Find Your Seed Type on the Spreader Dial

The Scotts spreader has a numbered dial on the side or handle that matches specific grass seed products. Your first step is to locate the seed bag you are using and find the product name — for example, Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed or Scotts EZ Seed. The back or side of the bag will list a spreader setting number, usually between 4 and 10.

Turn the dial to that exact number. If you are using a Scotts seed product, the setting is printed right on the packaging. If you are using seed from another brand, you may need to estimate based on seed size: fine or small seeds typically use a lower setting (4 to 6), while larger or coarser seeds use a higher setting (7 to 10). When in doubt, start at a middle setting like 6 or 7 and test on a small area first.

The dial controls how much seed falls through the spreader's opening as you walk. A lower number means less seed per foot; a higher number means more. Setting it correctly prevents both bare spots (too little seed) and waste (too much seed).

Key Takeaways

  • Check the grass seed bag for the spreader setting number and turn the dial to match that number exactly.
  • If the bag does not list a setting, use 4 to 6 for fine seeds and 7 to 10 for larger seeds, then test on a small patch first.
  • The dial controls the opening size, so a lower number releases less seed and a higher number releases more.
  • Always close the spreader dial completely (usually marked as 0) when you stop walking to prevent seed from spilling.

Test Your Setting Before Spreading the Whole Lawn

Before you spread seed across your entire lawn, run the spreader over a small test area — a 10-by-10-foot section works well. Walk at a normal, steady pace and observe how thickly the seed falls. You should see individual seeds scattered across the soil, not clumped together and not so sparse that you see mostly bare ground.

If the test area looks too thin, increase the dial number by one or two and try again on a different small patch. If it looks too thick or clumpy, decrease the number. This takes only a few minutes and saves you from spreading too much or too little seed across the whole lawn.

Walk at a Steady Pace in Straight Lines

The spreader setting assumes you are walking at a normal, even pace — roughly 3 to 4 miles per hour. If you walk too slowly, you will spread more seed per square foot than intended. If you walk too fast, you will spread less. The key is consistency: pick a pace and stick to it for the entire lawn.

Spread in straight, overlapping lines, just as you would mow. Overlap each pass by about 2 feet to avoid missing strips or creating double-thick areas. Start at one edge of the lawn and work your way across in parallel lines, then repeat in a perpendicular direction for more even coverage.

Close the Dial When You Stop Walking

Most Scotts spreaders have a dial that closes completely at the 0 setting. Always turn the dial to 0 when you stop spreading — whether you are pausing to refill the hopper, walking across a driveway, or finishing for the day. Leaving the dial open while stationary will dump seed in one spot and waste product.

Get in the habit of closing the spreader the moment you stop moving. This is especially important if you are spreading near garden beds, sidewalks, or areas where you do not want seed to land.

Adjust for Different Scotts Seed Products

Scotts makes several grass seed blends, and each one may have a different recommended setting. Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed typically uses settings between 5 and 8, depending on the specific blend. Scotts EZ Seed, which includes mulch and fertilizer, often uses a higher setting like 8 or 9 because the mixture is bulkier. Scotts Shade Mix or Sun Mix may differ as well.

Always check the back of the bag before you start. The setting is usually printed near the spreader icon or in a section labeled "Spreader Settings" or "process Rate." If you cannot find it, contact Scotts customer service with the product name, and they can tell you the correct setting for your spreader model.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common error is guessing at the setting instead of checking the bag. Using the wrong number wastes seed and money, and can result in patchy germination. Another mistake is walking too fast or too slowly — the spreader is calibrated for a normal walking pace, so rushing through the job changes the process rate.

Do not forget to close the dial when you stop. Leaving it open while you rest or refill will create heavy spots of seed that may not germinate evenly. Finally, do not spread seed in heavy wind — gusts will carry light seeds away from where you intended them to land, making coverage uneven.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my seed bag does not say what spreader setting to use?

Start at setting 6 or 7 and spread a small test area. If the coverage looks too thin, increase the number; if too thick, decrease it. Once you find a setting that looks right, use that number for the rest of the lawn. You can also contact the seed manufacturer with the product name for the exact recommendation.

Can I use the same setting for all grass seed brands?

No. Different seed sizes and blends require different settings. Always check the bag for the recommended setting. Using a setting meant for one brand on a different brand may result in uneven coverage or wasted seed.

What happens if I spread seed at the wrong setting?

Too little seed (setting too low) leaves bare patches where grass does not grow. Too much seed (setting too high) wastes product and can cause overcrowding, which leads to weak, thin grass. Testing on a small area first prevents this problem.

Do I need to adjust the setting if I spread seed twice?

If you are spreading in two perpendicular directions for better coverage, use the same setting both times. The overlapping passes will create the right total density. Do not increase the setting for the second pass, or you will end up with too much seed.

Why does my spreader have numbers up to 15 when the bag only mentions settings up to 10?

Scotts spreaders are designed to work with many different products — grass seed, fertilizer, and weed control — each with different process rates. Your grass seed bag will tell you which numbers to use. Ignore the higher numbers unless you are spreading a different product.