What is a common practice to ensure even distribution of fertilizer?

Using a broadcast spreader is a common practice that ensures even distribution of fertilizer across the lawn or ornamental area. Broadcast spreaders are designed to evenly distribute granular fertilizer as they are pushed or pulled across the landscape. The mechanism inside the spreader flings the fertilizer particles in a wide arc, which helps in achieving a uniform coverage. This is crucial for promoting healthy plant growth, as uneven application can lead to areas of over-fertilization—resulting in potential plant damage—and areas of under-fertilization, which may lead to deficiencies.

The other options, while they may be relevant to fertilizer application in different contexts, do not specifically ensure even distribution like a broadcast spreader does. Applying in the early morning can minimize evaporation and optimize effectiveness but does not directly impact how evenly the fertilizer is spread. Watering thoroughly after application aids in nutrient absorption but again does not address the application method. Limiting application to windy days could lead to drift and uneven spreading, which is counterproductive to achieving uniform fertilization.