended by the manufacturer to get the best results.
Tire Design
It isn’t just the design of the dispenser that’s important, the tires are also going to have a big impact on how easy the compost spreader is to use and how well it performs.
Pneumatic tires are always the way to go if you get the choice – these tires never get stuck in the mud and will keep your spreader rolling in all conditions.
Hopper Capacity
The hopper is the part of the spreader that holds the organic matter. The size of hopper that you’ll need will completely depend on the area that you’re looking to spread across – there’s no point struggling with a huge hopper if you’re only composting a small strip of land.
Weather Resistance
All committed gardeners will know that looking after a garden is a year-round job. With that in mind, having a compost spreader that can stand up to the weather is important. It’s no good if your device rusts up over the winter and won’t work when you need it.
Of course, it’s even more essential to consider this if you plan on storing your spreader outside. In general, a plastic device is going to stand up to damp and rust better, but a metal one will probably be more durable.
Warranty
The final thing to look out for when buying a compost spreader is a decent warranty. Warranties protect you against manufacturer defects and problems that might arise as you use the spreader. A lengthy warranty is going to give you the peace of mind that your investment is safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lawn compost spreader?
A compost spreader is one of the best tools to simplify your gardening sessions. It allows you to evenly distribute compost across your lawn, without having to get down on your hands and knees.
Whether you’re planting new grass seeds or adding a top dressing to the soil surface, a compost spreader is bound to make your life easier.
Who are compost spreaders designed for?
Compost spreaders are designed for all budding gardeners who want to get their compost down, without the stress. Since spreaders come in all shapes and sizes, there’s always an option that’s perfect for you and your garden.
Compost spreaders are also ideal for professionals and are a great tool to add to your arsenal. A motorized compost spreader would be a particularly good buy if you often find yourself working across large gardens and areas.
How much compost fits in a compost spreader?
This completely depends on the size of hopper that your spreader has. Some spreaders will have a very big hopper that can hold enough compost for a large garden, whereas others will be designed for small patches of lawn with a lower capacity.
Can you spread compost with a broadcast spreader?
When it comes to spreading compost, your best bet is to look for something that is specifically designed for that purpose. The problem with many standard spreaders is that the release hole is too small for compost, and can easily get clogged up.
If you do want a standard broadcast spreader, then be sure to check out some customer reviews to see if other people have used it for spreading compost.
Can I spread topsoil with a spreader?
Yes! As long as your topsoil is dry and in small pieces, then you shouldn’t have any issues running it through a compost spreader.
In fact, you can use a compost spreader to distribute all different kinds of products in your garden. This is one of the reasons why it’s such a good tool to invest in.
Last update on 2024-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
