Use Setting 15 for most Scotts grass seed products
The correct setting depends on which Scotts grass seed you are spreading. Most Scotts seed bags print the spreader setting directly on the back or side — look for a number next to "Scotts Turf Builder Spreader" or your spreader model name. For the most common Scotts products (Turf Builder, Perennial Ryegrass, Tall Fescue blends), Setting 15 is the standard starting point on a Scotts drop spreader or broadcast spreader.
Do not assume all Scotts seed uses the same setting. A bag of Scotts Shade Mix may call for Setting 12, while Scotts Dense Shade might need Setting 17. The seed size and density vary between products, which changes how far apart the holes or openings need to be. Always check your specific bag before you fill the hopper.
If you cannot find the setting printed on your bag, visit the Scotts website and search for your product name — the product page lists the spreader setting and often includes a chart for different spreader models (Scotts EasyGreen, Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard, etc.).
Key Takeaways
- Check the back of your Scotts seed bag for the spreader setting before you load the hopper — it is printed there for your specific product.
- Setting 15 works for most common Scotts grass seed blends, but Shade Mix and specialty products may require Settings 12 to 17.
- Different spreader models (drop, broadcast, handheld) may have different setting ranges, so verify your spreader type matches the bag instructions.
- Test your spreader on a driveway or patio first to see the pattern and spacing before you spread on your lawn.
How to read the Scotts bag label
The spreader setting is usually printed in a box on the back panel of the bag, often near the coverage area (how many square feet the bag will cover). It will say something like "Scotts Turf Builder Spreader Setting: 15" or list multiple settings for different spreader brands.
Some bags show a small chart with rows for different spreader models — for example, one row for "Scotts Drop Spreader" and another for "Scotts Broadcast Spreader." If your spreader is not listed by name, match it to the type: a drop spreader has a hopper that opens downward, while a broadcast spreader (also called a rotary spreader) throws seed in a wide arc from a spinning disk.
If the bag is old, faded, or the label is missing, do not guess. Write down the product name and search "Scotts [product name] spreader setting" online, or call Scotts customer service at 1-800-543-8873 to confirm the number before you spread.
Why the setting matters
The spreader setting controls how wide the holes or openings are in your spreader's hopper. A lower setting (like 8 or 10) opens the holes less, so less seed falls out per foot of ground you cover. A higher setting (like 18 or 20) opens them more, so more seed spreads across the same distance.
If you use the wrong setting, you either spread seed too thick (which wastes money and can cause disease from overcrowding) or too thin (which leaves bare patches). The Scotts setting is calculated so that one pass with your spreader at that setting deposits the right amount of seed per square foot for that particular product.
Testing your spreader before spreading
Before you spread seed on your lawn, do a test run on a driveway, patio, or large piece of cardboard. Fill your spreader with seed, set it to the number on the bag, and walk at a normal pace while spreading. Look at the pattern: the seed should fall in a fairly even line or arc with no big gaps or clumps.
If you see heavy clumping or the seed is not falling at all, the setting may be too low or the seed may be damp and stuck. If seed is pouring out in a thick stream, the setting is too high. Make small adjustments (usually one number up or down) and test again until the spread looks even.
Pay attention to your walking speed too. If you walk faster than normal, you cover more ground and spread seed thinner. If you walk slowly, you spread it thicker. Consistent pace matters as much as the setting number.
Common Scotts products and their settings
These are typical settings for popular Scotts seed products on a standard Scotts drop or broadcast spreader. Always verify on your bag, because formulations change and different spreader models may have different ranges.
| Product | Typical Setting | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Scotts Turf Builder Perennial Ryegrass | 15 | Most common setting; check bag for your spreader model |
| Scotts Turf Builder Tall Fescue | 15 | Similar to ryegrass; verify on bag |
| Scotts Shade Mix | 12 | Finer seed; lower setting than sun blends |
| Scotts Dense Shade | 17 | Check bag; specialty blends vary |
| Scotts EasyGreen | Varies | Coated seed; follow bag label closely |
What to do if you do not have the bag
If you bought seed in bulk, inherited it, or the label is gone, you have a few options. First, try to identify the product by appearance or any remaining text. Scotts seed is usually dyed green or red, and specialty products (like shade mixes) often have a different color or texture than standard ryegrass.
If you can narrow it down to a product name, search online for the spreader setting. If you cannot identify it at all, start with Setting 15 on a test area and observe how the lawn fills in over two to three weeks. If you see bare patches, you spread too thin — raise the setting next time. If the grass is very thick or clumpy, you spread too heavy — lower it next time.
You can also contact Scotts directly with a photo of the seed or any remaining packaging. They can often identify the product and give you the correct setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different spreader brand with a Scotts seed bag?
Yes, but you need to find the setting for your spreader brand. Many Scotts bags list settings for multiple spreader brands (Earthway, Agway, etc.) on the label. If your spreader is not listed, look up your spreader model online and search for a conversion chart, or contact the spreader manufacturer with the Scotts setting number and ask what it translates to on their scale.
What if my spreader does not have numbered settings?
Some older or budget spreaders have a dial with words like "Light," "Medium," or "Heavy" instead of numbers. Start with "Medium" and test on a driveway. If the spread is too thin, move to "Medium-Heavy" or "Heavy." If it is too thick, try "Light" or "Light-Medium." Adjust based on what you see, not on the Scotts number.
Does the spreader setting change if I am overseeding an existing lawn?
No. The setting on the Scotts bag is designed for the amount of seed that product needs, whether you are starting from bare soil or filling in thin spots. Use the same setting for overseeding as you would for a new lawn.
Can I adjust the setting mid-spread if it does not look right?
You can, but it is better to stop, test on a driveway, and adjust before you continue on the lawn. If you change the setting while spreading, you will have uneven coverage — some areas will be thicker or thinner than others. Finish one section, check how it looks, then adjust for the next section if needed.
What if the seed is clumpy and will not come out at any setting?
Damp or old seed can clump inside the hopper. Break up the clumps by hand before you load the spreader, or spread the seed on a tarp in the sun for an hour to dry it out. If the seed is more than a year old or was stored in a damp place, it may not germinate well — consider buying fresh seed instead.