Cost is an important factor when you want to buy a compost spreader. If you have a large area to cover, you may want to get an expensive motorized unit. One of these products can cost more than a thousand dollars. If you have a medium sized garden, a small push spreader will do an excellent job.
When you’re composting for your yard or garden, consider the size of your area before purchasing a spreader. A push spreader is ideal for most areas. One of the best you can buy is a diamond pattern metal spreader. This device breaks up any clumps that may be in your compost as you push it through.
This diamond pattern compost spreader is similar to a small barrel with diamond shaped holes. As you push it, the compost moves, breaks up and comes out like a soft fertilizer. You can even attach the handle to a tractor if you want to use it in a larger area.
Placing compost over a large area is the main reason people want to use a compost spreader. If you have a small area, you can probably spread it out by hand. Take a wheelbarrow to your composter, grab your compost and take it where you need it.
If you don’t want to buy a compost spreader, you can make one out of an old wheelbarrow. A metal or plastic one will work. Make a cut along the bottom front edge, then make small cuts perpendicular to the first a few inches apart and fold the material back leaving a small amount of metal or plastic between the holes.
This homemade spreader may not dissolve every clump of compost into fine humus, but it will get the job done. It will work better if you pull the cart behind you instead of pushing it. You also won’t be walking through what you just spread.
The compost spreader that has a motor also has a drive inside to break up the compost as you spread it. However, you still have to push. These units are expensive, so make sure you have a large enough area to justify the purchase. If you make these units, do a great job.
When you make your compost, you want to know that you have a way to spread it. For small gardens, you can do this by hand, but for larger ones, getting a good compost spreader is a big investment.
