The proper application of any lawn management materia--seed, fertilizer, limestone or a pesticide--can only be accomplished with a properly-calibrated spreader. Both the spreader and the material being applied should come with specific directions for spreader settings. However, in the event that such directions are not available, the directions below can be used to calibrate a drop-type spreader for any material.

1. Make a V-shaped trough of heavy cardboard, wood or tin. Fasten this trough beneath your spreader to catch the material you want to spread. A trough made from a piece of eaves works well--simply close off the ends with masking tape.

2. Set the spreader on a manufacturer-suggested number and cover a 100 square foot area. If your spreader is:

   • 1 foot wide, go forward 100 feet

   • 1-1/2 feet wide, go forward 66 feet

   • 2 feet wide,go forward 50 feet

   • 3 feet wide, go forward 33 feet

   • 4 feet wide, go forward 25 feet

3. Shut the spreader off when you have traveled the right distance. Weigh the collected material and multiply by 10. This will give you the amount applied for 1,000 square feet. Most material recommendations for lawn use are given on a 1,000 square foot basis.

4. If you applied too much, shut the spreader down and try again. If you applied too little, open the spreader up and try again. If it came out just right, record the setting number with the material used so you don't forget it for the next application.

Note: How materials flow varies depending upon the carrier used, storage conditions, etc. To avoid damage and to do an effective job with a new or an old material, it is always best to calibrate the spreader.

Most manufacturers will provide instructions for calibrating their brand of equipment upon request. For this information, check with the dealer from whom the spreader was purchased or contact the manufacturer directly.

Adapted from the University of Massachusetts Extension, 2000