Can I Use A Hand Spreader For Weed And Feed? How to Use a Fertilizer and Seed Spreader?

by Lee Safin

Weed & feed is a mixture of fertilizer and broad-leafed herbicide, mainly used to make grass strong and thick while killing harmful weeds. Utilize your bare hands or a gardening tool to remove weeds from your yard.

Now the burning question is, can I use a hand spreader for weed and feed?

Yes, you can use a hand spreader for weed and feed since it contains fertilizers too. But the knowing the right way to use this gardening tool is necessary. If you spread weed and feed wrongly, you may harm grass and other plants.

Can I Use A Hand Spreader For Weed And Feed? How to Use a Fertilizer and Seed Spreader?
Can I Use A Hand Spreader For Weed And Feed? How to Use a Fertilizer and Seed Spreader?

Can I Use A Hand Spreader For Weed And Feed?

Can I Use A Hand Spreader For Weed And Feed
Can I Use A Hand Spreader For Weed And Feed

A hand spreader is an affordable gardening tool to spread fertilizers equally and effortlessly. So, you are here to know, can I use a hand spreader for weed and feed?

If you know the right method of using a hand spreader, you can use it for Weed & Seed. This small gardening tool features a container to keep fertilizers or seeds.

Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader
Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader

The following hand spreader is the best hand spreader for weed or seed available in the market.

The device has a crank handle to spread fertilizers evenly. So, you can start or stop dispersing the materials instantly whenever you want.

How to Use a Fertilizer and Seed Spreader?

How To Use A Fertilizer And Seed Spreader?
How To Use A Fertilizer And Seed Spreader?

Most beginners won’t face any hassle using a hand spreader for weed and feed—all you need to walk behind the spreader to spread the materials evenly.

However, hand spreaders come in various types. So you want to follow the instruction manual based on the model you have.

  • If your hand spreader features the setting for the broadcast area, select a particular option.
  • Keep the hand spreader to the garden pathway before adding the product. If you spill it accidentally, the cleaning task will be trouble-free.
  • Now, add the right amount of weed and seed to the container. Follow the product label to learn how much you should use. Since it is a chemical substance, avoid over-feeding.
  • Finally, start pulling the machine forward while walking behind it. Apply pressure on the handle to disperse Weed & Feed equally in your lawn.
  • If you want to stop on the midway, crank the handle. Make sure you apply the solution evenly without overdoing it in any spot.
  • Once the application process is complete, clean the tool properly since chemical substances are in the container.
Glissen Chemical - 300048 Nu-Foamicide EPA Registered 1-Gal All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate, Industrial Commercial Grade (Packaging May Vary)
Glissen Chemical - 300048 Nu-Foamicide EPA Registered 1-Gal All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate, Industrial Commercial Grade (Packaging May Vary)

When to Apply Weed & Feed in Lawn?

When To Apply Weed & Feed In Lawn?
When To Apply Weed & Feed In Lawn?

Everything has a perfect time to do, and so does for Weed & Feed. When weeds reach their active growth stage, they can absorb the chemical fast and better.

So, when to apply weed & feed?

Winter is not a perfect time to use this chemical because most weeds are not active when low temperatures. When the grass is wet or damp, it is the best time to apply Weed & Feed. In such conditions, the substances stay properly on the verdant area of the weeds.

However, you want to be more cautious about the post-timing of the chemical. Choose a date when no possibility of rain for the next 48 hours after application. The solution will properly enter inside the leaves within this time.

Accidental rain may wash off the solution from the weed leaves. Re-applying it instantly after rain is not recommended. Over-feeding will incur. It may burn much grass along with weeds.

How to Spread Weed & Feed in Your Lawn?

How To Spread Weed & Feed In Your Lawn?
How To Spread Weed & Feed In Your Lawn?

Though spreading Weed & Feed is easy, you want to consider few essential factors while doing it. Taking the appropriate steps will help you to get your desired results. However, we want you to give more priority to the manufacturing company recommendation.

1. Big Enough!

Before applying the solution, confirm that your lawn has around 3-5 inches tall. The solution won’t be effective to use on the too-short lawn.

2. 3-4 Days Gaps

If it is excessively tall, mow it and keep a 3-4 days gap before applying the product. This small break allows the

to become active. Also, leaves that are fully cut down have scope to grow again.

3. Don’t Pick Summer Season

You don’t want to apply any water for 3-4 days after applying Weed & Feed. So, the summer season won’t be a perfect time to apply granules.

4. Not More; Not Less

As the product is powerful, avoid over-application. You may end up burning or killing your whole lawn. Follow the producer’s instructions.

5. Two Times Application

Two times application throughout the year is enough. You don’t need more. The solution may move from your garden to nearby ponds or gardens and harm the plants, fishes, and animals.

6. Choose Perfect Gardening Tool

Earthway Hand Crank Garden Seeder Adaptable Seed & Fertilizer Spreader (3 Pack)
Earthway Hand Crank Garden Seeder Adaptable Seed & Fertilizer Spreader (3 Pack)

Choose an effective gardening tool such as a hand spreader to spread Weed & Feed. It will ensure balanced distribution. Instead of using them in one pass, make two passes by dividing the whole quantity.

This will prevent both overdoing and underdoing. The reason is that after one application, you can check out which area got more solutions and which site got fewer. Then re-apply them properly.

7. Be Cautious!

Since it is a chemical-based product, be careful while applying it. Make sure you don’t use it on nearby flowers, fruits, or other plants.

If they are close to the lawn, cover them with a large plastic sheet before using the product. Remove the sheet after spreading and drying them properly.

EarthWay 3100 Professional 40 LB Portable Chest Mount Hand Crank Broadcast Spreader Including Even Spread Technology, Comfortable & Adjustable Harness Strap And Rain Cover
EarthWay 3100 Professional 40 LB Portable Chest Mount Hand Crank Broadcast Spreader Including Even Spread Technology, Comfortable & Adjustable Harness Strap And Rain Cover

What if You Apply Too Much Weed & Feed?

Applying a perfect amount of Weed & Feed is necessary. It should be neither too much nor too less. A low amount neither adequately kills all the weeds from your lawn nor makes your yard strong. However, an excessive amount may burn or kill grass or other plants.

So, what if you apply too much weed & feed?

After using the weed and feed, unintentional water collected in void spaces is occur by the salt composition. But when you over-apply it, it becomes extremely dehydrated.

The original color of the lawn will fade, and it may become brown or yellow. This type of situation is called overabundance. But the good news is that you can restore its original structure if you take action instantly.

What If You Apply Too Much Weed & Feed?
What If You Apply Too Much Weed & Feed?

However, if the color of your lawn has already become too dark, it may not be possible to treat your lawn. In such a situation, you have no option but restart your lawn garden again for a particular area.

So, how will you know if you have applied too much Weed & Feed?

Checking the product label is one of the essential tasks you want to do. You will learn how much you are recommended to use for each square foot.

Here are other crucial factors you can also add to your list while wondering, “What if you apply too much weed & feed?”

Serial No Factors
1 What are the ingredients included in the Weed & Feed?
2 What is your arrangement of soil particles and soil shape?
3 How many weeds have grown, and how old are they?

Misused Weed & Feed, Repairable? How to Repair? Step by Step Guide

Here comes the important part if you already misused Weed & Feed. It is probably on your mind how to correct the problem. We have already mentioned when it is possible to tackle the condition and when not.

Step 1 —Removing The Substances

WilFiks Garden Hoe And Cultivator, Dual Head Vegetable And Flower Tiller For Weeding And Digging In The Garden, Heavy Duty Work Tool, Bend Proof, Hand Digger And Spade Combo With Ergonomic Handle
WilFiks Garden Hoe And Cultivator, Dual Head Vegetable And Flower Tiller For Weeding And Digging In The Garden, Heavy Duty Work Tool, Bend Proof, Hand Digger And Spade Combo With Ergonomic Handle

No products found.

Whenever you think you have overdosed on your lawn, remove the substance along with the soil from the particular area. It will prevent the solution from spreading to other sites.

So, how will you remove it? You can either use your bare hands or a handy gardening tool such as a hoe to dig out the soil and remove them.

Step 2 —Applying Water

TruTec Garden Hose | Strongest Expandable Hose Triple Layer Latex Core | ¾” Solid Brass Shut Off Valve | Heavy Duty Nylon Outer Cover | Flexible Expanding Hose | Storage | Gift Bag (50, Black)
TruTec Garden Hose | Strongest Expandable Hose Triple Layer Latex Core | ¾” Solid Brass Shut Off Valve | Heavy Duty Nylon Outer Cover | Flexible Expanding Hose | Storage | Gift Bag (50, Black)

The next task is applying water properly. Since you have overdosed on the grass, they might be burned moderately or heavily. Watering them will regain the situation.

Initially, you may soil fully dry and dull even after water application. The reason is that the salt level on the ground increased heavily.

Hence, one or two times application won’t give you effective results. You want to apply water for a minimum of one week to reduce the salt level sufficiently.

Step 3 — Showing Forbearance

One of the most patience-requiring tasks is gardening. Without patience, you will not get your desired results.

You might be thinking I should immediately plant new grass since my garden soil finally comes to normal condition. But, No!

Scotts EZ Seed Patch And Repair Sun And Shade - 20 Lb., Combination Mulch, Seed, And Fertilizer, Repairs Bare Spots, Includes Tackifier To Reduce Seed Wash-Away, Seeds Up To 445 Sq. Ft.
Scotts EZ Seed Patch And Repair Sun And Shade - 20 Lb., Combination Mulch, Seed, And Fertilizer, Repairs Bare Spots, Includes Tackifier To Reduce Seed Wash-Away, Seeds Up To 445 Sq. Ft.

You want to wait a minimum of 2-3 months to replant new grass. We know it feels a little bit awkward. But most gardeners suggest it.

If you replant grass before the time, your lawn won’t be healthy, rich, and super strong. Nothing you have worked for will be worth it.

You should also use a lawn repair.

Scotts EZ Patch Lawn Repair For St. Augustine Lawns - 3.75 Lb., Ready-to-use Mulch, And Fertilizer Lawn Repair, Repairs St. Augustinegrass, Does Not Contain Grass Seeds, Covers Up To 85 Sq. Ft.
Scotts EZ Patch Lawn Repair For St. Augustine Lawns - 3.75 Lb., Ready-to-use Mulch, And Fertilizer Lawn Repair, Repairs St. Augustinegrass, Does Not Contain Grass Seeds, Covers Up To 85 Sq. Ft.

Read More – What Is The Best Grass Seed For Overseeding? Top 11 Grass Seeds

How To Get A Great Lawn: 5 Easy Tips

  1. Never forget to cut your lawn when they reach the perfect height.
  2. Use various advanced gardening devices such as rain sensors, smart controllers, soil moisture sensors, etc, to improve in-ground irrigation systems.
  3. Fertilize the lawn correctly, properly, and timely.
  4. Kill existing weeds soonest.
  5. Reseed lawn each year.

Takeover

Hopefully, the query to the question “Can I use a hand spreader for weed and feed?” is clear from the above discussion. Make sure to take care of your lawn properly by following our instructions and tips. Happy Gardening!

Last update on 2023-01-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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About Lee Safin

Lee Safin was born near Sacramento, California on a prune growing farm. His parents were immigrants from Russia who had fled the Bolshevik Revolution. They were determined to give their children a better life than they had known. Education was the key for Lee and his siblings, so they could make their own way in the world. Lee attended five universities, where he studied plant sciences and soil technologies. He also has many years of experience in the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a commercial fertilizer formulator.

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