Cost is a big factor when you want to purchase a compost spreader. If you have a large area to cover you might want to get an expensive motorized unit. One of these products can cost over one thousand dollars. If you have an average size garden a small push spreader will do a terrific job.
When you are making compost for your yard or garden before buying a spreader take into account the size of your area. A push spreader is great for most areas. One of the best ones you can buy is a diamond pattern metal spreader. This device breaks up any clumps that may be in your compost as you push it along.
This compost spreader with the diamond pattern is similar to a small barrel with diamond shaped holes in it. As you push it, the compost moves around, gets divided and comes out as smooth fertilizer. You can even attach the handle to a tractor if you want to use it on a larger area.
Laying compost out over a large area is the main reason people want to use a compost spreader. If you have a small area you can probably spread it by hand. Bring a wheelbarrow over to your compostumbler get your compost and bring it wherever you need it.
If you do not want to buy a compost spreader you can make one from an old wheelbarrow. A metal or plastic one will work. Make a cut along the front bottom edge, next make small cuts perpendicular to the first a few inches apart and bend the material back leaving a small amount of metal or plastic in between the holes.
This homemade spreader may not dissolve every clump of compost into a fine humus but it will do the job. It will work better if you pull the wheelbarrow behind you rather than pushing it. You will also not be walking through what you just spread out.
The compost spreader that has a motor also has a unit inside to break up the compost as it spreads it. You still have to push though. These units are expensive so be sure you have an area large enough to justify the purchase. If you do these units do a great job.
When you make your compost, you want to know that you have a way to spread it out. For small gardens, you can do it by hand but for large ones getting a good compost spreader is a great investment.
