8 Supplies for Mixing Food Plot Seed and Fertilizer

Planting a thriving food plot requires more than just slinging seed and hoping for rain. Mixing small seed with inert carrier fertilizer ensures even coverage across uneven terrain, preventing clumpy growth and wasted seed. Equipping your barn with the right small-scale mixing gear transforms a messy weekend project into a streamlined, repeatable success.

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Why Proper Seed and Fertilizer Mixing Matters

Seed density varies wildly across brassicas, clovers, and cereal grains, making direct broadcasting notoriously imprecise. Mixing fine seed with bulk fertilizer acts as a carrier, bulking up the total volume so your spreader meters out the correct rate without emptying in the first ten paces.

Improperly mixed seed creates patchy plots where aggressive weeds quickly outcompete sparse forage crop stands. Achieving a homogenous blend guarantees that every square foot receives an ideal balance of seed and nutrient starter for rapid germination.

Taking a systematic approach to blending prevents seed stratification, where small seeds settle to the bottom of the hopper during transport. The right tools eliminate guesswork, saving money on expensive seed blends and maximizing yield on half-acre to multi-acre food plots.

Utility Tub – Behrens 17-Gallon Galvanized Tub

A dedicated mixing vessel keeps seed and dry fertilizer contained while preventing cross-contamination from oil or chemicals on the shop floor. Mixing directly in bucket pails often leads to spillover, but a wide-rimmed tub gives you ample room to churn materials thoroughly.

The Behrens 17-Gallon Galvanized Tub stands out due to its rust-proof, heavy-gauge steel construction that resists the corrosive nature of chemical fertilizers. Unlike plastic totes that crack in cold weather or flex under heavy loads, this steel tub remains rigid and durable season after season.

Key features and specs include:

• 17-gallon (64-liter) capacity ideal for 50-to-100-pound batches
• Deeply swaged side ribs for structural rigidity under heavy weight
• Reinforced wire rim and heavy-duty drop handles for transport

Keep in mind that a full tub of fertilizer and seed can easily weigh over a hundred pounds, so mix near your transport vehicle or blend in partial batches. Wash and thoroughly dry the metal surface after every use to prevent salt residue from causing premature surface oxidation.

This tub is essential for hobby farmers managing food plots under two acres who prefer hand-batching. It is unnecessary if you rely entirely on motorized tumble mixers for large-scale operations.

Grain Scoop – Ames Aluminum Grain Scoop Shovel

Transferring raw fertilizer and delicate seeds from bulk bags into mixing tubs requires a scoop designed not to slice or crush small seeds. Standard square-point garden spades are too heavy and feature sharp edges that can damage seed coats during aggressive blending.

The Ames Aluminum Grain Scoop Shovel features a deeply cupped blade that holds substantial volume while remaining lightweight enough to prevent arm fatigue. Its non-sparking, thick aluminum blade glides along the bottom of mixing tubs without gouging metal or plastic surfaces.

Important practical considerations include:

• Lightweight aluminum blade reduces fatigue during high-volume batching
• Hardwood handle with D-grip provides strong leverage control
• Deep blade geometry prevents seed spillage during transfers

Store this shovel hanging up, as aluminum can dent if run over by heavy equipment or stored under iron tools. The wide scoop requires a broad container opening when transferring into spreaders, so pair it with a funnel or a wide tub.

Perfect for growers hand-mixing 50-pound fertilizer sacks with small clover or chicory packs. Skip this if you exclusively pour bulk bags straight into a tractor loader bucket.

Concrete Mixer – YARDMAX YM0115 Electric Mixer

Hand-mixing multiple three-acre food plot blends leads to fatigue and uneven seed distribution. An electric mixer turns minutes of strenuous manual labor into seconds, gently tumbling seed coats with fertilizer without cracking the seed hull.

The YARDMAX YM0115 Electric Mixer offers a compact 1.6 cubic foot capacity driven by a reliable electric motor ideal for standard homestead outlets. Its steel drum and solid rubber tires make moving it around the shop or barn floor easy, while the low profile allows direct pouring into spreaders.

Crucial specs and factors to note:

• 1.6 cu. ft. steel drum handles standard 50 lb fertilizer bags plus seed
• Direct-drive electric motor eliminates belt slippage during heavy tumbles
• IP45 wash-down rating for simplified cleanup after handling corrosive inputs

Running the mixer too long can cause small clover seeds to settle beneath larger fertilizer prills due to vibration separation, so limit tumbling to 45–60 seconds per batch. Clean the steel drum immediately with a hose to prevent dry fertilizer dust from caking onto the internal mixing paddles.

Highly recommended for part-time farmers planting multiple food plots totaling over two acres. It is overkill for micro-plots where hand-mixing in a tub takes less time than setting up the machine.

Heavy Tarp – Dry Top Heavy Duty Poly Tarp

Mixing high-volume batches on an open barn floor invites spilled seed and wasted fertilizer that attracts moisture and pests. A heavy-duty tarp creates a clean, portable mixing zone that allows for the classic "tarp-roll" method—lifting opposite corners to roll seed and fertilizer together effortlessly.

The Dry Top Heavy Duty Poly Tarp utilizes a thick 10-mil polyethylene weave with reinforced corners that hold up under heavy fertilizer abrasion. Its dual-coated waterproof barrier prevents damp soil or concrete from leaking moisture into dry fertilizer, preventing clump formation during mixing.

Consider these key build highlights:

• 10-mil heavy-duty thickness resists tears from scoop shovels and boot soles
• Dual-laminated coating provides complete water and chemical barrier
• Reinforced corner grommets allow easy securing in windy field conditions

Always sweep the area underneath the tarp before laying it down, as sharp gravel or stray nails can puncture the poly layer under weight. Fold the tarp inward when finished to capture residual fertilizer dust and keep shop floors clean.

Ideal for remote field mixing right out of a truck bed or trailer. It is not suitable as a permanent storage cover for damp seed bags, as trapped moisture will ruin seed germination rates.

Bag Spreader – EarthWay 2750 Hand Crank Spreader

Once mixed, applying seed and fertilizer evenly across uneven timber edges and small food plots requires a mobile, reliable broadcaster. Broadcasters with narrow drop chutes clog quickly when fed dry fertilizer granules combined with slick crop seed.

The EarthWay 2750 Hand Crank Spreader features a high-density canvas bag with a zippered top that keeps dust out of your face and rain off the mixture. Its patented shut-off system and adjustable rate control handle both fine clover seeds and coarse pelletized fertilizer without jamming.

Notable features include:

• 20 lb capacity canvas bag prevents tipping fatigue on foot
• Cross-chest shoulder strap balances weight evenly across the torso
• High-rpm gearbox delivers a smooth, wide broadcast pattern

Calibrate your walk speed; cranking too fast throws small seeds further than dense fertilizer prills, leading to uneven border growth. Clean the lower impeller and chute thoroughly with warm water after application to prevent fertilizer salts from corroding the internal spring.

Essential for food plotters navigating tight woods, rocky clearings, or steep terrain where ATV pull-behind spreaders cannot reach. Not suited for broad-acre farming over five acres due to physical walking limitations.

Bench Scale – Weighmax W-2822 Heavy Duty Scale

Eyeballing seed-to-fertilizer ratios usually leads to over-seeding expensive blends or under-fertilizing fragile seedlings. Accurate weights ensure you do not exceed recommended seeding rates, saving seed bags for future plantings.

The Weighmax W-2822 Heavy Duty Scale provides a robust stainless steel platform capable of weighing up to 130 pounds with precise increments. The detachable LCD display with an extended cord allows you to read weights easily even when a wide mixing bucket hangs over the edges of the platform.

Core specifications to review:

• 130 lb weight capacity with precise 0.2 oz accuracy
• Detachable corded LCD screen for clear visibility under large containers
• Tare function allows quick zeroing of scoop and bucket weights

Keep spare AA batteries in your toolbox, or use the included AC adapter when working near a workbench outlet. Always zero out (tare) your empty scoop or bucket on the scale before adding seed to maintain accurate mix proportions.

A must-have tool for meticulous land managers blending custom multi-species cover crops and brassica mixes. Unnecessary for growers using pre-measured commercial food plot kits.

Work Gloves – Mechanix Wear FastFit Work Gloves

Dry fertilizer is inherently hygroscopic, meaning it draws moisture directly out of skin, leaving hands dry, cracked, and irritated after a day of mixing. Handling rough burlap, woven poly seed bags, and heavy equipment buckets also demands reliable hand protection.

Mechanix Wear FastFit Work Gloves combine synthetic leather palms with breathable TrekDry material, offering tactile sensitivity to feel seed textures while protecting skin from caustic fertilizer salts. The elastic cuff design makes slipping them on and off quick when switching between handling seed bags and adjusting machinery.

Key features include:

• Synthetic leather palm provides abrasion resistance against rough bags
• Elastic cuff design allows rapid pull-on and remove capability
• Machine washable material for easy cleanup of fertilizer residues

Synthetic gloves will absorb wet fertilizer liquid if exposed to rain, so keep a spare pair dry in your truck cab. Wash them periodically in cool water to remove accumulated fertilizer dust that can degrade stitch seams over time.

Ideal for any food plot manager needing flexible, lightweight hand protection during spring and fall planting tasks. Not intended for heavy chemical spray mixing requiring liquid-proof nitrile or rubber gloves.

Dust Mask – 3M Quick Latch Respirator 6502QL

Pouring dusty pelletized lime, urea, and coated seed into hoppers releases airborne particulates that irritate lungs and nasal passages. Prolonged exposure to fertilizer dust creates uncomfortable respiratory strain during an already demanding workday.

The 3M Quick Latch Respirator 6502QL features a convenient latch mechanism that lets you drop the mask down without removing head straps when taking a break. Its silicone face seal conforms comfortably to skin without digging in, while replaceable particulate filters stop airborne fertilizer dust completely.

Crucial product elements:

• Quick Latch drop-down mechanism for easy breaks without removing the harness
• Resilient silicone face seal for comfort and extended durability
• 3M Bayonet connection compatible with standard dust and particulate filters

Ensure you select P100 or N95 replacement filters rated for solid particulates and dusts. Store the mask in a sealed plastic bag between uses so the filters do not absorb ambient barn moisture and clog prematurely.

Essential for anyone dry-mixing bulk bags or operating mechanical mixers in enclosed sheds or barns. Skip only if working outdoors in high winds with pre-washed, dust-free seed products.

How to Calculate Seed to Fertilizer Ratios

Calculating seed-to-fertilizer ratios starts with understanding your spreader’s minimum discharge rate and the target acreage. For small seeds like clover (planted at 8 lbs/acre), spreaders struggle to meter such low volume evenly without running out of seed instantly or dumping too much in one spot.

Use a bulky, inert carrier like 0-20-20 fertilizer or pelletized lime to expand the overall volume. Aim for a ratio of roughly 4 to 5 pounds of fertilizer carrier for every 1 pound of small seed, bringing your total mix to 40–50 pounds per acre, which flows predictably through spreaders.

Weigh each component separately using your bench scale before dumping them into the mixing tub or drum. Calculate total plot square footage (1 acre = 43,560 sq ft) and adjust your total batch size to avoid running out halfway across the field or carrying heavy leftovers home.

Essential Safety Tips for Handling Fertilizer

Dry fertilizer blends often contain concentrated nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compounds that react aggressively with moisture and skin. Always wear long sleeves, eye protection, and dust masks to block skin absorption and respiratory irritation during high-volume transfers.

Never mix seed and fertilizer near open water sources, wells, or drainage ditches where spilled nitrates can leach directly into ground water. Keep a stiff broom and dustpan nearby to sweep up field spills immediately before rain turns dry fertilizer into concentrated runoff.

Ensure proper ventilation when mixing indoors or inside equipment sheds, as concentrated dust clouds can create respiratory hazards and reduce visibility. Wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and cool water immediately after completing your planting work.

Best Practices for Storing Unused Seed Mixes

Premixed seed and dry fertilizer should ideally be planted on the day of mixing, as high-salt fertilizers draw moisture out of seed coats, reducing germination over time. If weather delays planting, store the mixture in airtight containers inside a climate-controlled room.

Use sealed plastic food-grade drums or heavy-duty totes off concrete floors to prevent ground condensation from creeping into the bottom of the batch. Label containers clearly with the mix date, seed variety, and total batch weight so you know its exact contents next season.

Never store raw seed blends mixed with high-nitrogen fertilizers like urea for longer than a few days, as chemical burning will ruin viability. If long-term storage is necessary, sift the seed out or save unmixed seed bags in cool, dry, rodent-proof metal bins.

Equipping your homestead with dedicated mixing supplies ensures every food plot season starts with maximum efficiency and minimal seed loss. From precise scale measurements to consistent seed broadcasting, having the right gear transforms a tough farm chore into a reliable process. Invest in quality equipment today to grow healthier forage stands and enjoy better results season after season.