Are you trying to figure out how much to use (about 1/3 of the 12.5lb bag) or how they came up with the application info? I use scott's all the time and just apply it based on how much N is required on any particular property. The exact amount is not critical. Anywhere in the ballpark will be OK.

 

I know the correct amount in pounds to use. I am just trying to figure out how to get the spreader to put close to that proper amount in one pass without over applying. It appears their spreader settings are for 2.5lbs per 1000, and I need 3.1lbs per 1000 based on the N amount in the product.

I am mostly concerned about not over applying and frying my lawn. I decided that the Turf builder edgeguard mini is not the way to go. It is the right size but with the edgeguard device and the way the material hits the wheels it doesn't look like the right tool to get an even spread of material.

 

Try to get closer to 1# N per 1k. And that's the most expensive fert I have ever seen. But I don't look at box stores so take that for what it is worth. For that same price you could have someone like me not only fert using a much much better product (50 Sr uc with 2 or 3%Fe) but do weed control as well, take a pH reading and more. Good lord Scott makes a fortune off of this. But I get it some people just want to diy. Go for what I said before.

 

I agree it is expensive. It does give me the best results of any I've tried in 38 years.

 

Put down 3# of that product evenly and you are good to go. You are way north of me so I'm bowing out and leave it to the northern turf specialists.

 

The spreader setting does not equate to a fert rate, it is really just a guess they give you to start from.

The spreader needs to only be open enough to let the largest particle in the mix to get out.

Whats important is to get the required AMOUNT on the lawn per sq foot. Walk one pass on their recommended setting, see how much you've put out in weight, then adjust from there, or just keep going with 2.5. Just be sure to get the 1lb/1000 of N out, so about 3lbs of the 32-0-4.

 

The spreader setting does not equate to a fert rate, it is really just a guess they give you to start from.

The spreader needs to only be open enough to let the largest particle in the mix to get out.

Whats important is to get the required AMOUNT on the lawn per sq foot. Walk one pass on their recommended setting, see how much you've put out in weight, then adjust from there, or just keep going with 2.5. Just be sure to get the 1lb/1000 of N out, so about 3lbs of the 32-0-4.

That is what doesn't make any sense to me. What good is a spreader if you cant set a correct fertilizer application rate for a certain amount of pounds per a certain square feet of lawn.

If it over applies in one area then that area could get burned. Same goes if you have to go over areas several times, some areas could have over application and some not enough.

Isn't that the point of using a spreader?

 

Set your spreader on a low setting. Put the full amount of fert in the spreader you want to apply. Go over your lawn in multiple directions until its all applied. This will take longer but you'll have more even distribution.

 

You could experiment with a lime application, just to get a feel for the settings. Lime is cheap, and doesn't burn the lawn

 

Another way to experiment would be to try spreader settings over a large tarp. Collect and weigh the product after each setting.

 

That is what doesn't make any sense to me. What good is a spreader if you cant set a correct fertilizer application rate for a certain amount of pounds per a certain square feet of lawn.

If it over applies in one area then that area could get burned. Same goes if you have to go over areas several times, some areas could have over application and some not enough.

Isn't that the point of using a spreader?

If all granular products had equal particle sizes it would be easy to do that, but that is not the case. All spreaders are not the same either. Setting 2 on a Scotts spreader may be different from 2 on a Deere. My preemergent in spring is tiny like sand, a cheap 10-10-10 at Lowes may have huge particles. You wouldnt necessarily use the same setting for a 24-0-11 as you would a 33-0-4 either, if you wanted to do it in one pass. To get the right rates, I have to change the spreader setting for each product. If I want to double the rate, I adjust the rate on the spreader again, but I've already learned what setting to use for my products and my spreader, you havent.

You start from a recommendation, generally start low, then adjust as necessary to get the right amount out. You will then just know to leave it on that setting in the future, for that specific product. The spread will be more even if you go with a low setting and do multiple passes, likewise it'd be more even if the fert granules are smaller.

When you burn a lawn, its usually from dumping/spilling a clump on the ground and/or letting particles sit on the blades without watering it in. Dew settles the next few days, you get a lot of heat, and the particles burn the grass up. Soak it good and don't throw out big clods and you'll be fine.

 

If all granular products had equal particle sizes it would be easy to do that, but that is not the case. All spreaders are not the same either.

That makes sense. I understand it better now. Thanks.

I just need a good spreader that will spread it evenly. I am looking at the Earthway 2150. Would have to figure out the rate with that one also though. Seems like they say just add 10 to the Scotts turfbuilder spreaders with the Earthway. So 13.5 would probably be a good place to start.