DIY Guide to Building Your Own Garden Fertilizer Spreader

A garden fertilizer spreader is a very useful tool for any gardener. It helps you distribute fertilizer or other materials more evenly and efficiently over your garden. However, buying a ready-made spreader can be expensive, and it may not always have the features you need. That’s why building your own fertilizer spreader can be a great idea. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of building your own garden fertilizer spreader.

Materials You Will Need

To build your own garden fertilizer spreader, you will need several materials. These are:

– A plastic or metal container with a lid – This container should be large enough to hold the fertilizer or other material you want to spread. It should also have a lid to prevent spillage.
– A PVC pipe – This pipe will be used as the spreader mechanism. It should be long enough to reach the ground and wide enough to allow the material to flow through.
– A PVC elbow joint – This will be used to direct the flow of the material.
– Two PVC caps – These will be used to seal the ends of the PVC pipe.
– A drill – You will need a drill to make holes in the PVC pipe.
– Screws – You will need screws to attach the PVC pipe to the container.
– A handle – You will need a handle to hold the spreader while you use it.
– Wheels – If you want to make your spreader mobile, you will need wheels.

Step-by-step Guide

Now that you have all the materials, you can start building your garden fertilizer spreader. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the container

The first step is to prepare the container. If you’re using a plastic container, drill several small holes in the bottom to allow air to circulate. If you’re using a metal container, you don’t need to do this.

2. Attach the PVC pipe

Next, attach the PVC pipe to the container. To do this, drill two holes in the container, near the bottom. These holes should be the same diameter as the PVC pipe. Then, insert the PVC pipe through these holes and secure it with screws.

3. Add the PVC elbow joint

Now, add the PVC elbow joint to the end of the PVC pipe. This will direct the flow of the material. Make sure the joint is securely attached to the pipe.

4. Drill holes in the PVC pipe

Using a drill, make several small holes in the PVC pipe. These holes should be evenly spaced and large enough to allow the material to flow through.

5. Add the PVC caps

Add PVC caps to both ends of the PVC pipe. These will prevent the material from spilling out of the pipe.

6. Add the handle

Attach a handle to the top of the container. This will allow you to hold the spreader while you use it.

7. Add the wheels (optional)

If you want to make your spreader mobile, you can add wheels to the bottom of the container. This will allow you to move the spreader around your garden more easily.

FAQs

Q: What materials can I use for the container?
A: You can use a plastic or metal container. However, make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the material you want to spread.

Q: What kind of fertilizer can I use with the spreader?
A: You can use any kind of granular fertilizer with the spreader. However, make sure the fertilizer is dry and free-flowing.

Q: Do I need to clean the spreader after use?
A: Yes, it’s important to clean the spreader after use to prevent the spread of weeds and diseases.

Q: Can I adjust the flow rate of the material?
A: Yes, you can adjust the flow rate by drilling more or fewer holes in the PVC pipe.

Q: Can I make a larger or smaller spreader?
A: Yes, you can adjust the size of the spreader by using a larger or smaller container and PVC pipe.

Final Thoughts

Building your own garden fertilizer spreader is a great DIY project. It’s easy to do, and it can save you money compared to buying a ready-made spreader. With just a few materials and some basic tools, you can create a spreader that will help you distribute fertilizer or other materials more efficiently over your garden. So why not give it a try?