Bst way to fertilize a yard?

[dodge man]

What is the cheapest way to fertilize my yard? I have about 1.5 acres that is a country kind of yard. I don't want it perfect but it seems like if I don't fertilize it, it looks like crap by the end of the year between the weeds and dead spots.

I have a tow behind broad cast spreader now. It probably holds a little more than 40 pounds of the bagged fertilizer. I own a Kubota BX and the tow behind is meant for a riding mower, its awkward to reach back and turn it off and on.

I've considered getting a 3 point broadcast spreader but maybe I'm cheap, I don't want to spend almost $500. That cost alone wouldn't stop me but to buy the bags of fertilizer and weed killer sets me back about $200 to do it once a year.

I also own a spot sprayer, about 15 gallons with a wand and thought about setting it up with booms or a broadcast type sprayer. I'm not sure what to use for fertilizer for this setup?

I guess I'm not as much worried about the equipment cost as I am having a quick way to do the yard and one that is cheaper in cost of the weed killer and fertilizer. I live in the middle of farm country so maybe there is some place I can buy it 9in bulk cheaper than Walmart 40 lb bags.

Thanks in advance for the answers.

 

[bigtiller]

Don't do like I did a few years back. I spread dried horse manure over the yard. I thought it was free. WRONG. I spent the next 3 years spraying 2-4-D trying to kill all the weeds that I "planted". It would have been much cheaper to use commercial fertilizer.

I can't reach my broadcast spreader easily either so I just haven't used it for a few years. I will have to take the rear window out of the Cosy Cab on my 2720 and then make some sort of extension to reach the spreader. An electric spreader sure would be nice.

 

[Fossil Farm]

Some places rent 3 point spreaders. If you will only use it once a year, might be worth looking around. Just check it out to be sure it operates OK and that you can calibrate it halfway decently. For an acre and a half, would not take long to spread. Bags might be easier than bulk for that small of an acreage. Depends if you have a way to haul it and if they will sell that small of an amount loose.

 

[dodge man]

That's what I was afraid of, to small an amount to get in bulk and I don't have a way to haul it.

 

[fordmantpw]

Get the fertilizer at the farm supply store and it should be cheaper than the bags at Wal-Mart. You don't have to buy in bulk. At least, that's what I do.

I just used my 3 point spreader for the first time in seeding my new yard. 200 lbs of fertilizer in < 10 minutes. Awesome! Definitely worth the $200 I spent for it (found it used).

 

[vwnotrunning]

Is there a way to put an electric actuator on the spreader to switch it on/off or attach it to a carry-all or other implement and add 12 volt motor to drive the spreader?

 

[dodge man]

Is there a way to put an electric actuator on the spreader to switch it on/off or attach it to a carry-all or other implement and add 12 volt motor to drive the spreader?

Probably but not worth the effort in my opinion.

 

[TomSeller]

What is the cheapest way to fertilize my yard? .

Don't pick up after your dog.

 

[farmer2009]

The rear spreaders are nice but don't know if they are worth it for one trip a year. Fertilizer will be hard on them. Even getting the one with the poly cone on it. Be sure you wash it well and coat with oil or deisel fuel. I have one and love it but I use it 8-10 times a year. If you buy it from TSC its a $600 spreader. Spreader is $500 them PTO shaft is another $100 or more. Found that out the hard way.

Buying bagged fertilizer from a farm supply should be cheaper. If you want to buy in bulk talk to them about loading it in an old plastic tote with the top cut off or something along that line. Of course then you have to unload it. More work=less money. Walmart is the expensive place to buy fertilizer and seed from my experience.

 

[DuckSlayer1017]

See if you can hook up a throttle control cable to the spreader that will reach into the tractor. You should be able to find one for less than $20. I just put down two bags of fertilizer tonight on my lawn. However I used my lawn mower to do it because the MF 1529 is overkill for a small spreader. I also have a 15 gal sprayer that has two spray nozzles and a spot sprayer. I spray 2-4-D on my lawn twice a year (spring and fall) to keep the weeds down. The fall 2-4-D makes a huge affect on dandelions in the spring. You should be able to find all the parts to add the boom to your sprayer at TSC.