Spreading fertiliser by hand almost always ends in stripes: dark green where you threw too much, pale where you missed. A rotary spreader solves that, and the Handypro Compact Rotary Spreader makes it easy on a home lawn. It holds enough product for about 90 m², has an on/off trigger and an ergonomic handle, and works for fertiliser, grass seed and granular products like Acelepryn GR.
Step 1: Know your rate
Check the product label for the application rate, usually in grams per square metre (g/m²). For example, Landscaper Pro Flora is applied at 40–80g/m².
Step 2: Measure your area
Measure the lawn or bed (length × width) and multiply by the rate to get the total product needed. A 60 m² lawn at 40g/m² needs 2.4kg.
Step 3: Calibrate
Spreaders vary with walking speed and how fast you turn the handle, so a quick test is worth it.
- Mark out a 10 m² test area (for example 5m × 2m) on the lawn.
- Weigh some product on the kitchen scales and put it in the spreader.
- Set the spreader to a mid setting and spread over the test area at a steady walking pace and handle speed.
- Weigh what's left. The difference is what you applied to 10 m².
- Compare with your target. At 40g/m² you want 400g on 10 m². Adjust the setting and repeat if needed, and note the setting for next time.
Step 4: Spread
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Do the edges first. Walk a strip around the perimeter, then fill in the middle. This stops product being flung into gardens, paths and gutters.
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Use the half-and-half method. Set the spreader to half rate and cover the lawn twice, the second time at right angles to the first. This is the best way to avoid stripes.
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Overlap slightly. Overlap each pass just enough that the edges of the spread pattern meet.
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Keep a steady pace and turn the trigger off when you stop or turn.
Step 5: Clean up and water in
- Sweep any granules off paths, driveways and patios back onto the lawn. Fertiliser left on hard surfaces can stain and wash into stormwater drains.
- Water in after applying, unless the label says otherwise. This starts controlled-release fertilisers and gets granular insecticides like Acelepryn GR into the soil where pests feed.
- Empty the spreader and rinse it out. Fertiliser left in the hopper can clump and damage moving parts.
Sowing seed
Grass seed spreads beautifully with a rotary spreader. Prepare the surface with Daltons Lawn Soil, use the half-and-half method, then lightly rake the seed in. Apply Landscaper Pro New Grass & Renovations at the same time for a fast start.
Quick answers
When's the best time of day to spread fertiliser? On a calm day when the grass is dry, ideally before rain or watering.
Can I spread Acelepryn GR with it? Yes. Acelepryn GR is designed to go through home hand-held spreaders. Follow the label rate and water it in.
Can I use it on garden beds? Yes, but on beds with lots of plants it's often easier to scatter by hand around each plant.
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