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  Russell Cobley March 17, 2017 at 8:55am

  I have used that spreader before but not keen on it to be honest. On the look out for a higher quality one now. You need to know the application rate from your spreader as they will differ for comparible models, slightly similar to knapsack sprayers. I had mine in setting 20 that gave approx 35gm2.
  
  It's harder to do with the lower end spreaders as a lot less accurate. Suggest you initially do a couple of spreader calibrations to get some baseline readings. If you google how to, there are loads of resources available.
• PRO Supplier

  Daisy Lacey March 17, 2017 at 9:04am

  Hi Tim, 

  It is certainly possible to spread seed with a spreader like that. You are right to not take the fertiliser settings for use with seed. Fertiliser is much heavier and will behave very differently.

  If you can't get the settings then you could go for a lower setting on a known area and weigh the seen in and out. Your rate will be the applied weight (g) divided by the area (m2). Then just adjust your setting as needed. Remember, you can apply extra seed, but you can't (easily) pick it back up! Not that overapplying seed is going to be a problem, you will just waste a bit of money. Working out the settings does take a bit of practice but once you get it right you can use it again in the future.
• PRO

  Gary RK March 17, 2017 at 1:53pm

  Calibrate it. Get a cheap 3m*3m and a 1m*1m trap tarp off eBay and a cheap drug dealer set of electronic scales (all for @ £10 +P&P).
  
  Layout large tarp out on driveway, lay smaller tarp on top in middle. Load spreader & take a guess setting. Use spreader as normal and go centrally across both tarps. Lift smaller tarp with seeds/fert on it carefully and pour into dish on scales. Check weight and repeat, changing setting as required. Once there, mark adjuster accordingly. At end tip large tarp to empty overspread back into container.
  
  At least, that's how we calibrate ....
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    Graham Wright > Gary RK March 17, 2017 at 5:02pm

    Good idea Gary, thanks. I was mulling over the best way of doing it without wasting feed :)
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      Andrew Midgley > Graham Wright March 18, 2017 at 12:42pm

      Good tip Gary.
      
      What's the best spreader on the market for fertilisers?
  • PRO

    Ben > Gary RK March 23, 2017 at 12:17am

    Thats very clever, I'll have to remember that if I ever get into fert/seed spreading. Cheers Gary ;)
• PRO

  Andrew Watts March 23, 2017 at 4:58pm

  Scotts Everris SR2000 is the best spreader IMO. Now branded ICL. Got to be using a lot to justify the cost of around £650.