Guys,

I have just bought a bag of NitroPhos fertilizer for my lawn. It specifies different application settings for different spreaders. I have a Scott's Basic broadcast spreader, but NitroPhos only offers me guidance on the EasyGreen model, which I do not have.

How do I make the conversion? NitroPhos tells me to apply 5 lbs/1000 sq. ft. What do the numbers on my spreader mean? I have numbers starting from 1 to 15. My spreader model is for 5,000 sq. ft. Does a setting of 3 mean I'm spreading 3 lbs of fertilizer for 5,000 sq. ft, or is it 3 lbs per 1000 sq. ft?

You would think this would be fairly straight forward, but I can't seem to find any answers online. I'm hoping that some of you guys might be able to help. Thanks again.

# = lbs / 1000 sq ft

I would find a similar fertilizer with the same NPK ratio that has your spreader listed and cross reference it that way

Place your setting to 5.

I looked up Scott's Turf Builder which lists both the Easy Green and the Basic models. The basic model setting for Scott's Turf Builder should be 3 1/4 and the Easy Green, with the same fertilizer, should be 27 1/2 setting.

I simply took the ratio of them to come up with a conversion factor of ~11.8 percent. I then went to the NitroPhos bag which lists the Easy Green model and specifies a setting of 25 1/2 and I multiplied that by my conversion factor to come up with the equivalent of a 3 setting for the Basic model.

That doesn't seem to jive with the 5 recommendations I'm getting from you guys.

If it is a Scotts basic broadcast spreader, the number represents the number of pounds of fertilizer placed over 1000 sq ft.

I have the same spreader. I think you are over thinking it.

CSTX,

What do you think of the logic I used on my previous post? I figure if the ratio between the basic model and the easy green model is 11.8 percent on an equal fertilizer, than that ratio should apply on NitroPhos which gives me the rate for one but not the other.

Am I wrong? If what you write is correct, and I'm not writing that you aren't, the difference between a 5 and a 3 is material.

Does the knob have 1-15?

I guess there is a flaw in my plan. Looking at some of the other Scott's lawn products, the ratio can be as high as 16 percent; hence, the ratio is not applicable across all products.

If what you guys are telling me is correct, that the rate on the setting is per 1,000 sq. feet, does that mean if I have an Easy Green model I'd be spreading 27 1/2 per 1,000 sq. ft? Because NitroPhos is recommending a 27.5 rate for the Easy Green model.

CSTX, yes it does.

Does it look like this:

The Dial is the same, but the model looks different. Mine reads "Basic" across the back by the dial.

The broadcasting reel is the same size if you have the same knob.

If it was me, Id put it out on a 3- 3 1/2 to make sure you dont stress the grass. IMO, Its to hot and to dry right now to hit it at full strength. Hit it at a 3 - 3 1/2 now and then again in 6 weeks repeat and the lawn should look great.

It really shouldn't be this hard. I appreciate all of your help. I'll start it at a 3 and go from there.

Rain.