How to Make a Fertilizer & Sand Spreader

Whether the garden or lawn is a small patch in the yard or a large plot of land, spreading sand, fertilizer or other soil amendments can be an arduous task. Commercially made spreaders can be expensive and unnecessary for infrequent jobs. Instead of spending money on a new spreader or rental unit, make your own using a few household items. For small jobs, create a hand-held spreader. Or attach a larger spreader to the back of the lawn tractor or a wheelbarrow for bigger jobs.

Large plastic coffee container with lid

Power drill

Drill bit

Large plastic bin with lid

Two nylon straps or bungee cords

Clean the plastic coffee container with soapy water. Rinse well.

Drill holes on the bottom of the container, spacing the holes approximately 1 inch from each other.

Add the fertilizer or sand to the container. Cover the container.

Grasp the container at the handle, walk slowly around the area to be fertilized or sprinkled with sand, and shake the contents from the container.

Clean a large plastic bin with soapy water. Rinse well.

Drill holes on the bottom of the container, spacing the holes approximately 1 inch from each other.

Add the fertilizer or sand to the container. Cover the container with the lid.

Strap the container to the back of the lawn tractor or the poles of a wheelbarrow. Many lawn tractors sport a small hitch at the rear; balance the container on the hitch, and tie the container to the tractor.