How to Make a Seed Spreader Out of a Coffee Can

For those of us that live in warmer climates, maintaining a yard and garden is a year round project. For some Winter provides no breaks from this chore. The following project will help you recycle and save time and money.

This project involves using inexpensive items such as a large coffee can and plastic lids to make a spot seeder. Conventional seed spreaders are meant to spread seed over large areas; this makes them impractical for spreading seed over small spots such as small flower beds or bare spots on lawns.

To complete this project you will need a tool to punch or drill holes in the bottom of a large coffee can. I have found that using a drill gives me the most control over the size of the holes.

First use the drill to drill roughly ten small holes in the bottom of the can. Make the holes large enough so that the seed you are using will easily pass through. I suggest that you make multiple spreaders for accurately spreading seeds that are different sizes. Grass seed is usually larger than small flower and herb seeds. Holes large enough for grass seed to pass through are often too large for use with smaller seeds as they allow too many of the smaller seeds to be spread at once.

After you finish drilling the holes test the spreader out by pouring a small amount of your chosen seed inside it and watch to see if the seeds pass easily through the holes. If they do then you are ready for the next step. If they do not pass easily through the holes use a large drill bit to enlarge the holes.

After you have tested the spreader use one plastic lid to cover the bottom of the spreader. Make sure that it is snapped firmly in place so it will not fall off and allow the seeds to spill out. Next fill the spreader with your chosen seed. Then your spreader is ready for use. Simply snap another lid onto the open end of the can and store the spreader until you are ready to use it. When you wish to use it just take the lid off the bottom of the spreader and begin quickly and easily spreading the seeds.

If you wish to decorate the seed spreader you have multiple options. The easiest option is to wrap the can with decorative self-adhesive contact paper; the kind of contact paper that is normally used for shelves in kitchen cabinets.

If you would like a wider variety of choices that will also save you a little bit of money you can use spray paint instead of contact paper. Simply choose a color of spray paint and then spray the can with two light coats of paint, allowing the can to dry in between coats. Finally, you may also paint the can white and then cut sponges into shapes and use them to sponge designs onto the can in various bright or pastel colors.