Find Your Spreader Model and Seed Type First

The correct setting on a Scotts spreader depends on two things: which Scotts spreader you own and which grass seed product you are spreading. Scotts makes several spreader types — rotary (broadcast), drop, and handheld models — and each has its own dial or lever system. The seed bag itself also matters: Scotts grass seed bags print a recommended spreader setting right on the back, usually as a number or letter code.

Start by finding the product name on your seed bag. It will say something like "Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed" followed by a blend type — Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, or a regional mix. On the back panel, look for a section labeled "Spreader Settings" or "process Rates." This section lists settings for different Scotts spreader models by name.

If you have lost the bag or cannot read it clearly, you can find the same information on the Scotts website by entering your spreader model and seed product name. Scotts also prints a chart on the inside of many spreader hoppers, though the print is often small and faded.

Key Takeaways

  • The correct setting is printed on the back of your Scotts grass seed bag, listed by spreader model name.
  • Rotary (broadcast) spreaders and drop spreaders use different settings for the same seed, so you must know which type you own.
  • Settings are usually a number between 5 and 15, or occasionally a letter code — do not guess or use a setting from a different product.
  • If you cannot find the bag or the setting, the Scotts website has a searchable database organized by spreader model and seed type.
  • Setting the spreader too high wastes seed and creates uneven coverage; setting it too low leaves bare patches.

Rotary Spreader Settings for Scotts Grass Seed

A rotary (or broadcast) spreader throws seed in a wide arc from a spinning disc. These spreaders have a dial on the side or a lever near the hopper that opens and closes a gate underneath. The dial is usually numbered 1 to 25, though the usable range for grass seed is typically 6 to 15.

For most Scotts grass seed products on a rotary spreader, the setting falls between 8 and 12. For example, Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed for tall fescue blends often calls for a setting of 10 or 11 on a rotary spreader. Scotts Perennial Ryegrass might be set at 9 or 10. The exact number depends on the specific seed blend and the spreader model, so always check the bag first.

Rotary spreaders cover ground faster than drop spreaders because they throw seed wider, but they are also harder to control at the edges of your lawn. If you set the dial too high, seed will pour out too quickly and you will waste product while creating thick, uneven patches. If you set it too low, the seed will dribble out and leave gaps.

Drop Spreader Settings for Scotts Grass Seed

A drop spreader has a hopper directly above two or three wheels and drops seed straight down onto a narrow strip of ground below. These spreaders are more precise than rotary models but cover ground more slowly. The hopper gate is usually controlled by a lever or dial on the handle, numbered similarly to rotary spreaders but with different recommended settings for the same seed.

Drop spreader settings for Scotts grass seed are typically lower than rotary settings — often in the range of 5 to 10. A Scotts Turf Builder blend that calls for setting 10 on a rotary spreader might call for setting 6 or 7 on a drop spreader. This is because drop spreaders concentrate the seed in a narrower path, so less seed per square foot is needed to achieve the same coverage.

Drop spreaders are the better choice if you have a small lawn, want to avoid spreading seed into flower beds or driveways, or need very even coverage. The trade-off is that you will walk the spreader more times to cover the same area, and it takes longer. Always overlap your passes slightly to avoid leaving unseeded stripes down the middle of your lawn.

How to Read the Scotts Bag Label Correctly

The back of a Scotts grass seed bag has a table with spreader models listed down the left side and settings listed in the columns to the right. The table might look like this: "Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Rotary Spreader — Setting 10" or "Scotts Turf Builder Deluxe Drop Spreader — Setting 6." Find your spreader model name in the left column, then read across to find the number.

If your spreader is not listed by name on the bag, look for a category match. For example, if you own a generic rotary spreader that is not a Scotts brand, you can use the setting listed for "Rotary Spreader" or "Broadcast Spreader" as a starting point. If you own a Scotts spreader but the model name on the bag does not match exactly, check whether your spreader is an older or newer version of the same line — the setting is usually the same across generations.

Some Scotts bags also list settings by spreader brand, not just Scotts models. You might see settings for Earthway, Agri-Fab, or other common brands. If your spreader brand is listed, use that setting. If it is not, match your spreader type (rotary or drop) to the closest category on the bag.

Common Spreader Models and Their Typical Settings

Scotts makes several spreader models that appear on most grass seed bags. The Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Rotary Spreader is one of the most common rotary models and typically uses settings between 9 and 12 depending on the seed product. The Scotts Turf Builder Deluxe Drop Spreader is a popular drop model and usually calls for settings between 5 and 8.

Older Scotts spreaders like the Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader may have slightly different settings than newer models, but the difference is usually only one number on the dial. If you own an older spreader and cannot find the exact model on a new bag, call Scotts customer service with your spreader model number — it is usually stamped on the frame — and they can tell you the correct setting for that specific seed.

Handheld Scotts spreaders, which are smaller and designed for spot treatment or small lawns, have their own settings. These are usually lower numbers because the hopper is smaller and the spread pattern is narrower. Always check the bag for handheld spreader settings separately from walk-behind models.

What Happens If You Use the Wrong Setting

Setting your spreader too high causes several problems. Seed pours out too quickly, creating clumps and bare spots. You waste product because more seed falls on the same area than needed to germinate. Thick patches of new grass compete with each other and often thin out as they mature. You also run out of seed before you finish your lawn.

Setting your spreader too low leaves gaps in coverage. Seed falls too slowly, and you end up with uneven germination. Some areas of your lawn will green up while others stay thin or bare. You may have to make extra passes to fill in the gaps, which wastes time and can lead to overseeding in some spots while others remain thin.

The best approach is to start with the setting printed on the bag, make one pass across a small test area, and look at the coverage. If seed is clumping or piling up, lower the setting by one number. If you see obvious gaps or thin coverage, raise it by one number. Once you find the right setting, mark it on your spreader with a piece of tape so you do not forget it if you refill the hopper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same setting for different Scotts grass seed products?

No. Different Scotts seed products have different seed sizes and densities, so they require different spreader settings. Always check the bag for the specific product you are spreading. Using a setting from a different product will result in uneven coverage.

What if my spreader model is not listed on the bag?

Match your spreader type — rotary or drop — to the closest category on the bag. If your spreader is a Scotts brand but the model name does not match exactly, try the setting for the closest Scotts model. You can also visit the Scotts website and search by spreader model number to find the correct setting.

Should I adjust the setting if I am spreading seed on a slope?

No. The spreader setting controls how much seed comes out per square foot, which does not change based on terrain. However, you may need to walk more slowly on a slope to maintain even coverage, or make overlapping passes to may support you do not miss any area.

Can I use a Scotts setting on a non-Scotts spreader?

Sometimes, but not always. If your spreader brand is listed on the Scotts bag, use that setting. If it is not, use the setting for your spreader type (rotary or drop) as a starting point, then adjust up or down by one number based on how the coverage looks on a test area.

What does the number on the spreader dial actually mean?

The number controls how wide the gate opens under the hopper, which determines how much seed falls out per second. Higher numbers mean a wider opening and more seed per pass. The numbers are not standardized across brands, so a setting of 10 on one spreader may not equal a setting of 10 on another.