How to Make a Cheap Grass Seed Spreader. For small patching areas, a homemade grass seed spreader does the trick and saves you money. Store bought spreaders include the drop and broadcast models that you push and handheld spreaders that usually have a crank handle. Make your own cheap model from containers that usually end up discarded.
Cheap Tin Can Spreader
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Step 1
Get an empty coffee can with lid and turn it upside down. Choose a large size for less work.
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Step 2
Put on safety glasses and make holes across the bottom of the can. Use a small nail with a hammer or a 1/8 inch drill bit for starters.
Step 3
Make a second row of holes offset from the first row.
Step 4
Place the lid on the bottom of the can and fill just enough seed to test the spreader.
Step 5
Test the grass seed spreader over an open newspaper to see the flow of seeds. Adjust accordingly by enlarging or making more holes.
Step 6
Use the tin can spreader by first placing the lid on the bottom, then remove the lid when ready to seed your lawn.
Cheap Milk Jug Spreader
Step 1
Rinse out an empty gallon milk jug. Substitute with a 64 oz. plastic juice container.
Step 2
Set the jug off in a corner to dry with the cap off.
Step 3
Put on safety glasses, then punch a series of holes in the opposite side of the handle with a nail, hole puncher or drill. Push the nail or punch back and forth with downward pressure. Figure 1/8 inch holes, depending on grass, spaced 1/4 inch apart in two offsetting rows.
Step 4
Get a funnel to fill the jug with grass seed up to the holes.
Step 5
Spread grass seed evenly with a back and forth motion.
Step 6
Make more holes or rows according to the amount of grass seed you want to shake out.
Step 7
Push the nail around the hole to make it larger.
Tip
Start with a smaller hole then enlarge as needed for your particular grass seed. Grass seed size typically measures about 1/8 inch. Watch that the nail or punch doesn't slip away cutting your hand or scratching the counter.
Things You'll Need
Coffee can
Plastic can lid
Safety glasses
Small nail
1/8 inch drill bit
Newspaper
Grass seed
Gallon milk jug
64-oz juice container
Milk jug cap
Nail
Hole puncher
Funnel