Abstract: A drop type spreader for handling fertilizer, grass seed or the like for lawns and residential use has a flow control hand grip lever positioned at the spreader handles. The lever is gripped together with one of the handles for initiating flow, and the flow control gate and the lever automatically return to cut off the flow when the lever is released. A tension spring is connected between the hopper and the flow control gate for returning the gate to the flow blocking position when the lever is released. The rate of flow is also controlled from the lever by an adjusting screw, and an indicator is provided at the lever for indicating the selected rate of flow.