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Hand Seeder. Tips from Professionals

A garden seeder spreads and plants seeds with the operator standing upright. Garden seeders can be used for spreading fertilizer and salts as well as seeds of different sizes. There are different types of seeders in the market, each suitable for a certain garden or seed type. For instance, a handheld seeder is better for smaller gardens, whereas a tow seeder is better suited for a large farm.

Hand Seeder:

A hand seeder is a manual seeder used for planting seeds and spreading fertilizer. The two most common hand seeders are the impeller-type hand seeder and the jab planter. A hand seeder is easy to use and does not require extravagant maintenance, making it one of the most straightforward yet valuable garden tools.

In this article, I will explain how to use a hand seeder, how you can spread grass seed, and what I think is the best garden seeder.

What is a Manual Seeder:

A manual seeder is a mechanical device for planting seeds, and most, but not all, can spread fertilizer. There are two broad types of manual seeders based on the mode of use, push seeder and hand seeder. A push seeder plants seeds by plowing into the ground as it is pushed along a lawn/garden row, whereas a hand seeder is a device that has to be carried around. 

● Push Seeder:

A manual push seeder unit usually consists of three main components:

  • Hopper: It is the container that holds seeds or fertilizer. Manual seeders may have metallic or plastic hoppers.
  • Coulter: The vertical cutting blade that plows into the ground to create furrows.
  • Frame: The frame of a manual seeder consists of wheels, a chassis, and a handle.

The most basic and inexpensive manual push seeders have just two wheels and one bunker and are good enough for a small yard. Bigger seeders have four wheels and multiple bunkers, making them suitable for seeding bigger areas.

● Hand Seeder:

Hand seeders, such as jab planters and impeller-type hand seed spreaders, are handheld devices for spreading and planting seeds, fertilizer, or salts. Jab planters are better suited to planting bigger vegetable seeds such as corn and peas.

A jab planter consists of a vertical container (hopper) to carry the seeds, a beak-like opening at the bottom for releasing seeds, and two vertical handles. An impeller-type hand seeder consists of a hopper or shoulder bag, a lever to open the aperture, an impeller that throws the seeds around, and a handle to rotate the impeller.  

The planting depth and the number of seeds released into each hole can be controlled and adjusted on both seeders. However, the same cannot be said for seed spacing. The seed spacing can be adjusted on a push seeder, whereas it is to be controlled manually by the operator for a hand seeder. The seed spacing of push seeders generally ranges from 1-20 inches (2.5-51 cm).

How Do You Use a Hand Seed Spreader:

There are two types of handheld seed spreaders, impeller-type handheld spreaders and jab planters.

● Impeller Type Handheld Spreader:

An impeller-type handheld seed spreader/manual handle seed spreader is a simple yet great device for spreading seeds and fertilizer in summer and salt or ice melt in winter. Being handheld makes this device best suited for uneven terrain or smaller spaces where using bigger machines with wheels is not practical.

Smaller handheld seed spreaders have a plastic hopper for carrying the material to be spread. You must walk back to the material bag multiple times if spreading over a more extensive area.

I recommend a handheld seed spreader that comes with a shoulder bag in addition to the hopper. The shoulder bag increases the carrying capacity, making it possible to spread over a larger area per refill.

● Using an Impeller Type Handheld Spreader:

An impeller-type handheld spreader uses a lever to open an aperture at the bottom of the hopper/shoulder bag. Rotating the handle rotates an impeller hanging below the hopper.

The material falls through the aperture onto the rotating impeller and gets thrown away by the outward (centrifugal) force of the rotating impeller.

Follow this easy step-by-step guide to spread seeds, fertilizer, or salt using an impeller-type handheld seed spreader:

-Step 1: Fill the Shoulder Bag

Fill the shoulder bag with the material to be spread. Zip up the shoulder bag.

-Step 2: Put the Strap over Your Shoulder

Anticlockwise rotating impellers spread the seed in the left direction while the clockwise rotating ones throw it toward the right. If your spreader throws seed toward the left, put the strap on your left shoulder and vice versa. Rest the shoulder bag over your hip to reduce the load on your spine.

-Step 3: Start Walking

It would be best if you started walking before opening the aperture because doing it the other way around causes material wastage. Walk at a medium pace and keep your pace uniform for an even spreading.

If you are using your handheld spreader to spread salt or ice melt in the winter, wear spiked shoes to avoid slipping.

-Step 4: Pull the Lever:

Pull the lever to open the aperture at the bottom of the bag. The amount of material that passes through can be adjusted by changing the aperture plate.

I recommend buying spare aperture plates with different-sized holes than the one that came with your spreader. You can then use the plate with a bigger hole for increasing the amount of material being spread per go.

-Step 5: Rotate the Handle:

Start rotating the handle with a steady speed. The spreader will start spreading the material toward your left (or right). Keep walking at a steady pace while rotating the handle.

Refill the bag when needed and repeat the procedure for the next round until the entire area has been covered.

● Things to Look Out for When Buying an Impeller-Type Hand Seed Spreader:

Look out for the following when buying a new handheld seed spreader:

–  Gearbox Quality:

Manufacturers tend to save money by compromising the gearbox quality in handheld spreaders. Low-quality gearboxes are inefficient, so the operator has to crank the handle with more force to get the same amount of work done. They also tend to make more noise and wear out earlier, thus reducing the operating life of the spreader.

You can check the quality of the gearbox by simply rotating the handle. A good quality gearbox makes less noise, and the impeller rotation is smooth.

– Strength of the Shoulder Bag:

Make sure to get a spreader with a strong shoulder bag. I recommend buying one with a nylon shoulder bag. Also, check the binding quality and zipper strength when buying an impeller-type hand spreader.

– Ergonomic Lever Design:

Always go for a spreader with an ergonomic design because it dramatically affects the ease of use. Make sure the lever is ergonomically positioned for you to operate it with one hand, while rotating the handle with your other hand.

– Multiple Aperture Settings:

Aperture size controls the number and size of seeds, fertilizer, or salt granules passing through. I recommend buying an impeller-type handheld spreader with an adjustable aperture rather than one with a fixed aperture size.

Alternatively, purchase spare aperture plates of different aperture sizes if your handheld spreader does not have multiple aperture settings. 

● Jab Planter:

Handheld jab planters are most popular among small-scale farmers. They are cheap and easy to use for planting seeds and spreading fertilizer, and they can also be used for filling up the holes after the seeds have germinated.

Different models of jab planters are available. Some jab planters only have one hopper for seeds, while others have a second hopper for fertilizer. The working mechanism of all jab planter models is similar; pulling the handles apart delivers the material to the beak, and pushing them back together opens the beak to release the material.

● Using a Jab Planter:

Follow this step-by-step guide to use a jab planter for planting seeds or spreading fertilizer:

-Step 1: Fill the Hopper

Fill the hopper with the seeds or fertilizer to be spread.

-Step 2: Carry the Planter Around Your Garden

Pick up the jab planter, one handle in each handle. Carry the planter to each point where the seeds are to be planted. Make sure to maintain a constant seed spacing.

-Step 3: Punch into the Ground and Pull the Handles

Punch the planter’s beak into the ground to the required depth and pull the handles apart. This delivers the seeds/fertilizer from the hopper to the beak.

-Step 4: Push the Handles

Push the handles back together to open the beak. This releases the seeds/fertilizer into the ground. This action also closes the seed/fertilizer metering device.

-Step 4: Repeat the Steps

Repeat steps 2-4 by synchronizing the handle operation with your footsteps to achieve uniform seed spacing.

Keep listening to each jab’s dropping sound to ensure that the planter is not blocked. Refill the hopper and keep planting until the entire area is covered.

● Pros of a Jab Planter:

A jab planter is easy to use and does not require animal or machine power. It is a lightweight device and is easy to carry around, which makes it very suitable for uneven terrain. A jab planter does the job with minimal soil disturbance (not more than 5 percent); hence, minimal weed germination is involved.

How Do You Spread Grass Seed by Hand:

Hand-spreading grass seeds is easy and economical. The goal should be to spread the seeds as evenly as possible. Follow this step-by-step guide to hand-spread grass seeds on your lawn:

● Step 1: Prepare the Area

Start by preparing your lawn for grass seeding. Use a rake to loosen and even out the soil and remove weeds and unwanted plantations. Use a garden broom to clean the area, and remove large stones.

The best time to seed your lawn is when the soil is moist. Avoid seeding in hot summers. In that case, I recommend waiting for the cooler autumn or spring weather.

● Step 2: Fill Your Bag

Estimate the number of seeds that you will need for your area. It’s better to overestimate a bit, so you don’t run out of seeds midway. Fill up your shoulder bag with a scoop and put the bag on your shoulder.

● Step 3: Start Spreading

Start walking in a straight line along the length of your lawn throwing grass seeds in one direction. Make sure to maintain a steading walking and throwing speed to achieve uniform plantation.

Refill your bag and repeat until the entire area has been seeded. Recheck the area and spread over any patches you might have missed in the first go. Water the seeded area and keep it moist for better germination of grass seeds.

Can You Use a Hand Spreader For Grass Seed?

Using a hand spreader for spreading grass seeds is just as easy as spreading with your hands. In fact, a hand spreader is better in that it allows more uniform spreading. Keep the following tips in mind when using your hand spreader for grass seeds:

  • Put your hand spreader on the finest setting (generally setting one on most spreaders) for finer grass seeds such as fescue, rye, or blue.
  • Use setting 2 for coarser grass seeds, such as tall fescue

How Much Does a Hand Spreader Cost?

Basic handheld spreaders usually cost between 20 and 30 dollars. More sophisticated hand spreaders with different aperture settings for seeds, fertilizer, and salts can cost you around 50 dollars.

When buying a new handheld spreader, go for a strong and ergonomically designed product. The material carrying capacity and spreading speed should also be considered depending on the size of your garden.

Which Garden Seeder is The Best?

A walk-behind precision garden seeder is better than a handheld seeder in terms of accuracy, seeding uniformity, and the wider variety of seeds for which it can be used. But a handheld seeder is relatively inexpensive and better suited for smaller spaces and uneven terrains.

A tow-seeder is better for massive farms since it reduces human labor. Therefore, your choice of garden seeder type should depend on your particular need, but you should always go for a good quality seeder no matter the type.

A good quality seeder will be more expensive, but it brings higher efficiency, accuracy, and longevity advantages. Given below is a brief list of the best garden seeders to make the decision easier for you:

● Best Push Seeder:

The EarthWay Precision seeder is among the best push seeders. With a seed spacing range of 1-12 inches (2.5-31 cm) and seven seed plates, it plants consistent seed rows with a wide variety of seeds and is easy to push around.

● Best Handheld Seeder:

The EarthWay 25lb Nylon Bad seeder is one of the best handheld spreaders with a hopper capacity of 20 pounds (9 kg). The spreader itself is lightweight, with a good quality shoulder bag. It is easy to operate and does not require electric power or a battery.  

● Best Tow Seeder:

The Agri-Fab 100 lb. tow seeder is one of the top-rated tow-behind seeders in the market. With a hefty hopper capacity of 100 pounds (45 kg), it can cover 40,000 square feet in each refill and can also be used to aerate a lawn.

Should I Put Topsoil Over Grass Seed?

It is unnecessary to cover newly planted grass seeds with topsoil; sometimes, it can do the new seeds more harm than good by suffocating them.

The best care for newly planted grass seeds is to keep them moist. The soil must also be well prepared and aerated before planting grass seeds.

Can You Use Too Much Grass Seed?

Using the right quantity of grass seeds is just as important as the quality. If you spread too many grass seeds, there will be competition among the seedlings for water, sunlight, and nutrients which can negatively affect the germination process.

The best practice is to calculate the area of your lawn by measuring its length and width and then using the recommended quantity of seed for your square footage. It is also important to evenly spread the new seeds so that no lawn area is over-seeded or under-seeded.

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  1. Vicki Miles says:

    Are hand seeders suitable for all types of soil?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Vicki, hand seeders are suitable for various soil types. However, the type of hand seeder you choose should depend on the size of your garden. A handheld seeder is better for smaller gardens, while a tow seeder is suited for large farms.

  2. Alexa Porter says:

    Do hand seeders require any special storage conditions?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hey Alexa! Hand seeders are pretty low maintenance and don’t require special storage conditions. Just keep it clean and dry, and you’re good to go! Happy gardening!

  3. Marshall Hicks says:

    How important is it to calibrate a hand seeder for accurate seeding?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Calibrating a hand seeder is crucial for accurate seeding, ensuring the right amount of seeds are spread for optimal growth. It’s an important step to get the best results in your garden.

  4. Penny Bradley says:

    Are handheld seed spreaders suitable for beginners?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Yes, handheld seed spreaders are suitable for beginners. They are easy to use, practical for smaller gardens, and don’t require much maintenance. Start with a hand seeder and expand to larger ones as you gain experience.

  5. Kay Ramirez says:

    What are the benefits of using an impeller-type handheld spreader over a jab planter?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi Kay, an impeller-type handheld seeder offers ease of use and versatility for spreading seeds, fertilizer, and salts, making it a flexible tool for small gardens. Hope this helps! – Chris

  6. Dale Elliott says:

    Is it easy to find replacement parts for handheld seed spreaders?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Replacement parts for handheld seed spreaders are easy to find. Check with the manufacturer or online retailers for specific parts. Happy planting! Chris Alberti

  7. Pearl Chambers says:

    What is the average lifespan of a hand seeder?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      The average lifespan of a hand seeder varies based on quality and usage, but with proper care, it can last for many years. Regular cleaning and maintenance are key to longevity.

  8. Anthony Davidson says:

    Is there a specific time of year that is best for using a hand seeder?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      The best time to use a hand seeder is during the planting season. For accurate and uniform seeding, a hand seeder is a great choice for smaller gardens or uneven terrains.

  9. Gabriella Garrett says:

    Can you use different types of fertilizers with hand seeders?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Yes, you can use different types of fertilizers with hand seeders. Happy gardening!

  10. Bobbie Austin says:

    What are the advantages of using a jab planter over other types of seeders?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      “Jab planters offer ease of use and precise seed spacing for larger seeds like corn and peas. They are lightweight and perfect for small-scale planting. Hope this helps!” – Chris

  11. Clifton Peterson says:

    What about maintenance tips for hand seeders? Or what type of seeds are commonly used with hand seeders?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Clifton, hand seeders are great for smaller gardens. Impeller-type seeders and jab planters are common choices for different seed types. Regular cleaning and lubrication can keep your hand seeder in top condition.

  12. Corey Fuller says:

    What are the key features to look for when purchasing a hand seeder?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi Corey, when purchasing a hand seeder, key features to look for include an ergonomic lever design, multiple aperture settings, and strong shoulder bag. Check for quality gearbox and ease of use. Happy planting! – Chris

  13. Felicia Fox says:

    How long does it take for seeds planted with a hand seeder to germinate?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Felicia, it typically takes 5-10 days for seeds planted with a hand seeder to germinate. Factors like soil temperature and moisture also play a role. Keep an eye on your garden for signs of sprouting! – Chris

  14. Darrell Richards says:

    What are the most common mistakes people make when using hand seeders?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi Darrell, Common hand seeder mistakes include uneven spreading, using the wrong speed, and incorrect aperture settings. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully for optimal seeding results. Cheers! – Chris

  15. Heidi Weaver says:

    Are there any safety precautions to keep in mind when using hand seeders?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi Heidi, when using hand seeders, be mindful of maintaining an even pace and adjusting the seed spacing manually. Look for ergonomic design and multiple aperture settings for efficiency. Happy gardening! – Chris

  16. Samantha Campbell says:

    Can you switch between different seed types easily with a hand seeder?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Yes, a hand seeder allows you to switch between different seed types easily, making it a versatile tool for your garden. Happy gardening! – Chris Alberti

  17. Arthur Lucas says:

    Can you adjust the depth of planting with a hand seeder?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Yes, you can adjust the depth of planting with a hand seeder by controlling the planting depth and the number of seeds released into each hole. Happy gardening!

  18. Mae Kim says:

    Is there a specific way to clean a hand seeder after use?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi Mae, to clean a hand seeder after use, simply remove any leftover seeds or fertilizer from the hopper, clean the impeller and components with a damp cloth, and store it in a dry place. Easy maintenance, right? – Chris

  19. June Banks says:

    Is there a specific technique for using a jab planter to ensure uniform seed spacing?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi June, for uniform seed spacing using a jab planter, ensure each seed is released at the same depth and maintain consistent walking speed. Adjust seed spacing manually. -Chris

  20. Devon Graves says:

    How do you know if you are using the right amount of seeds with a hand seeder?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi Devon, with a hand seeder, you can control the planting depth and the amount of seeds released per hole, but the spacing must be controlled manually. Happy gardening! – Chris

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