The spreader setting depends on the seed type, spreader model, and how densely you want coverage

The correct spreader setting is not one number — it changes based on what you are spreading. Grass seed bags print a recommended setting for each common spreader brand (Scotts, Earthway, Agway, and others are listed by name). Start with that number on the bag. If the bag does not list your spreader model, the spreader's manual or the manufacturer's website will have a chart that matches seed type to dial position.

Settings typically range from 2 to 10 on a dial, or from narrow to wide on a lever. A lower number spreads less seed per foot of ground; a higher number spreads more. Overseeding (spreading thicker than the bag recommends) wastes seed and can cause disease from overcrowding. Underseeding leaves bare patches that weeds will fill.

The safest approach is to set the dial to the bag's recommendation, spread one test strip across your lawn, and look at the coverage. If you see bare ground between seeds, raise the setting by half a number and try again. If seeds overlap heavily, lower it. Write down the final setting so you do not have to guess next time.

Key Takeaways

  • The grass seed bag lists the spreader setting for major brands like Scotts and Earthway — use that number as your starting point.
  • If your spreader model is not on the bag, check the spreader's manual or the manufacturer's website for a seed-to-setting chart.
  • Test your setting on a small strip before spreading the whole lawn, because overseeding wastes money and underseeding leaves bare patches.
  • Settings are dial numbers (usually 2 to 10) or lever positions (narrow to wide), and you can adjust up or down by half a setting based on how the test strip looks.

How to read the spreader setting chart on the seed bag

Grass seed bags from major retailers print a chart on the back or side that shows spreader brand names down the left and setting numbers across the top. Find your spreader brand in the left column, then read across to the number in that row. That is your starting setting.

The chart accounts for seed size and weight. Perennial ryegrass, fescue, and bluegrass have different densities, so the same spreader dial position spreads different amounts of each type. The bag's chart already does that math for you.

If your spreader is not listed (older models, regional brands, or store brands), move to the spreader's manual or the manufacturer's customer service page. Scotts, Earthway, and Agway all publish PDF guides online that include seed types and settings.

Dial spreaders versus lever spreaders

A dial spreader has a numbered ring you rotate to open or close the seed gate. Numbers usually run from 2 to 10 or 1 to 20, depending on the model. Each number represents a different opening size. Dial spreaders are easier to adjust mid-job and easier to return to the same setting later — you just remember the number.

A lever spreader has a handle or slide you move from closed to fully open, with positions marked as narrow, medium, and wide (or sometimes just unmarked notches). Lever spreaders are less precise because you cannot easily return to the exact same position twice. If you use a lever spreader, mark the position with tape or a permanent marker so you can match it on your next process.

Both types work well for grass seed. Dial spreaders are more common in newer models and easier to use consistently. If you are buying a spreader for the first time, a dial model will save you frustration.

Why the test strip matters

A test strip is a single pass across a 10-by-10-foot section of lawn with your spreader set to the recommended number. Stop, look at the coverage, and decide whether to adjust before you spread the rest of the lawn.

Seed density looks different depending on the grass type and the light. Ryegrass seeds are larger and more visible; bluegrass seeds are tiny and can look sparse even when the setting is correct. Walk the test strip in bright daylight and look for bare ground between seeds. If you see soil, raise the setting. If seeds are touching or overlapping, lower it.

A test strip takes five minutes and saves you from spreading the whole lawn at the wrong setting. It also teaches you how your spreader behaves, which matters because spreaders vary — two Scotts spreaders with the same model number may not spread identically if one is older or has a worn gate.

Adjusting the setting mid-process

You can change the setting while you are spreading, but do it between passes, not while the hopper is moving. Stop at the edge of the lawn, adjust the dial or lever, and resume on the next pass. This prevents you from spreading two different rates on the same section.

If you realize halfway through that the setting is too high or too low, finish the lawn at the current setting, then decide whether to make a second pass. A second pass at a lower setting is safer than trying to correct by raising the setting on the first pass, because you risk overspreading the area you have already covered.

Keep notes on what worked. Write the setting number on the seed bag or in your phone so that next season you start with a number you know works, rather than guessing from the chart again.

Common spreader brands and where to find their settings

Scotts spreaders are the most common consumer model. Scotts bags list settings for Scotts spreaders on the back, and Scotts.com has a spreader settings tool where you enter the product name and seed type. Earthway spreaders are popular for larger lawns; Earthway publishes a PDF chart on their website that covers most grass seed types. Agway spreaders are regional but well-documented in their manuals.

If you own a spreader from a hardware store or big-box retailer (often sold under store brands), check the spreader's manual first. If you no longer have it, search the model number plus "settings chart" online, or contact the retailer's customer service. Most will email or mail you a replacement manual for free.

For very old spreaders or unusual models, call a local lawn care supplier or your county extension office. They have charts for older equipment and can often tell you the setting over the phone based on your spreader type and the seed you are using.

What happens if you use the wrong setting

Overspreading (setting too high) wastes seed and money. It also creates dense patches where seedlings compete for water and nutrients, leading to disease and thin grass later. Thick seed coverage does not mean thicker grass — it means weaker grass.

Underspreading (setting too low) leaves bare ground where weeds move in. Weeds germinate faster than grass in many cases, so a thin seed rate guarantees a weedy lawn. You will also see uneven color and texture because some areas have grass and others do not.

The bag's recommended rate is based on research into what density produces the healthiest lawn. Following it saves you money in the long run because you avoid both waste and the cost of reseeding bare patches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my spreader setting is between two numbers?

You can set the dial to a half-number — for example, between 4 and 5. This is useful for fine-tuning after your test strip. Some spreaders have half-number markings; others do not, but you can still position the dial between two numbers by eye. Mark the position with tape so you can match it next time.

Do I need to adjust the setting if I am spreading in different weather?

No. Wind, temperature, and humidity do not change how much seed the spreader releases — they only affect where it lands. Windy days may blow seed off target, but the spreader setting itself stays the same. Spread on a calm day if possible, but do not change the dial because of weather.

Can I use the same setting for different grass seed types?

No. Different seed types have different weights and sizes, so the same dial position spreads different amounts. Always check the bag or the spreader manual for the correct setting for each seed type. If you are overseeding with a different grass than what is already there, use the setting for the new seed type.

What if the seed bag does not list my spreader brand?

Check your spreader's manual or the manufacturer's website for a chart. If you cannot find one, contact the spreader maker's customer service with your model number. They can usually tell you the setting by phone or email within a day.

Should I spread in two directions to get better coverage?

Spreading in two directions (north-south, then east-west) can help even out coverage, but only if you lower the setting for each pass. If you use the full recommended setting in both directions, you will overseed. Reduce the setting to half the recommended amount for each pass, or stick to one direction at the full setting and do a careful test strip first.