Green Thumb Spreader Settings Guide

When it comes to feeding your yard, one of the most sought-after questions is, “Which lawn spreader is best for my yard?” Lawn spreaders are agricultural tools that help you distribute materials like seeds or fertilizer uniformly across your yard. Also referred to as a seed or fertilizer spreader, these handy gardening tools will make seeding or fertilizing your yard seamless. 

However, there are different types of lawn spreaders, each of which is best suited for a particular method of application or yard size. Also, several brands seemingly offer the same product but with varied qualities. Choosing the ideal lawn spreader can therefore be a chore.

Nevertheless, whether it be a broadcast spreader, drop spreader, hand-held spreader, or pull-behind spreader, the right equipment will prevent you from wasting materials while also ensuring that you get optimum results. 

Later in this guide, we would take a detailed look at lawn spreaders — what they are, the different types available, and how to choose one best suited for your unique lawn needs.

Green Thumb Spreader Settings

Green Thumb, a brand that believes in the potential of plants and focuses on enhancing them to improve the health, happiness, and comfort of its users, has a variety of lawn spreaders you can choose from. This section of the article will focus on two of their major models — one, a broadcast spreader, and the other, a hand-held spreader. 

• Green Thumb 70lbs Large Capacity Broadcast Spreader

The Green Thumb 70lbs Capacity Broadcast Spreader comes fully assembled, and it is ideal for applying seed and fertilizer. This product features pneumatic wheels, ensuring easy movement and a foamy hand grip for superior comfort during spreading operations. 

• Green Thumb 6lbs Hand-held Spreader

The Green Thumb 6lbs Hand-held Spreader is ideal for applying various forms of fertilizer and grass seeds. It can also be used to apply ice-melting products in winter. This product also comes fully assembled and features a rust-proof hopper, an ergonomic handle, a hose-end sprayer, and an easy on/off thumb switch. 

Green Thumb Spreader Settings Chart 

Below, we have provided a chart containing spreader settings for both drop and broadcast Green Thumb spreaders. Do note that the figures provided only serve as a guide to properly calibrating your spreader. 

They are approximate setting values as several factors, such as the age and condition of your spreader, can affect its settings. You can consider setting your spreader at ¼ to 1/3 of the dial as a little tip. 

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Lawn Spreader

1. Size of the yard/area to be treated
2. Size of the hopper (the amount of material needed for spreading)
3. Type of spreading material
4. Presence of tight spots or obstacles in the yard
5. How much time you are willing to spend when carrying out spreading operations
6. Your budget

Types of Lawn Spreaders

There are four different types of lawn spreaders, and the type you choose depends on a few factors which include the size of your yard and intended method of application. Let’s consider the various types in detail. 

• Broadcast Spreaders

Broadcast spreaders, also known as Rotary spreaders, are the most common type of lawn spreaders. They distribute fertilizer or seed in a fan-like pattern, and most come with a dial that allows you to adjust the rate at which the material is dispersed. 

Broadcast spreaders are perfect for large lawns (usually over an acre of space) and are great for dispersing a large amount of material quickly, where precision is not as important. They are designed to hold a variety of lawn care products such as seed, fertilizer, sand, and ice melt. 

They mostly come in a push design which requires manual jobs. One shortcoming of broadcast spreaders is that it is difficult to control where the material lands, which makes it difficult to avoid walkways and driveways. Here are a few broadcast spreader considerations: 

1. Built for medium to large-sized lawns 
2. Large hopper capacity, with sizes ranging from 23-150 pounds
3. Distribute material quickly
4. More ground is covered in less time
5. Lacks precision during operations
6. Prices range from $35 – $700. 

• Drop Spreaders

True to their name, drop spreaders drop material straight down; below the hopper. This makes them ideal where a precise application for seeds or fertilizers is needed. The spread rate depends on how fast you walk, and because the material only drops between the tires, you must ensure you overlap wheel tracks on each pass. 

Although it takes slightly longer to distribute the material with a drop spreader, you will worry less about clean-up, and spreading materials in places you don’t want them. Here are a few considerations for this type of spreader: 

1. Built for small to medium-sized lawns 
2. Large hopper capacity with sizes ranging from 75-175 pounds
3. Ideal for tight spots and around obstacles
4. Cover less ground
5. Easy to operate
6. Limits products waste
7. Prices range from $80 – $600

• Hand-held Spreaders

Hand-held spreaders are mostly used for small lawns. They are the most portable and easiest to use of all types of spreaders. Just like broadcast spreaders, they fan material but at a much smaller spread width. 

They typically have a dial or hand crank that controls the flow of material from the hopper. Sadly, what they have in portability and ease of use, they lack in precision and capacity. Consider these before getting one: 

1. Designed for small lawns
2. Less hopper capacity; typically 5 pounds or a little above
3. Material doesn’t spread evenly
4. Less precision
5. Ease of use and storage
6. Very cost-friendly 

• Tow/Pull-behind Spreaders

Tow-behind spreaders are mostly available in the broadcast spreader models. If you have a large lawn and a functioning lawn mower, tractor, or AVC, this spreader type is always an option. They are also available in drop spreader models, and they save you the effort of having to manually push a spreader around your lawn.