Settings for Spreading Grass Seed With a Lawn Spreader

Tall Fescue Grass Mixes

• Tall fescue is a good choice if you are looking for a drought-tolerant grass that stands up to heavy foot traffic. It germinates quickly and grows well in extreme heat conditions.

  If you choose to use Scotts tall fescue seed mix and a Scotts rotary spreader, use a setting of 7 1/2 for overseeding and a setting of 18 when establishing a new lawn. When using their drop spreader, use a setting of 9 1/2 for overseeding and 18 for new seeding.

  Agway also offers a tall fescue grass seed. When using either their rotary spreader or an Earthway rotary spreader, a setting of 14 is recommended for overseeding, and 17 for a new lawn. If you choose to use an Agway drop spreader, a setting of 17 is recommended for overseeding and 22 when establishing a new lawn.

Sun and Shade Grass Mixes

• Scotts sun and shade seed mix is designed to stay green in extreme heat and in full sun to dense shade conditions. Set a Scotts rotary spreader to 5 1/2 for overseeding and 8 1/4 for a new lawn. If you use their drop spreader, Scotts recommends a setting of 8 1/2 for overseeding and 12 1/2 for a new lawn.

  Agway's sun and shade grass seed grows well in partial shade to full sun. Agway recommends a setting of 15 for overseeding and 18 for a new lawn when using either their rotary spreader or an Earthway rotary spreader. With an Agway drop spreader, use a setting of 18 for overseeding and 22 for new seeding.

Rye Grass Mixes

• Scotts offers a fast-growing rye mix that is a good choice to use when overseeding Bermudagrass or in areas to control erosion. When using a Scotts rotary spreader, a setting of 6 1/4 is recommended for overseeding. Use the same setting for new lawns or on bare spot repairs; however, Scotts recommends going over the area twice. With a Scotts drop spreader, use a setting of 9 1/2 when overseeding and 15 for new lawns or to patch bare spots.

  Agway's Tri-Rye mix is quick to become established and is typically used in the fall for overseeding. With an Agway or Earthway rotary spreader, use a setting of 15 for overseeding and 18 for new lawns. Use a setting of 18 for overseeding or 22 for new lawns when using an Agway drop spreader.